– Circuit of The Americas announced today Peppermint Parkway, sweetened by LOCALliQ, will return to COTA this holiday season for another year of holiday magic. The drive-thru event invites Central Texans to experience a spectacular, one-mile display of lights, music, and joy from November 26 – December 26, 2021. Guests are also invited to  Peppermint Plaza, located in the Grand Plaza, for rides, food trucks, a meet & greet with Santa, Pepper, Mint, and more.

“We are excited to bring back Peppermint Parkway and make it bigger and better than ever,” said COTA’s Managing Director of Events & Hospitality, Courtney Young. “Guests can explore Peppermint Parkway from the inside of their cars or enjoy the festivities at Peppermint Plaza to snap a photo with Santa, steal a kiss from that special someone, and deliver their Christmas lists to Santa himself!”

New this year, guests can share a kiss with loved ones in the Mistletoe Kissing Booth for an unforgettable photo op that’s perfect for your holiday card. Families can take a photo with Santa, write a letter to Santa, and travel to the top of the COTA Candy Cane, COTA’s 251-ft tall Observation Tower which offers an amazing view of the Parkway and illuminated Austin skyline. COTA will also offer Twinkle Trams this year, a chance to ride in an open-air shuttle through the Parkway with all your friends, which makes it a great option for parties and group events.

Circuit of The Americas is expanding its holiday experience with the addition of two new villages including ONEderland, a whimsical world of giant illuminated mushrooms mixed with mesmerizing mosaic sculptures, and Twinkle Trail, a dazzling golden display of dancing lights that is sure to leave guests breathless.

Also new this year is the North Pole Palooza, the perfect finale to a night at Peppermint Parkway. This 15-minute nightly spectacular is sure to get guests into the holiday spirit. With performances at 7, 8, and 9 p.m., guests can dazzle at Rockette-style performers before the crowd is invited to join them on-stage with Santa for the ​​Santa Shuffle. No holiday celebration would be complete without a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” (by the big man in red himself) and a holiday dance number, complete with falling snow – a spectacle guests won’t want to miss! Between shows, guests will have the opportunity to meet and snap a pic with the event’s mascots, Pepper and Mint.

Race fans can also enjoy the Candy Cane Cruise, an exclusive opportunity that will allow guests to take their own cars for a parade lap on COTA’s world-famous 3.41 mile FIA-grade Formula 1 track, where many world champions have raced.

In addition to over 6 million lights illuminating their path, guests returning to Peppermint Parkway will recognize special hosts, Pepper and Mint, as they embark on their journey down COTA’s Tunnel Road to deliver their letters to Santa. Families & friends will watch the Parkway come to life with the help of dozens of live characters, including dancing elves, roller skating snowflakes, and everyone’s favorite holiday grump, the Grinch. These characters will interact with guests’ vehicles, creating an immersive holiday experience not found anywhere else.

Ticket packages start at $35 and are on sale now on-site and at PeppermintParkway.com.