If you think it’s beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas, then just wait until you visit the largest drive-thru light show to celebrate Christmas in Charlotte, North Carolina! Beginning in November, light displays and other holiday attractions and activities start to appear throughout North Carolina, and we thought it was fitting to start with the biggest one out there … Check it out below and then add this fun, family event to your list of activities this season.
The biggest light display in the state is also in one of the most unique locations…
Charlotte Motor Speedway/Facebook
And for some, driving through this signature location may be one of their other Christmas dreams come true!
Facebook/Charlotte Motor Speedway
That’s because several years ago, the Charlotte Motor Speedway started including the track (yes, that track) in their gigantic Christmas lights drive-thru display route.
Facebook/Charlotte Motor Speedway
Prior to that, you may have passed over the track… but now, if you’ve ever dreamed of driving on the track at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, then you’re in for an extra special holiday treat!
TripAdvisor/Darin W
It’s a fantastic and festive evening out for the family. If you’re looking for things to do with the kids at Christmas in North Carolina, then this one is a must.
TripAdvisor/Darin W
Sure, there are many places to see a great holiday lights display in North Carolina, but driving on the Charlotte Motor Speedway is an unparalleled experience.
Facebook/Charlotte Motor Speedway
There are 4 million lights spread out over the speedway and the drive-thru route has grown to a full 3.75 miles — including most of the oval itself, as well as the infield.
Facebook/Charlotte Motor Speedway
Whether you’re a real race fan or not, you’ll enjoy the larger-than-life Christmas light displays and the accompanying holiday music coordinated with 101.3 FM. This may be the absolute best place to see Christmas lights in North Carolina.
Facebook/Charlotte Motor Speedway
After making it through the lights, head over to the Christmas Village for a photo with Santa, hot chocolate, s’mores by the fire, and more. The Christmas village is only open on select nights, so see the list of dates on the official website before booking your tickets in advance.
Facebook/Charlotte Motor Speedway
Food, shopping, and more round out the most unique evening you can have at the Speedway Christmas event at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Facebook/Charlotte Motor Speedway
The Christmas lights drive-thru display is open seven nights a week, however; the Christmas Village is not open Monday - Wednesday nights.
Facebook/Charlotte Motor Speedway
Have you visited the largest drive-thru light show as you celebrate Christmas in Charlotte, North Carolina in previous years? We’d love to hear about your experience! The best times to go, of course, are any night other than Friday or Saturday when traffic is at its highest. Keep in mind, if you go Monday – Wednesday the Christmas Village will not be open, except for December 19-21, 2022.
Charlotte Motor Speedway/Facebook
Facebook/Charlotte Motor Speedway
TripAdvisor/Darin W
Speedway Christmas is located at Charlotte Motor Speedway (address listed below). The lights open November 18, 2022, and run through January 8, 2023. (Closed on Christmas Day.) The prices vary based on the day of the week you attend as well as the type of vehicle you drive. There is also an option to purchase an Express Lane ticket to avoid some of the wait. Learn more on the official website for Speedway Christmas: Charlotte Motor Speedway.
For more ways to get into the festive spirit of the season, head to these dreamy Christmas towns in North Carolina!
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Address: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Largest Drive-Thru Light Display In North Carolina October 21, 2019 Robin Jarvis Are there other holiday lights displays in North Carolina that are worth checking out? Yes, there are many holiday light displays worth checking out in North Carolina! Over in Western North Carolina, Forest City decorates Main Street with more than a million twinkling lights from Thanksgiving night through January 2nd. Enjoy an old-fashioned style Christmas on Main Street including a dazzling display of lights. Another must-visit holiday town is McAdenville, North Carolina where, each Christmas, the town decorates more than 300 trees in town, including many that circle the town’s scenic lake. Additionally, the houses in town are decorated to the nines with lights and decor galore, making for a festive evening of strolling (or driving) through the community enjoying the lights and festive holiday atmosphere. What are the best things to do with kids at Christmas in North Carolina? Some of the best things to do with kids at Christmas are actually enjoyable for the entire family. A visit to a tree farm is a must and the Tom Sawyer Tree Farm Elf Village is a unique attraction that pairs a village filled with tiny houses the family can visit for hot cocoa, story time, and more with procuring a family tree. When finished enjoying the festivities, pick out the perfect family Christmas tree and cut it down yourself for Christmas memories that will last a lifetime. Also, the largest drive-thru light show is always a fun event to share with the kiddos in the family. Held each year at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Speedway Christmas is an event Dad (or Mom) may love when they find out they get to drive around the oval on the racetrack. Learn more about this event from the article above. Another must-visit Christmas event takes place on the campus of High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. The completely free event includes a hundred thousand holiday lights, train rides, entertainment, plenty of hot (free) food, and of course, visits with Santa. The Community Christmas Celebration in High Point is now in its 9th year. Where are the best places to see Santa in North Carolina? The Polar Express at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for Christmas events that include meeting Santa. But if you want something a little more low-key (or perhaps, less expensive), then head to Spring Haven Farm for Winterfest, a magical farm event that pairs Santa with goats for pictures and one-on-one visits. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Largest Drive-Thru Light Display In North Carolina
October 21, 2019
Robin Jarvis
Are there other holiday lights displays in North Carolina that are worth checking out? Yes, there are many holiday light displays worth checking out in North Carolina! Over in Western North Carolina, Forest City decorates Main Street with more than a million twinkling lights from Thanksgiving night through January 2nd. Enjoy an old-fashioned style Christmas on Main Street including a dazzling display of lights. Another must-visit holiday town is McAdenville, North Carolina where, each Christmas, the town decorates more than 300 trees in town, including many that circle the town’s scenic lake. Additionally, the houses in town are decorated to the nines with lights and decor galore, making for a festive evening of strolling (or driving) through the community enjoying the lights and festive holiday atmosphere. What are the best things to do with kids at Christmas in North Carolina? Some of the best things to do with kids at Christmas are actually enjoyable for the entire family. A visit to a tree farm is a must and the Tom Sawyer Tree Farm Elf Village is a unique attraction that pairs a village filled with tiny houses the family can visit for hot cocoa, story time, and more with procuring a family tree. When finished enjoying the festivities, pick out the perfect family Christmas tree and cut it down yourself for Christmas memories that will last a lifetime. Also, the largest drive-thru light show is always a fun event to share with the kiddos in the family. Held each year at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Speedway Christmas is an event Dad (or Mom) may love when they find out they get to drive around the oval on the racetrack. Learn more about this event from the article above. Another must-visit Christmas event takes place on the campus of High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. The completely free event includes a hundred thousand holiday lights, train rides, entertainment, plenty of hot (free) food, and of course, visits with Santa. The Community Christmas Celebration in High Point is now in its 9th year. Where are the best places to see Santa in North Carolina? The Polar Express at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for Christmas events that include meeting Santa. But if you want something a little more low-key (or perhaps, less expensive), then head to Spring Haven Farm for Winterfest, a magical farm event that pairs Santa with goats for pictures and one-on-one visits. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Yes, there are many holiday light displays worth checking out in North Carolina! Over in Western North Carolina, Forest City decorates Main Street with more than a million twinkling lights from Thanksgiving night through January 2nd. Enjoy an old-fashioned style Christmas on Main Street including a dazzling display of lights.
Another must-visit holiday town is McAdenville, North Carolina where, each Christmas, the town decorates more than 300 trees in town, including many that circle the town’s scenic lake. Additionally, the houses in town are decorated to the nines with lights and decor galore, making for a festive evening of strolling (or driving) through the community enjoying the lights and festive holiday atmosphere.
What are the best things to do with kids at Christmas in North Carolina?
Some of the best things to do with kids at Christmas are actually enjoyable for the entire family. A visit to a tree farm is a must and the Tom Sawyer Tree Farm Elf Village is a unique attraction that pairs a village filled with tiny houses the family can visit for hot cocoa, story time, and more with procuring a family tree. When finished enjoying the festivities, pick out the perfect family Christmas tree and cut it down yourself for Christmas memories that will last a lifetime.
Also, the largest drive-thru light show is always a fun event to share with the kiddos in the family. Held each year at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Speedway Christmas is an event Dad (or Mom) may love when they find out they get to drive around the oval on the racetrack. Learn more about this event from the article above.
Another must-visit Christmas event takes place on the campus of High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. The completely free event includes a hundred thousand holiday lights, train rides, entertainment, plenty of hot (free) food, and of course, visits with Santa. The Community Christmas Celebration in High Point is now in its 9th year.
Where are the best places to see Santa in North Carolina?
The Polar Express at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for Christmas events that include meeting Santa. But if you want something a little more low-key (or perhaps, less expensive), then head to Spring Haven Farm for Winterfest, a magical farm event that pairs Santa with goats for pictures and one-on-one visits. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?!
