It is hard to believe we are in the last 2 months of 2021. As the Thanksgiving season is upon us, Christmas lovers are eager and impatiently waiting to put up their Christmas decorations. Some people, like myself, have already put up their decorations in hopes of bringing the Christmas cheer early. Below are five of the Charlotte area top Christmas light shows and experiences to explore this Christmas season.
Speedway Christmas at the Charlotte-Motor Speedway will run November 19th, 2021, through January 16th, 2022 (except December 7th, 8th, and 24th). Depending on the date, the cost is $30 or $40 per car. The 4 mile course, drive-thru display is one of the most extensive light displays in the southeast. On Thursdays through Saturdays, the infield Christmas Village will be open. Guests can meet Santa, shop for gifts, make s’mores over a fire pit, see a live nativity and more. Also on Thursdays through Saturday, there will be drive-in Christmas movies on the big screen. The show is open 6PM-10PM, rain or shine.
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express will open November 20th-December 30th (excluding Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). You can walk through the park nightly, free of charge, to see the 250,000 lights that are displayed throughout the park. Other activities will also take place nightly. You can roast marshmallows and make s’mores or visit with Santa in his studio. Stop by and watch a performances from the Kannapolis Singing Bears as they entertain the family with a 30 minute Christmas Carol performance each hour on the hour. You can also take a train ride on the The Winterland Express through the lights at the park from 6 – 9 PM Sunday – Thursday and 6 – 10 PM Fridays & Saturdays. Admission to the park and viewing of the lights is free; tickets to ride the train and carousel are $6.00 per row on the train. The train is by reservation ONLY.
Holidays at the Garden, at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, will run November 26-January 2, 2022 (Wednesday-Sunday 5PM-9PM). There are a variety of activities to take part in when you visit the Garden. Sing along to your wintertime favorites at the popular topiary display, take in the rolling lights of the Piedmont Prairie and stroll among the twinkling cherry trees. Grab a bite from the food trucks, roast a marshmallow beside a roaring fire, sip a warm or cold beverage and soak up the season’s cheer. Prices vary based on age. See website for details.
Zootastic Park Christmas Wonderland of Lights will November 19th-January 1, 2022 from 6PM-9PM, Sunday-Thursdays and 6PM-10PM, Fridays & Saturdays. Cost is $10 to enter per person, additional activities vary in price. Experience the wonderland! Drive through over 4 million Christmas lights, say hi to Santa and then take a photo with him and a baby kangaroo! Roast marshmallows, make a smore, or even grab a cup of hot cocoa! The kids can take a ride on the train or carousel and they also have pony rides! You can kiss a giraffe, feed a tiger, or love on some barnyard animals. There is plenty to do in order to experience the joy of Christmas!
McAdenville Christmas will run every night from December 1st-December 26th from 5:30PM-10PM nightly. McAdenville’s famous Christmas lights will be lit in the downtown area, from Pharr Family YMCA on Main Street to the Spruced Goose Restaurant on Wesleyan Drive, as well as around the lake. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 1st, and the Yule Log Ceremony and Parade, and Christmas Town Festival will take place December 16th.
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