Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights & 10+ Great Tips
Looking for Details on Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights in Concord, NC?
Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights
Welcome to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, where the magic of Christmas lights up the night sky. The iconic racetrack transforms into a magnificent display of Christmas lights to embrace the spirit of the holiday season.
This enchanting event features a dazzling display of over five million lights strewn along a four-mile course, including through portions of Charlotte’s legendary oval racetrack and infield road course. Once they open for the season, you can experience this attraction every night through the beginning of January (with the exception of Christmas Eve on Dec 24th), rain or shine.
Anyone looking to experience some holiday cheer should love this fantastic event, but it should appeal to families with younger children the most. It’s also particularly fun to see the banked track up close and personal as you begin your drive through the lights. The display gets better and more elaborate the further you drive through the route.
On select nights (full details below), you can take a pit stop at the Christmas Village partway through your journey. The light show continues from there, with some of our favorite light displays located in this last leg of the drive. You can also stop off at an overlook of the infield and see the entire beautiful display from afar.
Address for Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights:
Regular Entrance: 5555 Concord Parkway, Concord, NC 28027
Express Lane Entrance: 5197 Morehead Road, Concord, NC 28027
Getting to Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights
If you’re coming from the south, you’ll want to take Exit 49 off I-85, which is Bruton Smith Boulevard. Once you’ve hit the top of the exit ramp, make a right onto Bruton Smith Boulevard and continue straight for about a mile. You’ll find Charlotte Motor Speedway right there at the crossroads of US 29 and Bruton Smith Blvd.
Heading down from the north? You’ll also take Exit 49 off I-85. When you reach the top of the ramp, turn left onto Bruton Smith Boulevard. Drive for roughly a mile, and you’ll arrive at Charlotte Motor Speedway, situated at the junction of US 29 and Bruton Smith Blvd.
Tickets to Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights
You’ll need a vehicle pass, which admits one vehicle with up to 15 passengers for a single entry. Whether you’re bringing family, friends, or both, one ticket covers everyone in your car.
Here’s a quick look at the ticket options:
Standard Vehicle Pass: For personal vehicles carrying up to 15 passengers, the entry fee starts at $35 to $45, depending on the day you visit.
Bus/Van Pass: If you’re planning to arrive in a larger vehicle, like a bus or van, seating 16 to 60 people, the entry starts at $140. Just one ticket is required for the whole group to experience the lights.
Express Lane Vehicle Pass: To bypass the standard queue, there’s an Express Lane option for personal vehicles. This pass is $75 and is available on select nights, perfect for those looking to make the most of their time at the Speedway Christmas.
Please note once you’ve made your purchase, all sales are definitive, and no retrospective promotions or discounts can be applied. However, the flexibility of your ticket is a plus – it’s valid on any date that the event is open, so you can choose the night that’s best for you.
Things to Do at Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights
🎄Watch Classic Christmas Movies on the 16,000 sq foot Speedway TV; they have a different schedule that rotates through classics like “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” “The Grinch,” “Elf,” “Polar Express,” and “Home Alone.”
🎄Make sure to stop by the Christmas Village nestled in the heart of the Speedway, inside the NASCAR Xfinity Series Garage. This is part of your entry pass without any extra fees.
Dive into the holiday spirit with a variety of charming vendors, tasty treats and drinks, cozy fire pits perfect for s’more making, and photo ops with Santa. Wander along the walking trail or capture a panoramic selfie in Victory Lane — it’s all included with your visit to the Speedway Christmas experience.
You can make a loop, walk through the lights displays, and then leave through to the left of where the fire pits are to head back to the parking lot.
Tips for Visiting Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights
Visiting the Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Speedway Christmas event can be an unforgettable experience.
Here are some tips to ensure you have a magical and smooth visit:
🎄Timing is Everything: The event can draw large crowds, especially on weekends. For a quicker entry and a less crowded experience, consider visiting on a weekday. Also, arriving early can help you avoid long lines.
🎄Purchase Tickets in Advance: To save time at the gate, buy your tickets online.
🎄Tune In: Remember to tune your car’s radio to 101.3 FM for the synchronized music for the lights-to-music experience. This will add an extra layer of enjoyment as you watch the lights dance in sync with the holiday tunes.
🎄Dress Appropriately: If you plan to visit the Christmas Village, wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes. Even though you’ll be in your car for the light show, the village is a walk-through experience.
🎄Pack Snacks and Beverages: Especially if you have little ones, having snacks and drinks on hand can make the wait more pleasant if there’s a queue to enter. They do have food vendors inside of the Christmas Village.
🎄Plan to Stop: If you’re traveling from a long distance away, make sure to schedule a stop before you arrive if you need to use the restroom, as the wait times to enter the light show can be lengthy on busier nights.
🎄Tickets: This may sound obvious, but also easy to forget; if you’ve purchased your tickets in advance, don’t forget to bring them, either printed out or ready on your mobile device. You can purchase them on-site as well.
🎄Cash and Credit Cards: For any on-site purchases such as food, beverages, souvenirs, or activities in the Christmas Village.
🎄Bring a Car with a Sunroof or Convertible: If weather permits, a vehicle with a sunroof or a convertible can enhance the experience as you drive through the light show.
🎄Stay Charged: Ensure your vehicle has plenty of gas and your phone is charged to capture memories.
🎄Respect the Rules: Follow the Speedway’s guidelines for the light show, such as keeping headlights off or on low and not stopping or exiting the vehicle along the light show route.
🎄Check the Weather: Since the event is rain or shine, check the weather forecast before you go. Some attractions might be more enjoyable on a clear night.
🎄Be Patient and Enjoy: Remember, the Speedway Christmas is a popular holiday attraction, so patience is key. There may be traffic and waits can be long, but the experience is worth it!
History of Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights
They opened the lights in 2010, and it has quickly grown to become the premier drive-through holiday light spectacle in the Southeast. The experience has since evolved into a beloved annual tradition, captivating visitors with its expansive and luminous holiday scenes.
Things to Do Near Charlotte Motor Speedway
If you are looking for more things to do, here are some great things to check out.
✅ Concord Mall and SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
Address: 8111 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027
Explore Concord Mills, North Carolina’s largest outlet and value retail shopping destination, and check out the SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium while you are there, with interactive touch pools and a 180-degree ocean tunnel.
✅ Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
Address: 10175 Weddington Rd, Concord, NC 28027
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Concord offers year-round fun with its massive indoor water slides and attractions. It’s an ideal family getaway with activities for all ages, just a splash away from the speedway.
✅ Gibson Mill
Address: 325 McGill Ave NW, Concord, NC 28027
Gibson Mill is a revitalized historic textile mill in Concord. You’ll find antique shops, breweries, and unique eateries, perfect for exploration and about 15-20 minutes away from the speedway.
✅ Day Trip to Charlotte, NC
Embark on a day trip to Charlotte, NC, and experience Uptown’s charm. Explore the festive lights and activities at Truist Field’s Light the Knights Festival, skate at the outdoor ice rink, or browse the holiday markets for unique gifts.
The city’s museums and indoor attractions like Discovery Place, The Mint Museum, and Museum of Illusions offer a fun and educational experience, too. Drive time is about 30 minutes.
Where To Stay near Charlotte Motor Speedway
📍Great Wolf Lodge Concord – A family-friendly resort known for its indoor water park, which is a major attraction. The lodge offers themed rooms and suites that provide a cozy and adventurous atmosphere for kids and a relaxing stay for adults. With amenities like kid-friendly activities, dining options, and shopping, it’s a convenient and entertaining place to stay for those visiting attractions in the area, including the Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights.
📍Homewood Suites by Hilton Concord Charlotte – Homewood Suites is near the Speedway and is a pet-friendly 3-star hotel with free breakfast and parking. It features spacious suites with kitchens, daily housekeeping, and a 24-hour fitness center for a comfortable, convenient stay.
📍Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte/Concord – A comfortable 3-star hotel conveniently located near the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including an indoor pool, a restaurant and bar, a 24-hour fitness center, and daily housekeeping. The hotel offers a home-like feel with the availability of rollaway beds, microwaves in rooms, and the option for connecting rooms.
📍First Turn Luxury Condo at Charlotte Motor Speedway – Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of racing with a stay at a fully-equipped 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo overlooking the track. Enjoy luxury finishes, privacy, and exclusive tours. It is ideal for families or corporate guests seeking an unforgettable experience at the heart of NASCAR. Age restrictions and owner contact for details ensure a bespoke visit.
Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights: FAQs
📌 How much does it cost to see the Christmas lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway?
Starts at $35 for a standard vehicle pass for up to 15 people. An Express Lane pass for quicker access is $75. Each pass is valid for one-time entry on any event night.
📌 How long are the Charlotte Speedway Lights?
The Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Speedway Christmas light show features a drive-through course that is approximately four miles long.
📌 What radio station is the light show on at Charlotte Motor Speedway?
Tune in to 101.3 FM for the synchronized music.
📌 How many Christmas lights are at Charlotte Motor Speedway?
Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Speedway Christmas event boasts more than five million lights in its dazzling holiday display.
📌 When did Charlotte Motor Speedway get lights?
In 1992, Charlotte Motor Speedway led the way in modern motorsports by introducing a permanent lighting system. This advancement not only set the stage for thrilling after-dark races but also established the speedway as the world’s biggest illuminated racetrack, a title it held until Daytona International Speedway followed suit in 1998.
Final Thoughts
The Speedway Christmas isn’t just about the shimmering lights; it’s an immersive experience that encapsulates the joy and warmth of the season.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor drawn to the luminous allure, the Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway offers a unique way to celebrate the holidays.
It’s an experience that combines the thrill of NASCAR’s legacy with the timeless traditions of Christmas, ensuring that every visit is filled with wonder, excitement, and the magic of the season.
Drive Time to Charlotte Motor Speedway:
Charlotte, NC: 25 minutes
Mooresville, NC: 35 minutes
Asheville, NC: 2.25 hours
Raleigh, NC: 2.5 hours
Fayetteville, NC: 2.75 hours
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- Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights & 10+ Great Tips
