Carolina Christmas is returning to Charlotte Motor Speedway and the spectacular holiday light show will be even bigger and better in its second year, with an expanded route of nearly five miles, more than 3 million lights and double the drive-the-track experience.
Last year’s inaugural Carolina Christmas drew thousands from across the state and beyond. This year, the region’s largest holiday light show, running nightly from Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, will offer more holiday excitement for all visitors, says Charlotte Motor Speedway President and General Manager Marcus Smith.
“With triple the lights, more displays and a longer route, Carolina Christmas is guaranteed to delight each of our holiday guests,” Smith said. “We’ve also doubled the length of the drive-the-track experience at the request of our fans and look forward to seeing even more smiling faces this year.”
Even before visitors enter Carolina Christmas at a new, more convenient entrance at zMAX Dragway, they’ll get into the holiday spirit as they drive down a glittering new Boulevard of Lights from Exit 49 at Interstate 85. The Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCCVB ) and 12 area hotels will decorate Bruton Smith Boulevard and Concord Mills Boulevard with nearly three miles of twinkling lights and more than 140 light pole Christmas decorations.
“Creating the Boulevard of Lights will enhance Cabarrus County’s reputation as a Christmas destination,” said Donna Carpenter, president and CEO of the CCCVB. “Anchored by holiday shopping at Concord Mills on one end and holiday entertainment with Carolina Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the other, we have a tremendous opportunity to build a Christmas corridor that will boost the area economy. Carolina Christmas and the Boulevard of Lights will create memorable experiences for our visitors, becoming a holiday tradition for years to come.”
Carolina Christmas opens at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Wednesday night, Nov. 23, and runs nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. through New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, excluding Christmas Day, Dec. 25. The attraction will feature more than 600 different holiday LED light displays along the 4.5-mile drive-through course, which includes a one-mile cruise around the high-banks of the legendary track.
“On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, visitors will find even more family entertainment with the Christmas Village in the speedway infield,” said Mike Miller of 3Dudes Productions, a partner in Carolina Christmas.
“There will be marshmallow roasting, a festival of trees, photos with Santa, and even a Bethlehem Village with live actors and animals. Children of all ages will find walking just as much fun as driving at Carolina Christmas.”
Admission to Carolina Christmas is $20 per car, van or SUV, which includes admission for up to eight people. Group rates for tour buses and corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, visit www.visitcarolinachristmas.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267).
For daily updates on Carolina Christmas or any speedway activity, connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CLTMotorSpdwy or become a Facebook fan atwww.facebook.com/charlottemotorspeedway.
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