Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Opens 16th Season With 6 Million Lights

Speedway Christmas launched its 16th year on Nov. 21 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. More than 6 million lights glitter across a 4-mile route that cars drive through.

This attraction runs nightly through Jan. 4, but it closes on Christmas Eve. Five brand-new themed zones joined the show this year. Seven hundred fresh figurines appeared, plus two songs that flash in time with the lights.

The Christmas Village doubled its walking path size from last year. A massive 16,000-square-foot screen sits in the infield where visitors watch holiday films during movie nights. These happen every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

"Elf" runs from Nov. 27-30, while "Home Alone 2" screens on Dec. 4-7. "A Christmas Story" shows on Dec, 11-14. Then comes "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" for Dec. 18-23, wrapping up with "The Polar Express" on Dec. 25-28.

Different events pop up throughout the weeks ahead. Blue Cross Blue Shield Drive Out Hunger Night happens on Dec. 1. Bring canned meats, beans, soups, or dairy products and get in free — all donations go to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.

Signing Santa Night comes back on Dec. 6 between 6 and 10 p.m. This event serves families with kids who are deaf or hard of hearing. Santa communicates using American Sign Language with guests in the Christmas Village.

Food Lion Feeds turns the infield into Holiday Lane on Dec. 4-7 with snacks, giveaways, and coupons. Dec. 7 brings another donation option: bring five canned items per car and save $10 on entry. Or donate $5 for the same discount. Give $10 and receive a free general admission ticket that works any night until Jan. 4.

Tickets sell per car. Weekday prices begin at $46. Season passes and express lane passes can be purchased online at charlottemotorspeedway.com.