As a child growing up in Chicago, there lots of opportunities for major holiday fun. From the window displays at Marshall Fields (now Macy’s) on State Street to the neighborhoods filled with lights - this Jewish girl had her pick. To be fair, our family usually went to these things on Christmas, as there was little else to do for us, but now that I’m a mom myself, the traditions reign true again.
Even today, our family does many of our light viewings on or after Christmas - but lots of these are open starting Thanksgiving and you definitely do not want to miss them! Some of these are drive-through, while others do require you get out and walk; please make sure to take precautions and follow the state guidelines, including masks or limits to capacity. When in doubt, call!
We will continue to update this list - so if you know of something that we missed, please email me at rachaelw@macaronikid.com.
Drive-Through Events
Charlotte Motor Speedway ~ Speedway Christmas
Speedway Christmas has returned to Charlotte Motor Speedway, and it’s bigger and better than ever! The 11th edition of Charlotte’s spectacular drive-through light show features more than 4 million lights over a remarkable, 3.75-mile course that includes most of the oval as well as the infield and the ROVAL™! But you can do more than just look – listen, too! Tune into 101.3 FM to enjoy Christmas music as you take in illuminated Christmas displays at the light show, which is open even when it rains!
This year the speedway is also featuring an outdoor ice skating rink and drive-in movies!
Dates: Saturday, November 21, 2020 - Sunday, January 17, 2021
Hours: 6P - 10P
Cost: $20/vehicle (up to 10 passengers) Group tickets available; Skating and movies are priced separately.
Christmas Town USA ~ McAdenville
The quaint little town of McAdenville, which lies along the South Fork River in Gaston County, North Carolina, comes alive in spectacular fashion each year as Christmas draws near. Almost overnight, the little town is transformed into “Christmas Town U.S.A.” The more than 300 trees which are decorated range in height from 6 feet to more than 90 feet. Only live trees are used. The number of lights on individual trees varies with the height, diameter and fullness of the trees. As few as 500 lights and as many as 5,000 lights may be used on one tree. ** Be Warned that there is no foot-traffic and they've cut back on some lights to try to avoid crowds.
Dates: December 1 - 26th
Hours: 5:30 - 10P
Cost: Free
Hollywild Animal Preserve
For 30 years and counting, the preserve has hosted the Holiday Lights Safari Benefit. This family-oriented event will, once again, offer an unforgettable opportunity for children and adults alike to share and embrace the Christmas spirit. Numerous new displays, music, religious, and secular themes, programmable lighting and new, featured exhibits will blanket the hundred-acre park.
Dates: November 20th - January 2nd
Hours: 6:00 - 9:00
Cost: $7 per person for the drive-through. Admission to the Enchanted Deer Forest is optional with an additional charge of $10 per vehicle, which includes a bag of animal food.$7 per
North Carolina Transportaiton Museum
This first ever museum offering will allow visitors to enjoy this historic site, illuminated by thousands of holiday lights, all from the comfort of their car. The full light show experience is 1.25 miles and members will receive a special voucher to enjoy this experience free of charge. You can get your picture made with Santa (in a socially distanced fashion) and enjoy s'mores at the Gift Station. Tickets are only available upon arrival on the evening of the tour.
Dates: Nov. 20-22, 27-29, Dec. 4-6, 10-13, 15-23, 26-30.
Hours: 6-10pm
Cost: Cars ~ $8 ; Shuttle buses, mini-buses, 12-15 passenger vans ~ $15
Neighborhood Events
- Ardrey Chase Neighborhood (Ballantyne):
- Bonterra (Indian Trail)
- Brandon Oaks Neighborhood (Indian Trail) ~ 1001 Rosewater Lane has shows daily 5:45P - 10P
- Brookhaven Neighborhood (Weddington) ~ 1010 Elsmore Drive has lights and music at 6:30/7:30/8:30 (tune in to 88.1)
- Callonwood Christmas House (Indian Trail) ~ donations are collected for Levine's Children's Hospital
- cltELF Light Company Holiday Display ~ 631 Ennis Road, Waxhaw
- Shelly Woods Neighborhood (Fort Mill)
- The Reserve (Fort Mill)
- Stafford Park (Rock Hill)
- Millbridge Neighborhood (Waxhaw)
Walk-Through Events
Billy Graham Library
Like in years' past, you will find a live nativity, horse-drawn carriages, story-time and other Christmas favorites. Admission is always free. Unlike in the past, however, due to Covid Restrictions, you will need to register for Christmas at the Library.
Dates: November 30 - December 23rd
Hours: M-F 9-5P / Saturday 5-10P
US National Whitewater Center
Lights is an illuminated walking trail that leads viewers through a series of immersive light installations featuring webs, vines, crystals and other natural features integrated into the forest. The experience offers a range of approachable, multi-sensory works created by artist Meredith Connelly that are site-specific to the Whitewater Center. Other White Water Center activities are open, including biking & hiking trails and for the second year, an outdoor ice skating rink
Dates: Mid-November - February
Hours: 6P - 10P, daily; check website for details about daytime activities
Cost: FREE with parking (typically $5)
Carowinds
Savor the holidays' flavors at Carowinds’ Taste of the Season: An Outdoor Holiday Food Festival. Sample tempting treats with your Tasting Card and make magical family memories —safely on select days November 21 - December 20. Limited capacity, so reserve your spots when available.
Dates: WEEKENDS ONLY from November 21 - December 20th
Times: 12P - 8P
Cost: Free for Season passholders; single-day admission starts at $39.99
Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Although the show is just a bit smaller than in years past, you can still sing along to your wintertime favorites at our popular topiary display, take in the rolling lights of the Piedmont Prairie and stroll among the blossoming 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.
Dates: November 27 - January 3rd.
Hours: 5P, 6:30P and 8; Guests with 5 and 6:30 p.m. arrival times can arrive up to 90 minutes after the time on their ticket but cannot be admitted prior to the time on their ticket. Guests with 8 p.m. arrival times are encouraged to arrive promptly to enjoy the show.
Cost: Adult: $14.95; Senior (60+): $12.95 Child 2-12: $7.95; Child Under 2: Free
ChristmasVill Rock Hill
Several themed walkways and holiday decorations in downtown Rock Hill
Dates: Now through Year-end
Hours: Open all day, some events are ticketed; check website.
Cost: Some events are ticketed and prices vary. please check website.
