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.
