This is actually the first time in many years that I put up a Christmas tree. We normally aren’t home for the holiday, so I usually don’t bother. Other fun and festive activities that we normally would do this time of year are either canceled or if they are open, they just aren’t the same. One of my favorite things about this time of year is going around Charlotte to look at Christmas lights. I have found 5 Charlotte Drive Thru Christmas Light Displays that will allow all of us to enjoy the season in a safe way.
As Christmas 2020 is quickly approaching, we are trying to figure out how to celebrate this year. Things are so different this year with COVID cases back on the rise, a new 10:00 p.m. curfew was just announced and threats of a new stay at home order looms over our heads. We definitely are not going out of town to visit family which is our normal routine. We will be staying home and celebrating by ourselves. We are considering a virtual present opening party with family, but that seems kind of lame. And with everyone mailing gifts directly from Amazon, at this point I have no idea which boxes are from which relative. So how would we even do that?
I don’t know what will happen; we are figuring it out on a daily basis which I am sure is the same for most of you reading this post. I can tell you one thing though to cheer you up, there are a bunch of really awesome Christmas light displays around Charlotte that you can still enjoy. And these folks put a lot of time and energy into putting these displays together, so I hope you grab your spouse and kids and take a ride to enjoy what our community is doing to celebrate this holiday season.
5 Charlotte Drive Thru Christmas Light Displays
- Speedway Christmas– This is one of the best displays in town. I have been to it a couple of times in the past and we have taken family that were visiting from out of town. It really is awesome to drive around the race track to see all of the lights. Open: Nightly 6:00-10:00 p.m. Dec. 10- Jan. 17 Cost: $20-30 per car, depending on which night you attend Holiday Music: Tune into 101.3 FM Bonus: Ice Skating Rink & Outdoor Drive- In Movies
- Hillside Holiday in Myers Park– This local community has joined together to put on a great light display all throughout Myers Park. Open: Nightly Cost: $0 Bonus: They are accepting nonperishable food & cash donations for Loaves & Fishes Charlotte Mecklenburg.
- Christmas Wonderland of Lights at Zootastic Park– This one is a bit of a hike up to Troutman, but so worth it! Open: Nightly Sunday- Thursday: 6:00-9:00 p.m. and Friday- Saturday: 6:00- 10:00 p.m. Cost: $8 per person ages 2 + up Bonus: Carousel & Train Rides, Drinks & Snacks, Zoo Animal Feedings and Pictures with Santa (all for additional fee).
- N.C. Transportation Museum In Lights– The museum, located in Spencer, has set up holiday light displays along the historic property. Open: Almost Nightly (check their website for schedule) 6:00- 9:00 p.m. Cost: $8 per car Bonus: Gift Station, Photos with Santa & S’mores Fire Pits.
- Christmas Town U.S.A.– This is of course Charlotte’s most famous and popular place to enjoy light displays this time of the year. Located in McAdenville, it’s just a short drive from downtown Charlotte. Open: Nightly Dec. 1- Dec. 26 5:30- 10:00 p.m. Cost: $0 Bonus: Local merchants and businesses in town will be open for dining and shopping.
I would love to hear about your plans for the upcoming holiday. How is your family planning to celebrate this year in these uncertain times? Have you ever been to one of these local drive thru light displays? Let me know what you thought about it. Leave a comment below! I love to read your feedback and recommendations.
