There’s A Lot More Than Lights At Speedway Christmas
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My first instinct this morning was, “Wow, has it really been 14 years since Speedway Christmas became a thing?” I’ll never forget that first year. My father, as a young photographer with the Charlotte News covered the opening of Charlotte Moter Speedway. Now, all those years later, he was getting to drive our Chevy Traverse through Christmas lights and actually drive ON the track. He was so excited. Even in a “mom car.”
Back then, it was just lights really. And they were spectacular. Now? Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway has come a long way and has a lot to offer. Go for the lights, but stay for the movie…and sledding?
Let’s start with “The Grinch.” The Speedway’s 16,000-square-foot SpeedwayTV will be your drive-in movie source as the holiday classic is presented by Bojangles. “The Grinch airs nightly (Thursday-Sunday) beginning at 6:30 pm. Even better, Movie nights are free with your Speedway Christmas admission.
Looking for something new? Okay, how about the all-new Cook Out Tubing Hill. It’s open nightly at 6. Four lanes and 250-feet of tubing excitement operates separately from Speedway Christmas, so here’s the deal. Unlimited rides can be had for $20 for adults and kids 12 and under get in for $10.
There’s also plenty of food and merchandsie vendors at Speedway Christmas. And of course, it goes without saying that the Christmas lights themselves are amazing at Speedway Christmas. All 5 million of them. Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health is open nightly through Jan. 7, BUT closed Christmas Eve. Tickets are sold per vehicle (up to 15 passengers) starting at $35 Monday-Wednesday and $45 Thursday-Sunday. Something I HIGHLY RECOMMEND is paying for the Fast Pass Lane. Now it’s a little more expensive ($75) but WELL WORTH IT as it allows you to skip the lines! TheFast Pass Lane is only open Thursday-Sunday. Tickets are available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or at the gate.
10 Unforgettable Christmas Experience Gifts
Physical gifts can be cool for a moment, but the memories they create are what truly last a lifetime. This holiday season, why not do your friends and family a favor by skipping the usual physical presents? Maybe consider giving a unique Christmas experience instead?
An experiential gift is just as thoughtful as something you can hold in your hand. The difference is that it won’t end up gathering dust, getting re-gifted, or donated. That’s because experiences, whether it’s a subscription, an activity, or a class, let people give people memories. Whether the giftee does it on their own, with their family, or even with you, it offers opportunities for learning and exploration.
The possibilities are limitless with Christmas experience gifts.
If you’re searching for an exciting experience for adults or children, ther are lots of choices. You could start with something as simple as covering the dinner tab for a couple. Another option is going big by planning a fantastic trip as the ultimate gift for your spouse. For kids and teens, they can dive into fun activities. These can be learning to play an instrument or mastering the art of making their favorite dessert.
Another advantage of opting for experiential gifts is that they make ideal last-minute presents. They can be conveniently purchased online. And if all else fails, a gift card is always an option.
Let’s face it: most of the stuff we buy just because we like it or think we need it tends to fade into the background pretty quickly. This is especially true when they’re given as gifts. We’ve all had those times when we eagerly tore into a physical gift at Christmas or a birthday, only to realize it didn’t quite live up to the hype. It’s even worse when you know that time and money were spent on something you’re not too thrilled about.
Experiences can enrich our lives, contributing to personal growth and opening our minds to new horizons. Meanwhile, dust collectors, especially the ones from distant relatives, don’t quite measure up. You know that feeling, right? It’s like saying, “Thanks, Aunt Rose, but I could’ve done without that Christmas scarf and hand lotion from the buy-one-get-one special at the mall.”
So, when the holiday season or other celebrations roll around, and you’re stuck with gift-buying, consider giving experiences instead of physical items. To help you get started, here are some experiential gifts that would make great Christmas gifts.
Charlie Nance is the Afternoon Drive co-host (along with his wife) of "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The couple have been with the radio station since 2006. Charlie has won the prestigious CMA (Country Music Association) Award for Radio Personality of the Year and has been a finalist for the Country Radio Hall of Fame four times. Prior to his time in Charlotte, Charlie (along with Debbie) spent more than a decade hosting successful morning radio shows in Greenville, SC; Augusta, Ga; and Birmingham, Al. As a content creator for Country 1037, Charlie writes about dream lottery windfalls, sports, restaurants and bars, and travel experiences in North and South Carolina.