There’s A Lot More Than Lights At Speedway Christmas
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
Memberships
Gifting an annual membership to a zoo, museum, aquarium, or perhaps, for those aged 21 and above, a wine club or mug club membership can make for a wonderful holiday gift. It’s a simple and thoughtful gesture that can benefit almost everyone this season. Offering your friends or family several months or a full year at a location they cherish is an excellent method to provide them with extra savings and a valuable present they can enjoy throughout the year.
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Outdoor Experiences
Offer the gift of a year-long adventure with the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. This pass grants free entry to all 115 National Parks with entrance fees, along with over 3,000 other federal lands. The pass includes the pass holder and up to three accompanying adults (aged 16 and above), with free admission for children under 15. Similar passes are available at various state parks, city and county parks, as well as botanical gardens nationwide, either for online purchase or directly on-site. It’s a thoughtful present for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
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Personalized Celebrity Videos
Imagine the excitement of receiving a personalized video message from your beloved celebrity, something you can hold onto for a lifetime. Cameo provides a platform where you can hire celebrities and athletes to create personalized videos, making them memorable gifts. The pricing for Cameo videos is set individually by thousands of actors, artists, and influencers and can range from as low as $1 to as high as $15,000 for personal videos, depending on the celebrity’s status and demand.
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Movie Gift Card
It’s reassuring to know that you’re offering your loved ones something they can personally choose and appreciate. Movie gift cards are a great option as they usually have no expiration date and can be used to buy movie tickets and concessions at the specific theater or theaters from which they are purchased. The recipient can use it for any movie they desire, without having to dip into their own funds.
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Amusement Park Passes
Consider giving tickets to a theme park amusement park as one of the most enjoyable experiential gifts. When presenting tickets as a gift, there’s room for creativity in how you package the gift, whether in a sizable wrapped box or as part of a unique scavenger hunt.
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Indoor Attraction Passes
There are plenty of enjoyable indoor activities to explore, including options like indoor rock climbing, trampoline centers, indoor skydiving, game centers, arcades, and escape rooms. A gift of this kind can be especially convenient for those times when you’re looking for indoor entertainment, especially during bad weather.
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Concert or Show Tickets
Concert or show tickets are a great gift choice. They provide a one-of-a-kind experience and make for a thoughtful way to celebrate your best friend and their interests. Even if they’ve seen the band before, each performance is unique and memorable.
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Sporting Event Tickets
If you have a sports enthusiast in your circle, giving them tickets to a baseball game is a thoughtful gesture to express your care. It’s also an excellent means of enjoying quality time together while rooting for your favorite team. To make the experience even better, you can go the extra mile by including a food voucher along with the tickets.
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Self Care Experience
Offer the perfect gift of relaxation and beauty, whether it’s a spa day, a massage, a facial, or a visit to the salon for hair styling, a wash, or a manicure and pedicure. Depending on the recipient, this could be something you can enjoy together. It’s an opportunity to unwind and connect, spending quality time together, catching up on life, sharing some laughter, and reminiscing about the past.
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Classes or Lessons
Lessons in various experiences, such as cooking classes, dance lessons, or sewing lessons, can be beneficial to many. This kind of gift is well-suited for people who enjoy learning and trying out new experiences. By gifting classes or lessons, you provide someone with an additional means of self-expression.
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