Charlotte Motor Speedway

Charlotte Motor Speedway is unwrapping this holiday season’s newest event - Carolina Christmas, a spectacular 2.5-mile drive-through Christmas light park and village located on the track and infield of the legendary superspeedway. Open nightly through Jan. 2, 2011, Carolina Christmas is one of the largest holiday light shows in the United States, featuring nearly 500 different LED, or light emitting diode, light displays, a live Nativity scene in a realistic Bethlehem-themed village, carriage rides, a festival of trees and photos with Santa.

Built in 1960, the famous 1.5 mile superspeedway is home to NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck Series racing. NASCAR events highlight the schedule in May and October, but the 167,000-seat facility also hosts numerous other activities, including three of the nation's largest car shows; a 10-week series of Legends Car, Bandolero and Thunder Roadster racing; and stock car driving schols. Daily tours are available (except during events) and a gift shop is loaded with souvenir and memorabilia.