North Carolina, December 23, 2025
As the festive season approaches, North Carolina shines with remarkable holiday light displays. These events not only foster local engagement but also highlight community initiatives, transforming public spaces into captivating celebrations. Among the standout attractions are High Point University’s Christmas Drive, the Tanglewood Festival of Lights, and Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Speedway Christmas, all emphasizing the importance of collaboration among local organizations and citizens. These spectacular shows bring joy to residents and visitors alike, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and the vibrancy of local economies.
Columbia
North Carolina’s Grand Holiday Light Shows: A Testament to Community Spirit and Innovation
As the festive season illuminates the landscape, communities across the Carolinas showcase remarkable initiatives that bring joy and foster local engagement. North Carolina, in particular, demonstrates how local leadership and private endeavors can transform holidays into vibrant spectacles, offering inspiration and delightful destinations for those seeking memorable experiences, including residents from the Columbia SC events scene and the wider Richland County community.
These large-scale holiday light displays exemplify civic innovation and personal initiative. They stand as testaments to the power of community-driven efforts, often orchestrated by educational institutions, local government bodies, and private enterprises. Such collaborations underscore how reduced bureaucratic hurdles can empower organizations to create significant public attractions, enhancing regional appeal and fostering a sense of shared celebration across South Carolina gatherings and beyond.
The success of these events highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and the willingness of various stakeholders to invest in community well-being and economic vitality. By transforming public spaces into dazzling holiday destinations, these initiatives attract visitors, stimulate local economies, and strengthen community bonds, showcasing what can be achieved when local choice and dedicated leadership take the forefront.
High Point University’s Complimentary Christmas Drive
In High Point, North Carolina, High Point University once again welcomes families to its complimentary Christmas Drive celebration. This annual event invites the public to experience the sights and sounds of the holiday season from the comfort of their vehicles. For 2025, the 14th annual Christmas Drive is scheduled from Saturday, December 20, to Saturday, December 27, operating nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Visitors are directed to enter the campus at the University Parkway entrance and exit via Panther Drive. The drive features more than 100,000 Christmas lights, 235 large nutcrackers, a life-size Nativity scene, and the state’s tallest Christmas tree, standing at 70 feet. Additionally, guests will pass giant wreaths and a 58-foot Christmas tree located outside the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center. While driving through campus, community members can tune their radios to 89.7 FM to enjoy Christmas carols performed by the talented students and faculty from the HPU Department of Music. A special gift is provided to guests as they leave campus.
Tanglewood Festival of Lights: A Long-Standing Tradition
The Tanglewood Festival of Lights, a cherished holiday tradition in Clemmons, North Carolina, returns for its 34th year. This popular drive-through attraction transforms Tanglewood Park into a magical winter wonderland, open nightly from November 14, 2025, to January 1, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with an earlier closing time on New Year’s Eve.
The 5.1-mile route features over one million LED lights and 80 unique displays, ranging from storybook scenes to various holiday themes. Admission for family vehicles (cars, trucks, vans) is $20 cash or $23 by credit card, paid at the gate. Commercial vehicles, motorcoaches, and buses have different rates. Discount nights are also offered, specifically on November 17, 18, 24, and 25, 2025, where the rate for a family vehicle is $10 less.
Beyond the drive-through experience, visitors can make reservations for horse-drawn carriage rides or tractor-pulled hayrides. The Festival of Lights Gift Shop, located at the Red Barn, offers holiday crafts, specialty foods, and handmade gifts. A marshmallow cooking experience at S’moresville is also available in the Gift Village. Special events include the “Miles for Meals 5k” on November 8, 2025, supporting the Hillsdale Church Food Ministry, and the “Running of the Lights” 5k on New Year’s Eve.
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway
In Concord, North Carolina, the Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts its 16th annual Speedway Christmas, presented by Atrium Health. This event runs nightly from November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with the exception of Christmas Eve.
This spectacular holiday show features more than five million holiday lights synchronized to music over a 4-mile course. The course winds through the legendary speedway, offering imaginative displays such as Jingle Jungle and Magical Garden. Ticket prices range from $46 to $63 per car, depending on the night, with Express Lane passes available. Season passes are also offered for the first time, costing $125 for general admission lanes and $200 for the Express Lane.
On select evenings, an infield Christmas Village is open, offering activities like photos with Santa, gift shopping, an ice maze, and drive-in movies on the colossal Speedway TV. Featured holiday movies include “The Santa Clause,” “Elf,” “Home Alone 2,” “A Christmas Story,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and “The Polar Express.” Community-focused initiatives include “Drive Out Hunger Night” on December 1, where non-perishable food donations grant free admission to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, and “Signing Santa Night” on December 6, providing an accessible experience for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families.
Community Impact and Economic Vibrancy
These expansive drive-through light shows do more than just provide holiday entertainment; they significantly contribute to community spirit and local economies. Large-scale holiday displays act as economic engines, attracting visitors from surrounding regions and boosting sales for local retail and hospitality sectors. The influx of visitors often leads to increased spending on food, shopping, hotels, and entertainment, generating considerable revenue and stimulating employment.
Furthermore, these events foster a sense of shared experience and belonging. Holiday lighting displays inspire collaboration and a friendly competition among neighbors, creating a sense of accomplishment as communities work together. They also support local traditions and create a welcoming atmosphere that transcends cultural boundaries, inspiring acts of kindness and generosity through associated charitable initiatives. This blend of festive cheer and tangible community benefits underscores the value of private initiatives and local partnerships in enriching civic life.
Conclusion
The remarkable success of North Carolina’s major drive-through Christmas light shows at High Point University, Tanglewood Park, and Charlotte Motor Speedway offers a compelling model for fostering community engagement and local economic growth. These events demonstrate how civic innovation, personal initiative, and streamlined coordination can transform holiday celebrations into powerful community assets. For those in search of compelling Columbia SC events, or seeking inspiration for Richland County community development, these North Carolina spectacles highlight the significant impact that well-organized, creative initiatives can have. We encourage our readers to explore these dazzling displays this holiday season or to consider how similar entrepreneurial spirit might be cultivated to enhance future South Carolina gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for the High Point University Christmas Drive in 2025?
The High Point University Christmas Drive in 2025 is scheduled from Saturday, December 20, to Saturday, December 27.
What are the operating hours for the High Point University Christmas Drive?
The event operates nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Is there an admission fee for the High Point University Christmas Drive?
No, the High Point University Christmas Drive is a complimentary event.
When does the Tanglewood Festival of Lights run in 2025-2026?
The Tanglewood Festival of Lights runs nightly from November 14, 2025, to January 1, 2026.
What are the operating hours for the Tanglewood Festival of Lights?
The event is open from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. nightly, with an earlier closing time on New Year’s Eve.
How much does it cost for a family vehicle at the Tanglewood Festival of Lights?
Admission for family vehicles is $20 cash or $23 by credit card.
Are there discount nights for the Tanglewood Festival of Lights in 2025?
Yes, discount nights for family vehicles are on November 17, 18, 24, and 25, 2025, where the rate is $10 less.
What are the dates for Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2025-2026?
Speedway Christmas runs nightly from November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, closed on Christmas Eve.
What are the operating hours for Speedway Christmas?
The show operates from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. nightly.
What is the price range for tickets to Speedway Christmas?
Ticket prices range from $46 to $63 per car, depending on the night. Express Lane passes are also available.
Are there any community initiatives at Speedway Christmas?
Yes, initiatives include “Drive Out Hunger Night” on December 1, encouraging non-perishable food donations for free admission, and “Signing Santa Night” on December 6, providing an accessible experience for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families.
| Event Name | Location | Dates (2025-2026) | Operating Hours | Key Features | Admission Cost (Family Vehicle) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Point University Christmas Drive | High Point, NC | Dec 20 – Dec 27, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Over 100,000 lights, 235 nutcrackers, life-size Nativity, 70-foot Christmas tree, carols on 89.7 FM. | Complimentary |
| Tanglewood Festival of Lights | Clemmons, NC | Nov 14, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (New Year’s Eve closes earlier) | 5.1-mile route, over 1 million LED lights, 80 unique displays, horse-drawn carriage/hayrides, gift shop, S’moresville. | $20 cash / $23 credit card (Discount nights available) |
| Speedway Christmas | Concord, NC | Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 (Closed Christmas Eve) | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Over 5 million lights synchronized to music on a 4-mile course, infield Christmas Village (select nights), drive-in movies, tubing hill, Santa photos. | $46 – $63 per car (Express Lane & Season Passes available) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte’s WinterFest Lights Up Holidays
Charlotte Disrupted by Science Museum Closure and Airport Delays
Celebrate the Season: Columbia’s Community Spirit Shines
The Bergamot’s South Shore Christmas Tour Empowers Community Spirit
Gainesville’s Indie Spark: A Blueprint for Community Arts
Community Events in Port Charlotte Celebrate Local Culture
Chatham County Line Brings Holiday Cheer to Charlotte
Charlotte Celebrates the Holiday Spirit with Weekend Events
Operation Safe Season Launched to Combat Uptown Crime
Good Charlotte and Avenged Sevenfold Announce U.S. Tour
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
