It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of celebrating the Holidays in the QC, but our Nascar Hall of Fame is home to some of Charlotte’s most beloved Holiday Traditions. Bonus points for being conveniently located, with lots of parking AND the Hall of Fame itself for an extra measure of entertainment during the daytime events. Here are the Five Holiday Happenings you need to have on your CLT seasonal radar:
Holiday on Ice | @holidayoniceclt
Get outside and enjoy the holiday air
Dates: Nov. 16–Dec. 17 – Open Wednesday through Sunday
Dec. 17–Jan. 6 – Open 7 days a week
Uptown Charlotte’s outdoor ice rink returns to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza. Perfect for a date night, a family ice skating session or an outing with friends, Holiday on Ice has become a beloved tradition in Charlotte. Skaters and non-skaters alike will want to have their pictures taken with our giant polar bear, under our 39-foot-tall tree or in the Ceremonial Garden decorated with thousands of glimmering holiday lights. And don’t miss holiday-themed merchandise from the ice rink souvenir stand and snacks and hot cocoa from the concessions hut.
Tickets:
Ice skating: $12
Ice skating plus skate rental: $16
Fourth Annual NASCAR Hall of Fame Tree Lighting
Get the holiday season started with family festivities and fun on the Saturday after Thanksgiving
Nov. 24, festivities start at 5 p.m., Tree lighting at 7:15 p.m.
The entire QC community is invited to watch the NASCAR Hall of Fame tree twinkle to life. The tree will be lit for the first time on Saturday, Nov. 24, during a free community celebration. The festivities start at 5 p.m. and will include rides, games, and one big tree! The tree lighting takes place at approximately 7:15 p.m.
Free – no ticket required
Magical Morning
Enjoy a special Holiday morning for families of special needs
Date: Dec. 9, 8 a.m.–noon
Every child deserves to experience the magic of Santa in a setting tailored to their needs. The NASCAR Hall of Fame has teamed up with Autism Charlotte to create Magical Morning, a sensory-friendly holiday event for families living with autism or other special needs. Meet Santa Claus, watch a Christmas movie and enjoy crafts in a calm, quiet environment.
Tickets:
$15 for the family
Breakfast with Santa
Santa makes a pit stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame
Saturday, Dec. 22, and Sunday, Dec. 23, two sessions at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s making a pit stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame for the fourth annual Breakfast with Santa. This all-inclusive experience includes breakfast, a visit and picture with Santa, crafts and reindeer games, plus much more. As an added bonus, each child ticket to Breakfast with Santa includes same-day complimentary admission to the ice rink on the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza.
Tickets:
Tickets to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Breakfast with Santa are $25 per adult and $22 per child between 3 and 10 years of age. Children under 2 are free. Advance purchase required; event is subject to sell out.
Undeck the Hall
Get one last gift this holiday season (this is one of our faves)
Date: Dec. 26, doors open at 10 a.m.
Saint Nick may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean the gift giving is over. Head to the Nascar Hall of Fame the morning after Christmas to “Undeck” the Hall. Fans are each permitted to select a gift off the many trees decorated with NASCAR-themed items like autographed souvenirs, die-cast cars, race tickets, apparel and gear, sheet metal and more. Like years before, there will even be secret surprises hidden on the trees. (scoop tip = Hall of Fame members get to choose from a Members Only Tree)
Doors open at 10 a.m., and the fun continues until all of the gifts are gone. Each year, a line forms early in the morning outside the NASCAR Hall of Fame, so fans are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection.
Tickets:
The event is free with paid admission to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Hardcore NASCAR fan? Become a Hall of Fame member or renew your membership to get to choose top racing swag from the special members-only tree.
SCOOP TIP: Photo ops abound at the NASCAR Hall of Fame this holiday season. In addition to scheduled meet and greets with Santa, the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza will have a giant polar bear, a “forest” of trees covered in lights, an ice rink and a 39-foot Christmas tree.
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