Get into the holiday spirit with our guide to Shelby's festivities. Whether you're familiar with Shelby or seeing it for the first time, our guide brings the holiday spirit to life.
One of the highlights this season is the Polar Express Train Ride, where families can embark on a magical journey that reimagines the beloved storybook adventure. Featuring dazzling decorations and lively characters, the event often captures the imaginations of both young and old. Another popular attraction is Speedway Christmas, where you can enjoy an incredible light show while driving through Charlotte Motor Speedway. And the WinterFest at Carowinds is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering thrilling rides and seasonal entertainment for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Shelby
- WinterFest at Carowinds (Charlotte)
- Speedway Christmas (Concord)
- Christmas Town USA (McAdenville)
- Polar Express Train Ride (Spencer)
- Tweetsie Christmas (Blowing Rock)
- Kersey Valley Christmas (Archdale)
- Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum (Asheville)
- Newton Christmas Crafts (Newton)
See these and even more events listed below!
Shelby Holiday Light Displays
Speedway Christmas
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show on a historic NASCAR track.
Description:
Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health is a spectacular drive-thru holiday light show featuring over five million lights along a four-mile course, including the legendary oval, pit road, and infield road course. The event is open nightly from 6-10 p.m., rain or shine, with synchronized lights and music on 101.3 FM. It also includes drive-in movies on the gigantic Speedway TV every Thursday through Sunday night until Christmas.
Where: Concord | More Info: Speedway Christmas
WinterFest at Carowinds
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday event with festive light displays and live entertainment.
Description:
Carowinds WinterFest offers a holiday celebration with millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, and holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: WinterFest at Carowinds
Tweetsie Christmas
What to Expect:
Historic steam locomotive train ride with over 1 million lights.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Tweetsie Railroad with a 20-minute nighttime train ride through over 1 million Christmas lights, a live Christmas variety show, and visits to Santa's Gingerbread House.
Where: Blowing Rock | More Info: Tweetsie Christmas
Christmas Town USA
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday light display with historical significance.
Description:
Christmas Town USA in McAdenville, NC, transforms into a vibrant winter landscape with over 600,000 twinkling lights and beautifully decorated homes. The tradition began in 1956 and has since become a national holiday attraction, featuring events like the Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Yule Log Parade.
Where: McAdenville | More Info: Christmas Town USA
Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum
What to Expect:
Spectacular open-air walk-through light show with over one million lights.
Description:
Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum features over one million energy-efficient LED lights, including a 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.
Where: Asheville | More Info: Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum
Kersey Valley Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with diverse activities and light displays.
Description:
Kersey Valley Christmas transforms an 80-acre farm into a vibrant holiday destination with over 1 million LED lights, festive activities, and interactive displays. Enjoy train rides, wagon rides, giant slides, and bungee jumping, along with visits to Santa and the Grinch. The event offers a variety of seasonal treats and photo opportunities amidst a family-friendly atmosphere.
Where: Archdale | More Info: Kersey Valley Christmas
Shelby Holiday Markets and Shopping
Newton Christmas Crafts
What to Expect:
Local artisans selling unique handmade items.
Description:
Celebrate Newton Holiday Craft Fair is an annual juried craft fair featuring over 50 local artisans selling unique handmade items. Perfect for holiday shopping, this event offers a variety of textiles, fine art, and jewelry. It is a fun event for the whole family.
Where: Newton | More Info: Newton Christmas Crafts
Shelby Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with live theatrical performances and historic train ride.
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride at the North Carolina Transportation Museum is a holiday event inspired by the hit movie. Families take a trip to the North Pole, enjoying hot chocolate and cookies, a reading of Chris Van Allsburg's classic, and a visit from Santa. Passengers who believe receive their own sleigh bell.
Where: Spencer | More Info: Polar Express Train Ride
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Gastonia (20 miles)
- Hickory (32 miles)
- Spartanburg (33 miles)
- Rock Hill (38 miles)
- Charlotte (39 miles)
- Huntersville (40 miles)
- Cornelius (40 miles)