I am visiting my family and wanted to take the children to a fun evening of Christmas lights and holiday fun. We are deciding between CAROLINA CHRISTMAS @ the Charlotte Motor Speedway, CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS @ Lake Norman, and DANIEL STOWE BOTANICAL GARDEN in Belmont, NC. Please tell me of your experiences and which do you believe is the best choice is best for children age 4yrs to 14 yrs.

Well, the grandaddy of them all is to drive through McAdenville,about 20 miles west of Charlotte. It is a mill town and every house is lit up. Haven't seen any of the others.

I should say that the McCadenville lights have been going on for 50 years or more.
AND actually there are some houses in Charlotte that have light displays keyed to music that you turn on your radio in the car. REALLY neat and fun.

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&expIds=...d5a2edbb6a28fc

McAdenville, no question

Thank you for your help. We opted on the Carolina Christmas @ the Charlotte Motor Speedway because it was closer. Big mistake! It was a great light display but the wait of over 60 min in a car with 4 anxious children was not worth it! The children did enjoy the pony ride, feeding the animals at the petting zoo and seeing the live nativity. We will be visiting the McAdenville next!!

Well, your wait in the car could be all that and more, with no pony ride. Look at the houses that are decorated. Fun to see and hear, and probably better for your ages.