STORIES

Welcome to the thrill-packed winter wonderland at Whitewater Center. From the exhilarating glide of outdoor ice skating to the captivating glow of a Winter Trail. Activities run throughout the day and into the night. This outdoor haven is your ticket to a memorable winter. Embrace the festive spirit. Grab your Christmas Trees, join the adult pond hockey league, or dive into the frosty excitement of winter races. Starting mid-November through mid-February, experience the magic

The Chutes Winter Tubing Get Tickets for 2025 Now! Add excitement to your celebrations at The Chutes in Gaston County this Christmas. Experience the thrill of snowless tubing on our custom-designed lanes, offering the fun of traditional snow tubing without the freezing temperatures. Enjoy a night of laughter and joy with your friends and family as you ride down the Chutes, suitable for singles and doubles, ensuring a delightful experience for children of all ages. After your

From glowing lights to festive parades and holiday markets, Gaston County has transformed into Christmas County, USA! Each town celebrates in its own magical way, making it perfect for a day trip or an extended holiday getaway. Here’s a guide to all the holiday happenings across our charming towns. McAdenville: Christmas Town USA Experience the magic in McAdenville, famously known as Christmas Town USA. Christmas Town USA  | Dec 1 - Dec 26, 2025 Wander or drive through dazzli

More than 600,000 visitors travel thru McAdenville during Christmas Town USA to save you some time, here are some things to keep in mind to help you make the most of it. How to make the most of McAdenville's Christmas Town USA What’s in the Name McAdenville is nicknamed Christmas Town USA for a good reason. Every winter, this small town in North Carolina transforms into a festive, twinkling wonderland, dotted with thousands of lights, dramatic displays and a spirited Main Str

Get ready to enter a world of festive lights and seasonal cheer at Daniel Stowe Conservancy's "Holidays at the Garden" — the heart of Gaston County's winter celebration! From November 28 to December 27, 2025, the Garden transforms into a holiday wonderland where twinkling lights, sparkling fountains, and immersive holiday displays bring the season's magic to life. Open select evenings from 5 to 10 pm, this cherished annual tradition offers a perfect way to make memories and

CHRISTMAS TOWN USA 2025 December 1-26 Christmas Town USA   is one of the top destinations in Gaston County during the holidays. Located in McAdenville ,  a small town just west of Charlotte, NC it transforms this small mill town in the evenings with a light display running through the town, complete with holiday music. THE TRADITION It all started in 1956, when the McAdenville Men's Club, along with Mr. W. J. Pharr, Pharr's founder, and president at the time, conceived the i

Uncover the holiday magic in Western North Carolina with Cathy Bennett Kopf's festive guide on She Buys Travel. From enchanting garden illuminations at Daniel Stowe Conservancy to the Jonas Brothers' Nellie's Southern Kitchen , experience the charm of McAdenville's Christmas Town USA and indulge in the delights of the Esquire Hotel in Gastonia.

Step into a holiday wonderland as our small towns come alive with festive cheer. Join us as we light up the season with dazzling floats, jolly participants, and heartwarming moments as each town in Gaston County puts on its annual Christmas Parades. Come for the parade, and stay for the magic of the season, including holiday lights, snowless sledding, ice skating, and laser light displays, all part of Christmas County ! Experience the magic of the holidays in our close-knit c

The holidays are full of nostalgia, and few places capture that spirit quite like Kings Mountain Historical Museum  in downtown Kings Mountain . Beginning November 28 through January 3 , visitors are invited to step into Toyland  — the museum’s much-loved Holiday Model Train Exhibit , a dazzling display of model trains, vintage toys, and games that bring the magic of Christmas to life. Toyland - Games, Trains, & Toys November 28 - January 3 | Open Tuesday through Saturday 10:

The magic of McAdenville, North Carolina, is featured in USA Today’s GO Escape Winter 2025 . From Dec. 1–26, this small town 16 miles west of Charlotte transforms into a sparkling holiday wonderland. Visitors can stroll or drive past half a million lights, enjoy the historic charm of the town, and make it a full holiday weekend with nearby activities — including Holidays at the Garden   at Daniel Stowe Conservancy in Belmont, snowless sledding at The Chutes in Kings Mountai

The holidays shine brightest right here in McAdenville , North Carolina — better known as Christmas Town USA — and now this beloved small town has been nominated for Best Christmas Town 2026 in the Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards! Each year, Newsweek’s editorial team highlights destinations that capture the true magic of the season. From charming light displays to festive traditions, these towns embody everything we love about the holidays. For nearly 70 years, Christmas Tow

Shopping in Gaston County Christmas is a magical time on the streets of our small towns in Gaston County. Adorned with sparkling lights, ribbons, and wreaths, the shops offer thoughtful and locally sourced goods to make your holiday shopping a breeze. Our eateries usher visitors in after a day of shopping with hot drinks and tasty cuisine. This winter, visit and enjoy the hometown feel of our favorite historic communities — offering special events and experiences. Belmont T

This winter, Gaston County invites you to experience an unforgettable getaway, starting with a must-visit to the renowned Whitewater Center . As one of the largest outdoor activity hubs in the Southeast, the Whitewater Center transforms each season into a winter wonderland, offering visitors a unique holiday experience just outside of Charlotte. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a festive day out, this winter destination has everything you need to enjoy the magic of t

The holidays are just around the corner, and Gaston County is brimming with festive markets, events, and magical Christmas adventures! From unique handcrafted gifts to delicious holiday treats, our local markets make it easy to shop small, support local artisans, and embrace the holiday spirit. While you’re here, immerse yourself in the full Gaston County Christmas experience by visiting Christmas Town USA, holiday lights at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, and the thrilling DinoSa

Christmas County is the place to be this holiday season, with festive events and dazzling displays across Gaston County. Here's a guide to the best ways to celebrate this magical time of year. Christmas Town USA December 1-26, 2025 Each December, McAdenville transforms into a winter wonderland as "Christmas Town USA." Walk or drive through glowing displays of green, red, and white lights that shine from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM each night. Arrive early to enjoy dinner, cocktails,

Explore the Nutty for Nutcrackers Museum in Kings Mountain, NC, home to over 3,400 unique nutcrackers. Fun, family-friendly, and the largest collection east of the Mississippi.

Snow Tubing in North Carolina Get ready to glide into a season of fun as tickets for the 2024-2025 Chutes  are available now! Whether...

Southern Living Magazine has honored McAdenville, affectionately known as "Christmas Town USA," as one of the 16 Best Destinations for a...

With the holidays here, you may think you have to travel all over to find memorable experiences with the family this season, but Ace...

McAdenville residents Steve Rankin and Harvey "Dick" Roberts Jr. grew up across the street from each other. Rankin, 79, was the youngest...