Christmas Town USA Lights Up McAdenville for the Holidays
CHRISTMAS TOWN USA 2023
December 1-26
Christmas Town USA is one of the top MUST SEE 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 idea of using red, white and green lights to decorate the trees around the McAdenville Community Center which grew into an annual tradition. Christmas Town USA.
Over the years this traction gained national attention. Christmas Town USA shared holiday greetings with the country via ABC's "Good Morning America". internationally on the German TV network, ARD, which boasted a viewership of over 5 million people when featured on the Charles Kuralt Morning Show. This year is the second year in the row where it is competing to be the number one holiday display in the nation.
FESTIVITIES
CHRISTMAS TOWN USA 5K
The day before the McAdenville celebrates with it's annual Christmas Town USA 5k. Join 1200 of your closest friends and celebrate the kick off to Christmas Town USA with a festive 5K under the lights!
Christmas Town USA Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 1, 2023
Christmas Town USA officially begins the season with the much anticipated Tree Lighting Ceremony at the at Dynamo 31 on Main Street. Join us for holiday merriment as one child is selected to flip the switch to light up the town! LEARN MORE
Yule Log Parade
December 14, 2023
Another of McAdenville's beloved traditions is the Yule Log Parade, which began in 1949. After a trip overseas where Mr. and Mrs. Pharr attended a yule log celebration, they brought the idea of this community gathering back to McAdenville. The townspeople, adults and children alike traditionally meet in front of the Pharr Office in Downtown McAdenville to join in the parade led by a local high school band. The log is pulled through our historic downtown to the Memorial Yule Log Fireplace at Legacy Park and placed upon the fire with great exuberance! LEARN MORE
McAdenville Christmas Town Attractions
Walk or drive through McAdenville's downtown and see hundreds of brightly illuminated red, white and green Christmas trees aglow along the Christmas Town USA route.
Listen to the sounds of the season as traditional carillon bells play Christmas carols at the Pharr Family YMCA.
Bask in the season splendor, including views of the town's lake surrounded by more than 30 decorated trees encompassing a 75 foot multi-colored fountain.
View the vintage Christmas displays, including Old Man Winter, Santa and His Reindeer, Carolers and a beautiful Nativity Scene all located within McAdenville's decorated historic downtown.
Downtown Shopping and Dining
Terra Mia Ristorante: Italian, pizza and pasta made fresh daily
115 Craft: Bottleshop, taproom, and wine shop
Mona’s Boutique & Gifts: Boutique and gift shop
Laundry Dae: Fashion boutique
Revolver Records: Vinyl records
The Modest Market: Flower shop
Two Scoops Creamery: Homemade ice cream
Knowledge Perk Coffee: Coffee shop
The Spruced Goose Station will be open for breakfast and lunch.
Recommended Accommodations
Hampton Inn Belmont Montcross 820 Cecilia Alexander Dr, Belmont, NC 28012
Home 2 Suites 871 Hawley Avenue, Belmont, NC 28012
Christmas County
Christmas is a magical time in Gaston County, from holiday lights to festivals, parades, skating, snowless sledding and more. Learn more about everything included with Christmas County.
