Christmas Town U.S.A.®
Visitors can walk or drive through the downtown area to view thousands of green, red, and white lights transforming the landscape. Seasonal bells chime Christmas carols throughout the historic streets as guests take in the scenery. Local shops and eateries offer dinner, craft drinks, candy, and gift shopping.
What to Expect
Quaint North Carolina town glowing with red, green, and white lights.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown McAdenville
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Town of McAdenville
Food & Drink
Local options include dinner at Terra Mia Ristorante, craft beer or wine at 115 Craft and The River Room, and food trucks, which are often available.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and groups looking for a festive town stroll or drive
Vibe
Festive and nostalgic
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM each night.
- Parking: Visitors may park and take a stroll; the page gives no parking location or cost.
Tips & Advice
- Visit early in December and on a weekday if you can, because this small town sees about half a million visitors during the display.
- Arrive before the lights come on, when parking is easiest to find, so you have time for shopping, dining and seasonal music downtown.
- Don't follow a GPS route through Hickory Grove Road, because traffic can't enter Christmas Town that way and you'll have to turn around.
- Keep your party moving and stay off residents' lawns, whether you're driving through town or walking the downtown streets.
- Park and walk if you want to see Church Street and Academy Street, because both are closed to all vehicles during the display.
Special Events & Promotions
- Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 1 at Dynamo 31, 102 Main Street, where a child flips the switch to turn on the lights.
- Yule Log Parade on Dec. 10, starting at 100 Main Street near the Yule Log on the vintage sled, with singing to begin.
- ChristmasTown5K on Saturday, Nov. 28.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk through, or do I have to drive?
Either one. You can drive through town, or park and stroll the historic downtown while bells play Christmas carols. Church Street and Academy Street are closed to all vehicles.
Where do I park?
Public parking is off Poplar Street and Elm Street, at McAdenville Elementary School, and in the lot by the Carstarphen Bridge at the rear entrance of the Dynamo 31 building. Parking is not allowed on Hickory Grove Road, on Riverside Drive or on the side of any road.
Where can we eat, drink and shop?
Have dinner at Terra Mia Ristorante, or a craft beer or glass of wine at 115 Craft and The River Room. Shops include Mona's Boutique and Gifts, Revolver Records, Life Is Sweet Candy Shop and Laundry Dae. Food trucks are often there too.
Which way should I drive in?
From I-85 South, take exit 26 in Belmont and get on Wesleyan Drive from Highway 74. From I-85 North, take exit 22 and get on Main Street via Highway 7 from Lowell. Traffic can't enter from Hickory Grove Road.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.