What to know before you visit McAdenville, otherwise known as Christmas Town U.S.A.
McAdenville, the North Carolina town affectionately known as Christmas Town USA, has once again transformed into a winter wonderland for the 2024 holiday season.
Each year, the charming town just west of Charlotte welcomes approximately half a million visitors from across the country with its Christmas lights display, festive decorations and holiday-themed activities. Visitors can walk or drive through downtown to see every home, shop and restaurant decorated with twinkling lights, making for Instagram-worthy photos on every corner.
What’s changed this year?
New to this year’s celebration is the introduction of North Pole Park, located in McAdenville’s newest pocket park on Main Street between 115 Craft and Mona’s Boutique & Gifts. This festive area will host a range of activities, including crafts, food trucks, live music and more.
Santa’s Workshop is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at North Pole Park, and a special New Year’s Eve event for children will take place there on Dec. 31, also from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Another highlight for this season is the addition of a new candy store, Life is Sweet, located at 109 Main St. This shop offers a variety of delightful treats and has planned several holiday events, including decorating cookies, cupcakes, ornaments, gingerbread houses and more. There’s even a Harry Potter Day on Dec. 13.
Annual Yule Log Parade
In keeping with tradition, the town’s Yule Log Parade, which began in 1949 to pay tribute to the spirit of community, is set for Dec. 12, with singing beginning at 5:30 p.m. After the log is pulled through downtown on Santa’s sleigh, it will be placed on the Memorial Yule Log Fireplace at Legacy Park and then set atop the fire amidst much fanfare.
What to know before you go
Hours: The light display is from 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Pro tip: Visit early in the month, on a weekday if you can. The closer to Christmas, the longer the lines.
Parking: Public parking is available along Poplar Street, Elm Street, McAdenville Elementary School and the Hickory Grove Road side of the Dynamo 31 building, with best availability before 5 p.m. Parking is not allowed on Hickory Grove Road or Riverside Drive.
What businesses are open? Terra Mia Ristorante, 115 Craft, Mona’s Boutique & Gifts, Laundry Dae, Revolver Records, Life Is Sweet, Two Scoops and The River Room will be open. Food trucks are often available. The Spruced Goose Station will be open for breakfast and lunch.
Getting there: From I-85 South, take exit 26 in Belmont and enter Wesleyan Drive from Hwy. 74. From I- 85 North, take exit 22 and enter Main Street on Hwy. 7 from Lowell. Note that both Church Street and Academy Street are closed to all vehicles. You can’t enter from Hickory Grove Road, so don’t let your GPS take you that way.
This story was originally published December 6, 2024 at 5:30 AM.
