McAdenville, also known as Christmas Town, USA, has been enchanting people of all ages with a Christmas tradition that began in the mid-1950s.
In 1954, four employees of yarn manufacturer Pharr Yarns used some old parts from the company to spell out “Merry Christmas.” They also used lights and made stars, which they put on the mill tower, and decorated a tree in front of the main mill office.
The lighting expanded to nine trees the next year and the local men’s club took it over in 1956.
Soon, homeowners got involved, decorating their houses with lights, wreaths, garlands, and much more.
The town earned the moniker Christmas Town USA by Wilmington native the late Charles Kuralt.
The CBS newsman, who grew up in Charlotte, coined the phrase for a TV special he produced about the town in 1980.
The town has also been featured on Good Morning America and in Southern Living magazine.
Approximately 500,000 people visit the area every December. They drive down Main Street or walk past the lake in the town center.
The town kicks off the season with the annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Dynamo 31 building on Main Street.
They also have a Yule Log Parade, in which a local high school band leads the community in pulling a Yule log that is thrown onto the fire at the Yule Log Fireplace at Legacy Park.
There was also a Santa’s Workshop that took place at the new North Pole Park, in one of the town’s newest pocket parks on Main Street. Many activities took place including crafts, food trucks, live music, and more.
Another new addition this year was Life is Sweet, a new Main Street candy store. Several holiday events took place, including decorating cookies, cupcakes, ornaments, and gingerbread houses. They also hosted a Harry Potter Day.
The lights in the small Gaston County town west of Charlotte will be lit every night from 5:30 to 10 pm through Dec. 26. No tickets are needed for entry.