Light up the holidays this year with a cruise into (and through) McAdenville, a tiny town of about 650 people located just 18 miles from downtown Charlotte. Each year during the month of December, McAdenville transforms into Christmas Town U.S.A. and the efforts to express holiday cheer here are above and beyond what you’ll find in most towns in the Tar Heel State. It’s one of the most festive Christmas towns in North Carolina that’s worth a visit.

Nearly every house in town warms up to the season and decorates to the nines with holiday decor and lights in this North Carolina Christmas town.
Google Local/Linda Joy
More than 600,000 visitors flock to tiny McAdenville which tranforms into Christmas Town U.S.A. each December. It's a festive place to soak up some of the dazzling holiday lights and to take part in several annual activities in the town.
Facebook/Christmas Town U.S.A.
Hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights adorn more nearly 400 trees throughout the town, including the many trees that surround the town's small lake found in the heart of the historic district. All the while, the town's clock tower plays holiday music while people drive and stroll through the town's streets gazing at the scenery.
Facebook/Christmas Town U.S.A.
For many, it's like stepping into a scene from a classic Norman Rockwell holiday painting. The homes are adorned with traditional holiday decor and the streets are lined with tree after lighted tree.
Facebook/Christmas Town U.S.A.

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The lights turn on in 2023 on the evening of Dec. 1st, with an official lighting ceremony at Dynamo 31 located at 102 Main Street in McAdenville, NC at 5:30 p.m. sharp.
Facebook/Town of McAdenville
And on Dec. 14, 3023, the annual Yule Log Parade begins with singing at 5:30 p.m. This has been a time-honored town tradition since 1949!
Facebook/Christmas Town U.S.A.
The town's children will lead the parade by pulling the annual yule log for two blocks to the site of the Christmas Festival at Legacy Park, where the log will be lit at 5:30 p.m. followed by a variety of festive activities.
Facebook/Christmas Town U.S.A.
Christmas Town U.S.A. has been featured numerous times, including worldwide coverage and was named in the top four best public light displays in the U.S. in 2018 by USA Today. Come and experience Christmas in North Caroline in the most festive way possible by visiting McAdenville this year.
Facebook/Christmas Town U.S.A.


Take a look at this video of Christmas Town U.S.A. by @TravelingWithEmMe:

Have you ever visited McAdenville, NC during the holiday season? What other Christmas towns in North Carolina do you enjoy visiting? Let us know!

The annual tree lighting ceremony for Christmas Town U.S.A. is Dec. 1, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at Dynamo 31 located at 102 Main Street in McAdenville. After that, the lights will turn on nightly at 5:30 p.m. and turn off at 10 p.m. through Dec. 26, 2023. The Annual Yule Log Parade will be held on Dec. 14, 2023, at 100 Main Street. The event’s singing will begin at 5:30 p.m. There are no entry fees to visit McAdenville to see the lights and you can drive or walk through as many times as you like. For more information, visit the Town of McAdenville website and you can also follow the Christmas Town U.S.A. Facebook page.

Looking for gifts for your loved ones this holiday season? Check the OnlyInYourState Gift Guide for ideas!

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More to Explore

Christmas Towns In North Carolina

Melissa M. | November 12, 2023

What are some other Christmas towns in North Carolina worth visiting? 

Aside from McAdvenville, aka Christmas Town USA, here are a few other Christmas towns in North Carolina that are worth visiting:

  • Asheville, North Carolina: There’s something so magical about visiting The Biltmore this time of year. 
  • Beaufort, North Carolina has an annual parade not to mention all the incredible holiday lights around town.
  • Concord, North Carolina is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway which hosts its annual drive-thru lights display.
  • Edenton, North Carolina hosts a Christmas Candlelight Tour through its historic district. It’s a great way to experience an old-fashioned Christmas!

Check out these Christmas towns in North Carolina.

What are some Christmas traditions celebrated in North Carolina?

Among the Christmas traditions celebrated in North Carolina include:

  • Attending a Holiday Flotilla which is held annually in Wrightsville Beach near Wilmington, NC. You’ll get to enjoy a parade of boats all decked out for the holidays.
  • Attend the National Gingerbread House Competition in Omni Park.
  • Watch Santa scale Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.

Check out more holiday traditions celebrated in North Carolina.

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