Thursday, October 1, 2026
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McAdenville, NC (WNN)- For those who may remember from one of my last articles, for the month of December, I've decided to write a series of articles highlighting places you can view Christmas lights. For those unsure of what I'm referring to, click here to view my first article in the series.
My second place in the series is a fan favorite among residents of Gaston County and Beyond. It's McAdenville, also known as Christmastown USA.
When visiting McAdenville, you'll be able to see over 600,000 Christmas lights on over 300 trees, continuing a tradition that began 71 years ago. As well as many decorated homes across the neighborhoods in town.
Christmas Lights on the lake in McAdenville, NC. December 6th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
You'll also notice different places handing out hot chocolate, such as the Cocoa Shop hosted by McAdenville Wesleyan Church, as well as the McAdenville Fire Department. There are also various shops that sell shirts, bags, pillows, and other items.
Volunteers from McAdenville Wesleyan Church getting ready to hand out hot chocolate.
McAdenville Wesleyan Church
McAdenville was founded in 1880 as a classic Southern textile mill town, centered entirely around the McAdenville Mills (later Pharr Yarns). For decades, Pharr Yarns served as the largest employer and landowner, essentially operating a traditional mill village.
The town's iconic Christmas lights tradition started in 1956. The McAdenville Men's Club, with support from textile mill owner W.J. Pharr, decorated trees with red, white, and green lights, creating a festive community spirit that grew into a massive annual display. It drew national attention after a 1980 CBS Sunday Morning feature and became a beloved tradition, where residents decorate their homes, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each December.
Christmas Lights in McAdenville, NC. December 6th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
Today, the town attracts an estimated 600,000 visitors annually.
When visiting McAdenville, you'll notice that some people choose to drive through the area, many with their children, who you'll hear saying "Merry Christmas" through the windows of their vehicles. Others prefer to walk, regardless of the temperatures outside.
Visitors, going past a decorated home in McAdenville, NC. December 6th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
Some may ask, Why would anyone choose to walk in the cold? There are a few answers to this. One that some may not realize is that when walking, you see more houses than you do when driving through. Some neighborhoods in town are closed off. They are only accessible to residents living in the homes and those who walk through town, not to those who drive through to see the lights.
A Resident Permit Access Only sign on one of the roads. December 6th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
Overall, if you decide to drive through, expect to wait a while. When it is busy (on weekends and the week before Christmas), cars line up all the way to I-85. However, the town does a good job of keeping Traffic moving, so everyone gets to see the lights.
Visitors on Poplar St in McAdenville, NC. December 6th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
If you choose to drive, there are two entrance points into McAdenville to see the lights.
An entrance to get into McAdenville, NC. December 6th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
It's also important to know that both Church Street and Academy Street are closed to all vehicles. Additionally, Traffic may not be able to enter from Hickory Grove Road, so do not let your GPS direct you that way.
If you decide to walk, the most common place for visitors to park is in the Food Lion parking lot located at 202 A Market St, Cramerton, NC 28032. Visitors can walk from there past the Burger King located beside it and cross the street to start the walk into McAdenville.
The Food Lion located at 202 A Market St, Cramerton, NC 28032. December 6th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
Tip: Arriving early, potentially before 5:00 PM, is the best strategy for securing a parking spot and avoiding the main traffic influx.
No matter which way you choose to view the lights, I highly recommend you see them before Christmas is over. Everyone living in town, as well as store owners, works really hard to make this time of the year special for people of all ages.
There is so much to see. So don't miss out! The annual display runs this month until the 26th, with lights on each night from about 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. For information, click here.
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