McAdenville is a small town west of Charlotte, with a population of less than 1,000. But every holiday season, the town transforms into “Christmas Town U.S.A.” with over half a million lights glowing nightly across trees, homes, and a route through the town.
Now the small town is getting national recognition – landing at the number three spot on a list of the top ten neighborhoods in the country for holiday cheer.
In addition to the lights, the town boasts roughly 250 decorated trees, 100 ornamented homes, and a Yule Log Parade.
It’s been a growing tradition since a handful of members of the local men’s club and workers at the former textile mill, Pharr Yarns, first strung red, white, and green lights on a handful of trees at the community center in 1956.
The list, put out by global car rental company Sixt, was based on online search trends, public nominations, Instagram hashtags, and listings on popular Christmas-light finder sites.
The annual display runs this year until Dec. 26, with lights on each night from about 5:30 to 10 p.m. Visitors can walk or drive through downtown, and parking is available near McAdenville Elementary School, Poplar Street, and Elm Street to help avoid the traffic jams the tradition draws.
