Mon.
- Fri. 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Sat. - Sun. 5:30 - 11 p.m.
December 1-December 26
Information: 704-823-2260 or 704-823-2261.
Directions: I-85 N, Exit 22 at Lowell/Cramerton; I-85 S, Exit 27 at
Belmont/Mt. Holly; Hwy. 29/74 West, Turn Right onto Wesleyan Drive.
Each December, hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights turn this small mill town into a spectacular holiday display. Visitors stroll down Main Street surrounded by the sights and sounds of Christmas.
The history of the McAdenville Christmas Lights dates back to 1956, when the McAdenville Men's Club conceived the idea of using lights to decorate a few trees around the McAdenville Community Center. Nine trees were decorated the first year, and reaction to this early effort was so favorable that the number of trees increased each year until in 1998 more than 450,000 red, green and white bulbs on approximately 400 trees gave off a warm holiday glow to the town and surrounding area.
Trees decorated last year ranged in height from six feet to more than 90 feet. Only live trees are used. The number of lights on individual trees varies with the height, diameter and fullness of the trees. The number of lights on an individual tree range from 500 to 5,000.
One of the favorite spots for viewers is the lake which is situated near the heart of town. Ranging in size from 12 to 40feet, 30 trees circle the lake. A fountain located in the center of the lake jets water 75 feet into the air.
At the lake, a 46 foot wide lighted image of Old Man Winter blows snowflakes into the air. Santa and his reindeer, a display that is nine feet tall and seventy feet long, are featured as part of the annual tradition.
While much emphasis has been placed on the Christmas lights, this represents only a portion of the efforts that goes into the preparation for Christmas. A life-size nativity scene is located about midway through the tour of Christmas Town.
Literally millions of people have taken advantage of the opportunity to view the light fantasy during the 44 years of existence. In 1999 alone, more than 300,000 vehicles passed through this little town of only 832 residents.
With so many people attracted to a certain area, the news media cannot be far behind. Television stations from Charlotte converge in McAdenville on December 1 to broadcast as Christmas Town U.S.A. comes alive for another year. Lights glow nightly through December 26.
