Being a vanlifer means that I can travel anywhere I want to enjoy the holidays. I found a special place last year that put me in the holiday spirit while I was driving in North Carolina. I had heard about Christmas Town USA, so I needed to “Take the Exit” and see what all the festive hype was about.
How did McAdenville become Christmas Town, USA?
It all began with an idea in 1956. The local men’s club, most of who worked at the town’s mill, decided to put red, green, and white lights on trees to decorate the community center lawn for the holiday. The mill owner, Mr. Pharr, was so inspired by their vision that he said he would pay for all the lights they could put up. So began the journey of McAdenville to becoming Christmas Town USA.
Getting to Christmas Town USA
McAdenville is located about 30 minutes south of Charlotte, North Carolina. I took the exit off of I-85 and followed the signs, along with many other visitors. I arrived about 30 minutes before the lights turned on, so I was able to park behind the McAdenville Baptist Church.
Viewing the Lights
The spectacular display of holiday lights runs nightly this year, December 2-26, from 5:30 to 10:00 PM. You can choose to drive the 1.3-mile route, though I suggest that you park and stroll through it. This tiny town of under 1000 people will see over 600,000 visitors, so traffic can be overwhelming. By walking, you will have the opportunity to slow down to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Listening to bells playing Christmas Carols, waving to the residents on their decorated porches, and viewing the incredible light displays will put anyone in the holiday spirit.
What Else to See in Christmas Town USA!
- Dec. 2 at 5:30 PM – Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Dynamo 31 building. Watch a joyful elementary student pull the switch to light the tree and begin the month-long holiday celebration.
- December 7 from 1:00- 5:00 PM – Christmas Market of local artisan goods being held at the Dynamo 31 building lawn.
- December 12 at 5:30 PM – Yule Log Parade and Ceremony. Line up along the main street to listen to the high school band while the log is pulled to the Memorial Yule Log Fireplace to be lit with much fanfare.
What Else to Do!
- Food and Drink – Even small towns have wonderful spots to pick up a holiday drink, dinner, or treat. I had a wonderful dinner at Terra Mia Ristorante before I walked the holiday lights trail.
- Shopping – There are two boutiques and a record shop for you to explore and find a great holiday gift.
Nearby Attractions
If you are spending a little vanlife time in the area, I suggest you stop at these places for a festive holiday visit.
- Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens – A quick 20-minute drive south of McAdenville, you will find Holidays at the Garden. The Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights. Enjoy an outdoor fire, visits with Santa, and even a festive cocktail while enjoying the holiday spirit throughout the gardens.
- Belmont, North Carolina – There is another festive town less than 5 miles west of Christmas Town, USA. They have a calendar that is full of fun holiday activities. Be sure not to miss the Festival of Trees, their Christmas Parade, and the Christmas Village Fine Art and Gift Sale. I’m excited this year to go to the Bavarian Holiday Fest and then enjoy a Christmas movie in the park.
- Ice Trail at Whitewater Center – A one-of-a-kind ice skating experience is waiting for you only a few miles north of Belmont. The Whitewater Center is known for its incredible whitewater rafting river experiences in the summer but transforms into a river of ice in the winter. Find yourself skating under the holiday lights, then enjoying hot cocoa on a crisp, cool night.
Where to Stay?
There are a variety of recommended RV campgrounds and resorts within a 20-mile radius of McAdenville. If you want to amp up your holiday experience, you can stay at the nearby Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort. This amusement park hosts a month-and-a-half-long WinterFest, complete with twinkling lights, live shows, winter rides, and so much more. If you want to learn more and download their planning guide, visit the Christmas Town USA site here.
More Winter Camping Destinations and Tips
Here’s wishing you a wonderful and jolly holiday season. I hope that you “Take the Exit” to Christmas Town USA or wherever your vanlife takes you to celebrate this festive time of year.
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