Did you know that less than 30 minutes from Lake Norman is Christmas Town USA? The quaint little town of McAdenville comes alive in spectacular fashion each year as Christmas draws near. Almost overnight, the town is transformed into Christmas Town USA.

Christmas Town USA owes its origins to a yarn maker. Pharr Yarns, the town’s major industrial nexus, has sponsored the celebration since 1956, when the McAdenville Men’s Club decided to light a few trees around the McAdenville Community Center. They decorated nine trees that first year. Later, at Mrs. Pharr’s suggestion, the trees around the lake were decorated and the manger scene became the focal point of the Christmas decorations. The reactions to these early efforts was so favorable that each year the number of decorated tress has been increased.

The annual celebration that now features 375 trees adorned with red, white and green lights, along with a lighted image of Old Man Winter blowing snowflakes, a display of Santa and his reindeer and a life-size nativity scene.

One of the favorite spots for viewers is the lake which is situated near the heart of town. Here are 33 trees, ranging in height from 12 – 40 feet, which ring the take. The reflection of the tress in the lake only adds to the beauty of the scene. A fountain jets water 75 feet into the air, while changing red, white and in color.

Starting at 5 PM on Thursday, December 1, the light show starts every evening at dusk and lasts until 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and until 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Take note of those times. The lights run on a timer and will go off regardless of the number of cars in line. The light show ends December 26.

If thousands of sparkling Christmas lights don’t put you in the holiday spirit, no worries. Christmas Town has other offerings.

Take, for example, the official tree lighting ceremony Thursday, December 1 at 5:30 PM at the Pharr Family YMCA. Each year, the winner of McAdenville Elementary School contest will pull the big switch that lights the entire display at 6 p.m. That winner will be announced at the ceremony.

There’s also the Yule Log Parade on December 16 at 5:30 pm. Children will pull a sled through town to Legacy Park on Elm Street in downtown McAdenville. Organizers will set the log ablaze to kick off the Christmas Town Festival. School and church choirs will perform at the festival AND Santa Claus might make an appearance too.
For more information visit http://www.mcadenvillenc.com/ChristmasTownUSA.aspx

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