McAdenville lights up for the holidays, some traditions trimmed

MCADENVILLE, N.C. — A pandemic can’t stop the magic of Christmas. For the 65th year, McAdenville will make its annual transformation into Christmas Town U.S.A.

See how the Garden glows for the holidays

Christmas lights will shine brightly from Dec. 1-26. However, a few of the traditions associated with the popular attraction have been modified or canceled as a precaution because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Changes this year include:

• A revised lighting schedule from 5:30 - 10 p.m. nightly.

• No lights will be displayed at Christmas Town Lake.

• The Christmas Town 5K will be a virtual race.

• The Tree Lighting Ceremony and Yule Log Parade have been canceled.

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Love Christmas Town U.S.A.? Cast a vote for it in USA Today’s 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best Public Holiday Lights Display. You can vote once a day through Dec. 7 at noon. Click here to vote!

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Event officials recommend visiting Christmas Town early in the month and on weeknights when traffic is lighter. They also ask visitors to wear face masks or coverings, practice social distancing, keep their party moving and don’t congregate.

Additional traffic tips include:

• Drivers should follow N.C. Department of Transportation signage toward McAdenville and the designated route. No Christmas Town traffic will be allowed to enter from Hickory Grove Road.

• Church and Academy streets will be closed to all vehicles.

• Limited parking will be available off Poplar and Elm streets with the best availability at 5 p.m.

• Parking is not permitted on Hickory Grove Road or Riverside Drive.

Each year in December, Christmas Town U.S.A. welcomes a half-million visitors to the streets of McAdenville. The festivities have grown considerably since its start in 1956 when the McAdenville Men’s Club first decorated trees around the Community Center.

For more information, go to christmastownusa.org.