“There’s nothing quite like it,” Kelly Rankin muses, taking in the festively adorned streets of his hometown, transformed by more than 500,000 holiday lights. But it’s not just lights casting a jolly glow across McAdenville — vibrant garlands deck doorways and railings, while cheerful ornaments dangle from nearly every corner. Cars of families pull off U.S. Highway 74, and locals step onto their porches, greeting them with smiles and waves, reflecting the joy of this cherished tradition known as Christmas Town, USA. “People come from out of town, and many come back year after year,” Rankin says.
As the holiday draws near, McAdenville prepares to unleash its magic once more, showcasing a community united by lights, laughter, and a shared understanding of the true meaning of the season. But the merriment extends beyond the town’s confines and casts a jolly glow across the whole of Gaston County, transforming it into Christmas County during the holiday season. Read on to discover more about the enchanting experiences that await and start planning how you will make the most of your visit.
Having grown up in this tight-knit community, Rankin knows well the anticipation that fills McAdenville with the approach of each holiday season. “It starts with a few decorations at the beginning of October, but by December, lights stretch for miles,” he says, referring to the thousands of red, green, and white lights twinkling throughout the town. Once the sun sets, Christmas Town, USA keeps downtown McAdenville luminous each evening from December 2 through 26.
Sightsee your way through Christmas Town, USA on foot or by car. photograph by Gaston County Tourism Development
The streets swell with activity as visitors of all ages come to check out the lights. Drive through downtown, taking it all in from the comfort of your car. Or, if you prefer to stretch your legs, park and stroll, enjoying the sound of bells playing Christmas carols as you marvel at the 31-foot multi-colored fountain at McAdenville Lake, encircled by nine floating Christmas trees. Plan to make an evening out of the trip by pausing to find the perfect holiday gift, a bite to eat, or a tasty beverage; grabbing fistfuls of candy; and sampling ice cream in holiday-inspired flavors.
The preamble to this annual fanfare is the Tree Lighting Ceremony, which transforms McAdenville into the glowing winter wonderland. Held on December 2, a child has the honor of lighting the Christmas tree. It’s capped by the Yule Log Parade, which winds its procession through picturesque streets to Legacy Park, where the eponymous yule log is ceremoniously placed on the fire, symbolizing warmth and unity.
Explore Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in the glow of the shimmering fountains and thousands of twinkling lights. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development
Holidays at the Garden reimagines this Belmont space into a stunning scene of lights and festive displays from November 29 to December 29. Special during the holiday season, the garden opens after hours, welcoming visitors to wander along beautifully lit paths surrounded by greenery and holiday decor. Don’t miss the chance to take a picture in front of the magnificent Orchid Tree outside the Great Hall, then stop by the new speakeasy (shhh!) to warm up with a holiday-themed cocktail. Or, if you’re visiting with the family, grab a hot beverage to sip next to the outdoor fire while little ones toast marshmallows for s’mores.
During weekends in December, families can look forward to rides on the holiday trackless train every Friday and visits with Santa Claus on Saturdays and Sundays leading up to Christmas. Plus, the Garden Store will be open for those searching for special holiday gifts and decorations. Tickets are available to pre-purchase online or at the garden’s front desk.
Hold on tight! Climb into your tube and get ready for the ride — no snow suit required. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development
Race down the 200-foot lanes designed for singles and doubles at The Chutes at Crowders Springs. This family-friendly experience welcomes kids ages five and up, and younger children can join by sharing a tube with an adult. Afterwards, you can treat yourself to popcorn, hot cocoa, or a s’mores kit from the camp store. Plus, you can feel good knowing you’re playing with a purpose: This annual winter fundraiser supports Crowders Ridge Camp’s mission of fostering personal growth through camps and retreats.
Watch Holidays Around the World at the museum’s James H. Lynn Planetarium, a program exploring how the cosmos affects winter celebrations around the world. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development
The 2024 holiday season takes a Jurassic spin at The Schiele Museum. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development
The Schiele Museum in Gastonia is filled with festive fun for all ages. Special for December 2024, Dino Safari: Holiday Havoc is an unmissable adventure, where dinosaurs and holiday cheer collide in the most unexpected ways. This wildly fun exhibit imagines what happens when Santa attempts to spread holiday joy in a world ruled by prehistoric creatures. With life-sized dinosaurs and a festive twist, it’s a playful journey for the whole family.
For a special, after-hours experience, mark your calendar for Dino Nights & Holiday Lights, happening Friday evenings in December. In addition to the Dino Safari, you can visit the museum’s farm animals, where their home has been decked for the season with thousands of twinkling lights. Then, conclude the evening with a celestial winter celebration in James H. Lynn Planetarium. To learn more about these events and other museum exhibits, visit the online calendar of events.
Practice your technique in either of the two free-skate rinks at the Whitewater Center. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development
While the roar of the rapids fades with the chill, the Whitewater Center in Charlotte transforms into a wintery scene from mid-November through mid-February. Take your pick of the four distinct skating environments that make up the center’s Upper Pond and span more than 24,000 square feet of ice. Glide along the ice trails or practice your pirouettes, jumps, and form at the free-skate zones. Afterward, warm up with a hot beverage from the on-ice Airstream. The fun continues with Night Pass activities, including Wildwoods, Off Leash, and Canyon Zips, all beautifully illuminated for a memorable night out.
Beyond athletic antics, the Winter Market also brings visitors to the Whitewater Center to pick out a freshly cut Fraser fir and gift-shop for winter outdoor gear. Complete with a hot chocolate in hand? Don’t mind if we do.
Whether you want to careen down a snowless chute, glide over ice, or stroll under a canopy of Christmas lights, you don’t have to travel far in Gaston County to find holiday magic. These recurring, ticketed events are just the start of the festivities that transform Gaston into what locals call Christmas County. Check their calendar of holiday events, which brims with tree illuminations, family-friendly shows, small-town parades, and much more, to find what fits your interests — be it a full-scale family weekend or a dazzling date night.
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