Monday, Nov. 21, 2011

McAdenville, N.C.: Christmas Town, USA

On Dec. 1 each year, the tiny textile town of McAdenville, N.C. (pop. 619), transforms into the biggest holiday light display in the U.S., earning it the coveted name of Christmas Town USA. For a full 26 days, Christmas Town glimmers and shimmers with the light of more than 375 decorated trees. But it's not just the illumination that makes the town's Christmas display spectacular. More than 200 wreaths are fastened to lampposts throughout town; a life-size Nativity set, as well as a display of Santa and his reindeer, add hints of small-town charm; and the lake's fountain gleams under a colorful light show while the sounds of Christmas carols chime from a nearby church. It's a complete Christmas experience that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. As the town prepares for its 56th annual holiday transformation, one thing is for sure: There's no way Santa could miss McAdenville on his journey.