Small Town Christmas

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Quaint small town Christmas Joy!

Gather up the family and hit the road for a bit of Norman Rockwell small town Christmas charm!

Easily reached for a day or overnight visit NC is filled with nostalgic experiences of a simpler authentic holiday.

McAdenville, NC

McAdenville is known as the Christmas Town USA, and that’s not by mistake or without justification. This tiny town of just under 700 people takes the Christmas season very seriously. It all started with nine trees being decorated by the Men’s Club. The following year they did a few more, and that continued every year. By 2004 nearly 400 trees were decorated, and the town residents all decided to join in the fun. The joint effort resulted in almost half a million lights adorning the 1.3 mile stretch of road that visitors see as they pass through the town. To avoid the greatest traffic, we highly suggest you try to visit this free attraction on a weeknight, Monday through Thursday. The town receives over half a million visitors in the few weeks the lights are turned on and it will be evident in the traffic. It’s still worth it, just be prepared to keep young children occupied in the traffic leading into town. There are roadside vendors selling festival food and glowing toys. If making purchases isn’t something you plan to do, consider coming prepared with snacks and glow toys from the dollar store to satisfy kids while you wait.

The lights are on timers, so they turn on automatically at 5:30 pm, seven days a week regardless of weather conditions. They also shut off promptly at 10 pm. They will shut off regardless of how many cars are still driving through town, so I encourage you to get there early and take that into account if you arrive close to the time the lights shut off.  In the true spirit of Christmas there is no charge to visit.

Forest City

For the ultimate festive small town experience to get you in the holiday spirit, drive and stroll down Main Street decked out with a million lights for Hometown Holidays Forest City in Rutherford County. Wrapped around the live oak trees and hanging overhead, the displays center around the town fountain. The tradition dates back to 1930 when the town hung its first set of lights on two trees. Bundle up with a cup of hot chocolate and hop on a carriage (offered on weekends) through the magical display of holiday lights. And make sure to visit the Pavilion on Park Square to see the region’s largest, lighted Christmas ornament!

Fridays Before Christmas

  • Carriage rides (6-8:45 PM), reservations $40/carriage (up to 4 adults or 2 adults & 3 kids). Reservations must be purchased online available at www.exploreforestcity.com beginning November 29. Carriages load at Pavilion on Park Square fountain at the corner of Mill Street and Huntley Avenue. (153 Park Square)
  • Ice skating (6 PM until) $8/person includes skates. (172 Park Square)
  • Hayrides are 6 PM-8:45 PM and are $3 per person.  Hayrides load in front of Main Street Meetings. (108 East Main Street)

Saturdays Before Christmas

  • Carriage Rides (6-8:45 PM), reservations are $40/carriage (up to 4 adults or 2 adults & 3 kids). Reservations must be purchased online available at www.exploreforestcity.com beginning November 29. Carriages load at Pavilion on Park Square fountain at the corner of Mill Street and Huntley Avenue. (153 Park Square)
  • Ice skating (6 PM until) $8/person includes skates. (172 Park Square)

Bryson City – Hometown to Polar Express

Bryson City is extra magical during the holiday season! Each November and December, 90,000 people climb aboard the Polar Express at the Depot and travel to the North Pole.  – see why it’s one of the Top Christmas Towns. The town is decked out with garland and holiday lights, with a 50 ft Christmas tree in the town square. At the Visitor Center (255 Main St) kids can enjoy cookies and hot cocoa while they write letters to Santa..  Before your ride take time to meander through the various unique shops and a variety of restaurants and two breweries.