This Small Town in North Carolina Transforms Into a Whimsical Holiday Wonderland Every Winter

"Back in 1956, W.J. Pharr, the founder of the textile company Pharr, was searching for a way to bring more holiday spirit to the 1.5-square-mile North Carolina town of McAdenville. He, along with the town's men's club, came up with the idea to decorate the trees around the community center with red, white, and green lights. Now, nearly 70 years later, the tradition has grown into one of the nation's most famous celebrations, as the town of about 900 people transforms into Christmas Town U.S.A."

"There are more than 250 evergreens, 100 meticulously decorated homes, half a million lights, and, most impressively, a lake full of floating Christmas trees-all in the three original colors. It is estimated that some 600,000 people pass through to catch a glimpse of the magical scene. "This isn't just a one-day parade or event-Christmas Town U.S.A. is a 26-day lifestyle. Every night, it transforms into this magical place where people are driving, walking, and enjoying the lights with their families and friends,""

McAdenville began decorating trees in 1956 when W.J. Pharr and the town men's club lit community-center trees with red, white, and green lights. The tradition expanded over nearly 70 years into Christmas Town U.S.A., transforming the 1.5-square-mile town of about 900 people each holiday. The display includes more than 250 evergreens, 100 meticulously decorated homes, half a million lights, and a lake filled with floating Christmas trees, all in the three original colors. The event runs 26 days nightly, drawing an estimated 600,000 visitors who drive, walk, and enjoy the lights with family and friends. Locals warmly welcome out-of-town guests.

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