MCADENVILLE, N.C. — A tradition known across the nation is back in McAdenville -- also known as Christmas Town USA.
More than half a million lights burn bright through the season, and hundreds of thousands of visitors pass through each December to see the Christmas lights display.
Dates and times
This year, lights will brighten the sky in McAdenville from Friday, Dec. 1 through Dec. 26.
The lights will shine each night from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where to go
For those planning to go see the lights in person, you'll want to route to this address: 102 Main Street, McAdenville, NC 28101. That's right beside the lake in downtown McAdenville.
Visitors will drive through part of the town, seeing the decked out homes and businesses.
Yule Log Parade
Since 1949, the Yule Log Parade has celebrated the community. This year, it will be held on Dec. 14.
Kids will pull the yule log on a vintage sled through Legacy Park, and once the log is lit the Christmas Town Festival will officially begin.
Recognition for McAdenville
This year, Southern Living called it "One Of The Most Magical Christmas Towns To Visit" because of the "head-to-toe holiday spirit" in addition to the holiday lights.
Directions to Christmas Town USA lights
Traffic is known to back up as people travel from various locations to see the light display. Depending on where you're coming from, here are some directions you may want to keep in mind.
Interstate 85 North
Northbound traffic will take Exit 22, turn right and follow directions to McAdenville
IMPORTANT: Starting at 5:30 p.m., Exit 23 will be closed daily to northbound traffic.
Interstate 85 South
Southbound traffic will take Exit 23 for North Carolina Highway 7, turn left and arrive in McAdenville.
IMPORTANT: When traffic backs up to the South Fork River, state troopers will direct all vehicles across Highway 7 and onto I-85. Drivers can then take Exit 22, turn right and follow directions to access the lights show.
U.S. Highway 29-74 from Gastonia
Drivers will follow the highway until reaching Main Street in Lowell. There will be two car dealerships where traffic will turn left onto South Main Street. Follow directions to Christmas Town.
U.S. Highway 29-74 from Charlotte
Follow the highway until you reach Wesleyan Drive, approximately 20 miles from Charlotte. Wesleyan Drive is just beyond the South Fork River bridge on U.S. 74. Drivers will turn right onto Wesleyan and follow it through McAdenville.