The Small-Town Magic That Keeps McAdenville Shining Bright

Every year, it seems like McAdenville has to prove itself all over again to lay claim to being the best Christmastown USA. Last year it was USA Today’s 10Best, and now, this year, Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards are calling for votes.

Gaston County may not have the biggest or flashiest Christmas town in the country, but we’ve got one of the oldest, and without a doubt, one of the most consistent.

The holidays are built on tradition, and for nearly 70 years, McAdenville has been one of those can’t-miss holiday stops. Growing up in Charlotte, driving “all the way” to see the lights was a big deal. Driving through is nice, but nothing beats taking it all in on foot with all five senses.

Maybe the one that makes McAdenville so special is the fact that it’s never gone commercial. During the light display, commercial activity is limited to keep that small-town, community-centered feel.

In other words, McAdenville is the kind of Christmas town that even Charlie Brown would love.

And while we don’t have anything to prove, it never hurts to remind the world what makes our Christmastown USA so special. So go on, Gaston County. Go vote for McAdenville. Vote early and vote often through Nov. 18 at noon.

Thank you for reading! Please share with your friends and neighbors!

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🎅 VOTE FOR CHRISTMAS TOWN USA

McAdenville, better known as Christmas Town USA, is nominated for Newsweek’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Christmas Town. For nearly 70 years, its glowing lights and festive spirit have drawn visitors from across the country. Vote daily through Nov. 18 at noon. Winners announced Nov. 25.

🎣 FISH CAMP JAM MEMORIES REEL IN COMMUNITY SPIRIT

At the GBA’s Downtown Caffeine & Conversation, former volunteers Renee Long, Walter Gray, Jennie Stultz, and Cheryl Loggins shared stories of Gastonia’s iconic Fish Camp Jam. From catfish races to cook-offs, the 1986–1999 festival showcased creativity, teamwork, and hometown pride that once drew 50,000 people downtown.

💙 SHARE YOUR FAVORITE GASTON COUNTY CHARITY FOR GIVING TUESDAY

Giving Tuesday returns Dec. 2, and Hello, Gaston! wants to spotlight local nonprofits making a difference. Briefly tell us which Gaston County charity you love and why by Thursday, Nov. 20, and help spread the spirit of giving.

🎉 BELMONT ROTARY CLUB MARKS 100 YEARS OF SERVICE

Founded in 1925, the Belmont Rotary Club is celebrating a century of “Service Above Self.” Led by President Ken Pahon, the club honored its milestone with a commemorative book, community receptions, and a scholarship fundraiser. Members now look ahead to their next hundred years of impact.

🥚 MOUNT HOLLY’S CAROLINA EGGNOG STIRS UP HOLIDAY CHEER

Queen City News storyteller John Le spotlights Mount Holly’s Carolina Eggnog, a family business built on a 40-year-old Panamanian recipe. Founded by Kathy Troll and carried on by her children, it’s a heartfelt story of heritage, perseverance, and holiday spirit.

🥫 LOWERY CHALLENGE AIMS TO FIGHT HUNGER IN GASTON COUNTY

Malinda and John Lowery have pledged $50,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank to fight hunger across Gaston County. The community is challenged to match their gift by December 31, helping ensure all 16 local food pantries have the resources needed to feed families this holiday season.

📰  QUICK BITES

Disclaimer: News items marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

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GO-SEE-DO GASTON

PLAN AHEAD

Holidays at the Garden
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont
📅 Friday, November 28 - Saturday, December 27
⏰ 5–10 p.m.
Step into a sparkling wonderland with millions of lights, festive fountains, and cozy fireside treats. Enjoy Santa visits, train rides, live music, and an adults-only speakeasy. More Details. ($)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13

“Channeling Places in the Mind and Heart” Art Exhibit Opening Reception
📍 Bliss Gallery, 25 N. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
Celebrate the inspiring works of Sue Beeren and Nancy Nichols at this heartfelt exhibition honoring creativity, legacy, and love. The exhibit runs through November 29. More Details.

Southern Christmas Show
📍 The Park Expo & Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road, Charlotte
📅 Thursday, November 13 - Sunday, November 23
⏰ times vary
Shop holiday décor, gifts, and treats at one of the Southeast’s largest Christmas markets, featuring more than 400 vendors and festive displays. More Details.

Trivia Night at Cavendish
📍 Cavendish Brewing Company, 207 N. Chester Street, Gastonia
⏰ 7–9 p.m.
Test your knowledge with weekly trivia, cold craft beer, and prizes for top teams at Cavendish. Gather your crew for some friendly competition. More Details.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14

The Belmont Abbey Players present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
📍 Haid Theater, Belmont Abbey College
📅 Friday, November 14 - Sunday, November 16
⏰ times vary
The beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical returns to Belmont Abbey with colorful costumes, timeless songs, and inspiring performances for the whole family. More Details.

Dashing Through the Snow
📍 Joy Performance Center, Kings Mountain
📅 Friday, November 14 - Sunday, November 16
⏰ times vary
A heartwarming holiday play filled with laughter and small-town charm. Perfect for families ready to jump into the Christmas spirit early. More Details.

History & Ghost Moon Paddle
📍 Riverside Paddle and Row, 103 1st Street, Cramerton
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Paddle the South Fork River under the full moon with guides sharing eerie tales and local history along the peaceful nighttime route. More Details.

Friday Night Live Music w/ Brian Ashley Jones and Melanie Jones
 📍 Confluence, 117 Center Street, Cramerton
 ⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of acoustic music, food, and drinks along the South Fork River at this popular community gathering spot. Family-friendly atmosphere. More Details.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fresh produce, baked goods, meats, and flowers from local farmers every Saturday morning. A community favorite since 1973. More Details.

The Little Theater of Gastonia presents The Outsiders
📍 238 S. Clay Street, Gastonia
📅 Friday, November 15 - Sunday, November 16
⏰ times vary
Experience the classic coming-of-age tale of friendship, loyalty, and identity as the Greasers and Socs face off in this powerful stage adaptation. More Details.

Meet the Author: Dixie Abernathy
📍 Gaston County Public Library – Main Branch, 1555 E. Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Local author Dixie Abernathy discusses the final Cramerton trilogy novel, joined by Friends of the Library and community readers. More Details.

Holiday on the Greenway: Sip and Shop
📍 Arts on the Greenway, 500 E. Central Avenue, Mount Holly
📅 Friday, November 14 - Sunday, November 16
⏰ time vary
Browse handmade holiday goods, sip complimentary warm drinks, and enjoy the winter gallery with local makers and festive cheer. More Details.

Flannel Fest Cramerton
 📍 Centennial Center, 100 Center Street, Cramerton
 ⏰ 5–9 p.m.
Enjoy live 90s and 2000s tribute bands, food trucks, axe throwing, contests, and limited flannel merch at this family-friendly fall celebration. More Details.

Volunteer Trail Days
📍 Crowders Mountain State Park, 522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain
⏰ 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Join park staff for a volunteer morning maintaining trails, removing litter, and keeping Crowders beautiful. Tools and supplies provided. More Details.

South Fork Supper Club
📍 The River Room, 117 Center Street, Cramerton
⏰ 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Enjoy a locally inspired dinner along the river featuring seasonal ingredients, curated wine pairings, and relaxed conversation. Reservations required. More Details.

Pickin’ on the Porch
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
Bring a chair and enjoy bluegrass and folk tunes performed live on the porch with garden views. More Details.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
📍 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
⏰ 1 p.m. (FOX)
Second round with the Falcons—this time in Atlanta.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Veterans Coffee Connection
📍 Outback Steakhouse, Gastonia
⏰ 8:30 a.m.
Veterans are invited for coffee, camaraderie, and conversation as they share stories and support each other. Sponsored by Carolina Caring. More Details.($)

Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with the event organizers for the most up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any changes after publication. Events marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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