Christmastown, USA's lighting ceremony in downtown McAdenville is held on Dec. 1 every year. It will start at 4:30 p.m., and the switch will be pulled around 5:30 p.m., kicking off the 57th year of the town’s nightly lights display.

Thousands of people visit the Gaston County town every year to see the free display of holiday lights. Houses, fir trees and wreaths along a two-mile stretch are adorned with thousands of lights, and chime bells play Christmas carols throughout the season.

The town was recognized by Yahoo! Travel as one of the top 10 destinations for holiday lights this year.

Visitors can drive or stroll through the small town, which started the holiday tradition in 1956. Free parking is available in three different areas.

Click here for a McAdenville traffic guide from Traffic Team 9.

Previous Stories: November 29, 2011: McAdenville ranked in top 10 best holiday lights displays