McADENVILLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TRAFFIC GUIDE:  Traffic Team 9 suggests the best routes to the McAdenville lights, as well as alternate routes to avoid the traffic backups.

BEST ROUTE FROM CHARLOTTE:  Traffic Team 9 recommends using I-485 to Wilkinson Blvd./Exit 9 (heading west toward Gastonia) to Wesleyan Dr. in McAdenville.  This is a "back door" route to McAdenville that avoids the tremendous traffic backups seen on I-85 at the McAdenville exit.  You'll still see all the same lights, but will be driving in the opposite direction of the majority of traffic.  There will be signs at the Wilkinson Blvd./Wesleyan Dr. intersection to direct you into town. BEST ROUTE FROM GASTONIA:  Take I-85 North to Exit 22/Lowell.  Turn right at the top of the ramp and follow the signs through Lowell into McAdenville.  PLEASE NOTE:  The ramp from I-85 North onto Exit 23 (the McAdenville exit) will be closed each night while the Christmas lights are on.  Additionally, no left turns will be allowed from eastbound Wilkinson Blvd. onto Wesleyan Dr. in McAdenville. ALTERNATE ROUTES:  Visitors to "Christmastown USA" create significant backups on I-85 northbound and southbound approaching Exit 22 and Exit 23.  The worst backups are seen on Friday and Saturday evenings.  Use Wilkinson Blvd./Highway 74 as an alternate route between Charlotte and Gastonia.  If you choose to stay on I-85, use the far left lane to minimize your delay.

Christmastown USA runs from December 1st through December 26th.  The lights glow nightly from 5:30 p.m. through 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 5:30 p.m. through 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.