ChristmasTown 5K

A festive 5K through the streets of McAdenville the weekend before the town’s lights officially come on, one of the few chances to run through Christmas Town U.S.A. with the streets closed to cars. The course follows the same loop the cars drive in December, so you pass the lit evergreens, the lake with its floating trees and the decorated homes at a pace where you can actually look at them.

It is a run first and a race second. Costumes, light up shoes and blinking headbands are the norm, strollers are welcome, and most of the field walks at least part of it. It has become the unofficial kickoff to the McAdenville season, the weekend after Thanksgiving, three days before the tree lighting.

What to expect

• A 5K loop through the Christmas Town U.S.A. light display
• Streets closed to cars for the run
• Costumes and lights encouraged
• Family friendly, walkers and strollers welcome

Schedule

• Sat, Nov. 28 Race day; see registration for start time and packet pickup

Plan your visit

Register early. Arrive well ahead of the start; parking in McAdenville is limited to a few lots and side streets.

Good to know

• McAdenville is off I-85 exits 22 and 26, about 20 minutes west of Uptown.
• Belmont, two exits east, has the most restaurant options before or after.
• Dress for a cold evening; late November nights near the river run chilly.