


Illustrations by Diana Terry
From commemorating traditions to turning tree shopping into an all-day adventure, these destinations offer a decidedly unique yuletide experience.
In addition to welcoming visitors of all ages, Hann’s allows canine guests too, as long as they’re on a leash and friendly.
“People bring their dogs; they can run around and enjoy [themselves],” Greg says. “We try to include the whole family.”

All of the farm’s holiday festivities are free. A 1,500-square-foot store located in the large barn offers hand-painted nativity sets and other distinctive items for purchase.
“A lot of people just come for a day in the country,” Greg says. “People can ride in the wagon, shop, and see Santa; it’s a great time.”






“They kept telling friends in neighboring villages,” Sonia says. “People would knock on the door and say, ‘Can I come in for a closer look?’ and my mother would say ‘No, this is our home!’”
Eventually, after adding lights to the chicken coops, trees, and other areas of the farm, Sonia’s father started charging 50 cents per car to visit. Today admission costs $10 to $12 for kids and adults, and admission is free for those 3 and under. More than two dozen small buildings display items ranging from model trains to nutcrackers and have exhibits featuring creative themes, such as Christmas in the jungle.


“It’s a beautiful setting; when you come over the hill, in darkness, you see all the lights,” she says. “We have many generations that come. Some of the people [who came as children] are grandparents now—it just keeps growing every year.”




Guests can also rent one of the nursery’s firepits, which accommodate groups of up to about 25 to linger and enjoy each other’s company.
“Families are looking for an experience,” says Manager Joe Hensler. “People can spend the whole day here, [instead of] just getting a tree and leaving.”







“It’s a community effort,” Steve says. “The tradition brings a lot of [people] back, and new folks come every year.”
At the town’s lighting ceremony, scheduled for Dec. 2 this year, a local elementary school student will flip a giant switch, triggering 500,000 lights in public areas throughout the town to turn on for the season.


There’s no charge to attend any of the holiday events. “We’re not in the business of making money,” Steve says, adding that McAdenville has had to shoo away vendors trying to sell things like cotton candy. “We want people to come and have a good time.”






You can stop by Santa Claus year-round for some holiday cheer; nearly 20 Santa statues are sprinkled throughout the town, including one that’s 22 feet high. During the first three weekends in December, though, the yuletide focus goes full throttle.





Erin Brereton has written about travel and other topics for magazines, newspapers, and other publications for more than 20 years.
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