CANTON CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL READY TO SPARKLE AGAIN IN 36th YEAR!

Once again, Mississippi’s original City of Lights prepares to shine this holiday season. The 2023 Canton Christmas Festival kicks off on the Historic Canton Square with Opening Weekend, Friday, November 24 - Sunday, November 26 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. The festival reopens nightly December 1 – December 23, with the 17th Annual Sip ‘N Cider event taking place on Friday, December 8.

The Opening Weekend also begins our Merchants’ Open House which is a favorite tradition with small town charm. Shop for unique gifts, and antiques around the Historic Square. Canton’s Merchants will be open Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25^th from 10:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. and Sunday, November 26^th, from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. 

Popular favorites return, such as Canton Christmas Festival treasure, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, along with performances by her Magical Cast of Characters. The towering 4 story LED Christmas tree will once again be present on the historical courthouse grounds, along with over 100,000 twinkling lights around the Square. Also returning are family favorite firetruck and train rides around the Square, as well as the Victorian carousel, sky race, and miniature cars for children. On select dates, cozy up with a horse- drawn carriage ride and stop by the Canton Welcome Center for photos with Santa himself and see if you made the Nice List. 

New features visitors can look forward to including a massive 18-foot walkthrough giftbox light display and Rudolph’s Playground, where children will find Mrs. Claus’ reading porch, magical reindeer and festive penguin photo ops, and a glittering Finding Nemo display returns with a splash! Also new this year is our 16-foot Walk through Snowman, our 32-foot Caterpillar and you will delight in our Tommy Sledding Reindeer.  Children will be encouraged to find one of the 3 mailboxes where they can mail their Letters to Santa, provided by Canton Tourism. Letters written from home are also encouraged!

A must new attraction for all to enjoy is Santa’s Cookie Stop on the North Side of the Square across from Subway. Stop and enjoy fresh homemade Cookies, one designed and created for the Canton Christmas Festival, along with Hot Chocolate, Coffee and fun interactive activities for the children. In honor of Canton’s Film Industry, Santa’s Cookie Stop pays homage to the movies “The Elf” and “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”. Come and enjoy our new fun and exciting attraction.

Returning this year is our popular Snow Village featuring Santa’s Picturesque Hometown and Miniature Train Depot, featuring a 300-piece display.  A not to be missed activity for young and old alike.

While the multiple sights, sounds, and various rides are always enjoyable, the Canton Christmas Festival also offers several interactive features. Walk through Canton’s Christmas Village for souvenirs from Rudolph’s Barn, Frosty’s Igloo, and Santa’s Workshop. Walk through the Animation Museum to see if you can find the elves’ Top 10 favorite toys. Step into the past and experience what a true Victorian Christmas looked like in Canton as Christmas comes alive in the animated Canton History Museum.

“The holidays are such a magical time of year, and we are just honored that so many people choose to make memories with us in Canton,” says Jo Ann Gordon Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director. “This festival is 36 years old. Canton’s Christmas Festival is a three and four generation tradition year after year. We have families who have been coming to Canton for generations, to experience the joy and excitement of the season. Our gazebo, which is always stunningly decorated, has become a popular place for couples to get engaged. And for those of us born and raised in Canton, it’s a major part of our childhood. We’re very proud of what we’ve created and the joy it brings into people’s lives.” 

Canton invites you to bring your family and make Christmas memories again in the City of Lights. For more information and for a complete schedule of festivities and map of the festival, visit www.cantontourism.com or call Canton Tourism at (601) 859-1307 or 1-800-844-3369.