CHRISTMAS IN CANTON -- "CITY OF LIGHTS"
Download the brochure with complete dates and times
November 25 - December 23, 2011
Canton, the "City of Lights," comes alive each holiday season with attractions and events for young and old alike. From the Victorian Festival to old-fashioned carousel rides, you’ll find something to tickle your holiday fancy, no matter what your preference!
A special annual attraction that always proves to be a joyous experience is the Canton Animation Museums. This treasure chest of Christmas delights began with just 22 antique window decorations and a vision to create a holiday fantasy which would highlight the area’s rich history, diverse present, and promising future. Now in its thirteenth year, the Museums include 135 life-size animated figures that beckon holiday fun-seekers to a world of fact and fairy tales. From historical representations of life in Canton throughout the 20th century to whimsical scenes depicting favorite children’s stories, the Museums’ displays are artfully handcrafted and a delight to behold. (See sidebar for a full listing of the displays, hours, and ticket information).
The festivities in Canton all take place around the Historic Courthouse Square, decorated with over 200,000 glittering lights. Canton’s Square is honored as a National Register Landmark and, to date, more than $20 million has been reinvested into the preservation and continuation of this unique hub of activity. Visitors from all 50 states and from many foreign countries have come to take part in Canton’s famous holiday festivities on the Square. The festival received honorable mention from the Arts & Entertainment Network's 2003 contest, "Best Small Town Christmas Spirit."
In addition to the Canton Animation Museums and the glittering decorations of the Square, Canton offers holiday visitors many other attractions including the Merchant’s Open House, Carousel on the Square, Miniature Train or Fire Truck on the Square, Old Jail Museum, Log Cabin Behind the Old Jail, The Railroad Museum, and Santa’s Procession, the glittering nighttime Christmas Parade. While in Canton, visitors are urged to take the time to tour the Canton Film Museums, home to sets and memorabilia from "A Time to Kill," "My Dog Skip," "The Ponder Heart," "O Brother Where Art Thou," "The Rising Place," and more. Next door to the Canton Film Museum, visit the Canton Multicultural Center, a tribute to struggles and accomplishments of African-Americans throughout the history of Canton.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
CHRISTMAS ANIMATION MUSEUMS
CANTON WELCOME CENTER
Historic Trolio Hotel on the west side of the Square
Admission (includes all animation museums): $3.00
School groups contact the Welcome Center for special rates.
Tickets may be purchased at the Canton Welcome Center.
Adults and children alike delight in seeing over 150 life-size moving figures that showcase Canton’s past and present!
CHILDREN'S CAROUSEL & VINTAGE CAR RIDES
Groups by appointment at other times. Bring the family to view hunderds of thousands of sparkling white lights and enjoy an old-fashioned carousel. ($1.00 per ride)
MINIATURE TRAIN & FIRE TRUCK AROUND THE SQUARE
Rides to delight both children and adults! ($1.00 per ride)
HORSE & BUGGY RIDES
Take in the sights as you circle Canton’s Historic Square on an old-fashioned horse & buggy ride.
MERCHANTS OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND
1st weekend only!
(call for merchant hours)
Shop the Gift and Antique Square of Mississippi! Visit our many unique stores and discover the pleasure of shopping for the Holidays. We make it a fun and personal experience.
5th Annual "Sip 'n Cider"!
Participating merchants offer their version of Christmas Hot Cider!
Vote for your favorite! For more information, contact the Canton
Chamber of Commerce/Main Street office at 601-859-5816.
LOG CABIN BEHIND THE OLD JAIL
The Log Cabin dates back to the 1820s - 1830s. Come experience the early days of Christmas in Canton. "Handcrafted Holiday Treasures" by Kay & Ducky Longgrear, Herb & Barbara Power. The Historic Old Jail will also be opened for tours during these times.
"THE RAILROAD COMES TO CANTON"
Located in the renovated depot, 108 Depot Drive. Come see the historical exhibits including a talking "O Scale" model of the Illinois Central passenger trains that serviced the main line of Mid-America, Chicago to New Orleans from the 1900s to the 1970s.
For more information, contact the Canton Train Museum at 601-859-4733 or Canton Redevelopment Authority at 601-859-3815.
For more information on any of Canton’s attractions, contact the Canton Welcome Center at 800-844-3369.
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