Looking for holiday magic close to home? Reader’s Digest flagged one Mississippi town as a must-visit for Christmas cheer, especially if you’re looking for things your kids will love.
The list of 55 towns includes festivals, community events, Christmas lights, decorations and performances that will leave you with picture-perfect memories like something out of a Hallmark movie.
Reader’s Digest highlighted an annual Mississippi small town’s Christmas festival that lets children sing and play with characters like Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, Rudolph and more under sparkling lights.
Which Mississippi city is full of Christmas cheer?
Reader’s Digest chose the Canton Christmas Festival, also called City of Lights as one of the best Christmas town in America. It was highlighted as the best choice for children’s activities.
“The season’s events are especially magical for kids, as they listen to storytime with Mrs. Claus and give Santa their wish list. Youngsters can also enjoy roaming characters, animated holiday displays and rides including a gorgeous carousel that makes viewing the lights all the more beautiful as you twirl,” Reader’s Digest wrote.
Every night, according to Canton Tourism, there are activities around the Historic Canton Square, including:
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Firetruck and train rides
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Kids’ rides: carousel, antique cars and sky race
There’s an interactive village with Rudolph’s house, Frosty’s house and a reindeer barn. The event also features several walk-through exhibits.
When is the Canton Christmas Festival?
The festival started Nov. 28 and had a brief closure Dec. 1-4. Now, it’s open 5-9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 23.
This year, the event is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with special patriotic touches.
Christmas characters will lead a carol sing-along from Dec. 12-23. Or catch a ride around the square in a horse-drawn carriage.
Dec. 12 will be the 19th annual Holiday Sip ‘N Cider, when some businesses will offer hot cider.
How much does it cost to attend the Canton Christmas Festival?
Everything runs on a ticket system. Individual tickets cost $2 or you can get a sheet of 20 tickets for $25. They take cash or credit cards, and there are no refunds.
The train, fire truck, carousel, sky race and antique cars each cost 2 tickets per person.
The Christmas village and the horse-and-buggy ride each cost 5 tickets per person.
Pictures with Santa are available Dec. 12-23. There are different photo packages, ranging from $15 to $45.
More: HGTV calls Mississippi small town a top destination with ‘big Christmas spirit’
Best restaurants in Canton, MS
Here are the top 5 restaurants in Canton, according to Tripadvisor:
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Bettina’s Soul Food Kitchen
See long-range forecasts: Will polar vortex bring snow to Mississippi before Christmas?
What are the best Christmas destinations in the South?
These are the top Christmas towns in the South, according to Reader’s Digest.
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Florida: St. Augustine and Orlando
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North Carolina: McAdenville and Garrison
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South Carolina: Charleston
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Virginia: Williamsburg and Lewisburg
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS city is one of best Christmas towns in US, Reader’s Digest says
