Holiday activities in Madison County: Parades, tree lightings, markets and more
As the temperature finally starts to drop and the sun goes down earlier in Madison County, it is starting to feel more like the holiday season. That means it's time to start looking for some fun activities.
Read on, and mark your calendars for these free, family-friendly events.
Canton Christmas Festival
Canton has become a well-known fixture of the holiday season because of its annual Canton Christmas Festival. The light and activity-filled event runs from Nov. 24 through Dec. 23 this year on the historic Canton Square.
Canton's ever-growing festival earned the town a feature on Trips to Discover's 2020 list of the "most festive Christmas towns in every state".
The list says, "During the holidays, Canton, Mississippi's 200,000 sparkling lights illuminate the historic Courthouse Square. There are animated holiday displays and lots of activities for the kids."
The long list of things to see around the square include Rudolph's Playground, train rides, an 18-foot walk-through present box, a four-story high Christmas tree and Santa's cookie stop.
The festival will also feature an interactive village made up of Rudolph's barn, Frosty's igloo and Santa's Workshop with special events like story time with Mrs. Claus.
A full list of events is on the Canton tourism website.
The festivities kick off with an opening weekend on Nov. 24-26. After a brief closing from Nov. 27-30, the festival will run nightly 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Dec. 1-23.
Merry Market, Madison
The Merry Market will overtake Main Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 9. This will be the second annual Merry Market. Local vendors will set up booths along the street.
The Madison the City Facebook page posted an invitation saying, “Don’t miss this premier shopping event in the heart of downtown Madison.” The invitation already has more than 900 responses, with 50 saying they will go for sure.
Christmas at City Hall on the Ridgeland Green
Christmas at City Hall is a free event taking place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 at Ridgeland City Hall.
Guests are invited to "enjoy holiday treats, make holiday crafts, play games, take pictures with Santa, listen to live Christmas music, watch a Christmas movie and make memories."
The theme for all of Ridgeland's Christmas events is "Old Time Christmas" as a nod to Ridgeland's beginnings.
In addition to that event, the Ridgeland Recreation and Parks Department will place a mailbox on the north side of the City Hall green. From Nov. 30 through Dec. 14, children can place their letters to Santa in this mailbox to be sent to the North Pole.
Madison Parade
The Madison Christmas Parade will start at 9 a.m. on Dec. 2. Floats and local marching bands bring cheer to Main Street in this annual tradition. This year's theme is "Santa's workshop."
The route begins at Ridgecrest Baptist Church on Old Canton Road and ends at the red caboose on Main Street, where the festivities continue with an awards ceremony. New awards this year include Best Float, Best Dance Team, Best Band and Most Christmas Spirit.
Spectators can set up chairs or line up along the route to watch the floats and enjoy the music.
Ridgeland Parade
Starting at Holmes Community College, Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee will lead bands and businesses in a parade that will illustrate the city's theme of "Old Time Christmas."
The parade will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, later the same day as the Madison parade, so spectators can make a whole day of watching the bands and floats.
The route will begin at Holmes, make a square around Maple St., Jackson St. and Sunnybrook Road and end back at the college.
Gluckstadt Parade
Continuing a tradition that started last year, Gluckstadt will host its own Christmas parade. Last year's theme was "North Pole in the New City."
The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on Dec. 9. This year's theme is "Silver Bell City." The festivities will take place on the Calhoun Station Parkway.
Main Street Tree Lighting, Madison
Soon, Main Street in Madison will be aglow with the lights of a giant Christmas tree.
The tree, located on Main Street sits waiting for the Christmas season. At 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, the city will flip the switch and light up downtown Madison.
Madison Festival of Trees
If the Main Street lighting isn’t enough to satisfy your Christmas Tree craving, consider the Madison Festival of Trees.
The Madison The City Facebook page posted an advertisement for the event saying, “Our goal is to create a magical setting where people can take leisurely strolls, capture beautiful memories and enjoy the festive spirit.”
Local businesses will sponsor and decorate trees, with a contest determining the best one.
The trees will sit along Main Street and will remain throughout December.
Ridgeland Tree Lighting
Also continuing a growing tradition, Ridgeland will hold its fifth annual tree lighting to welcome in this year's Christmas season.
The lighting will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, on the Plaza at Old Town Crossing on the corner of Jackson Street and Northeast Madison Drive.
The Ridgeland website invites guests to come "hear Christmas music, welcome Santa, make holiday crafts and countdown to the lighting of the tree!"
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Madison County holiday activities: parades, tree lightings, shopping
