Festive Fun in Canton: Holiday Events You Don't Want to Miss This Christmas

Nov 12, 2024

Canton is often referred to as the perfect 'Hallmark Christmas movie town' thanks to its festive community-oriented events and small-town charm. Keep reading to discover why you should spend this Holiday season in Canton and experience the magic for yourself.

Downtown Canton Tree Lighting

Nov. 20 • 6:30PM

The festive season kicks off with a beloved annual tradition as Santa Claus himself flips the switch to illuminate Downtown Canton's Christmas Tree! Join us as the air is filled with festive cheer and carols, with special performances by The Knox Stem Academy Chorus and Light of the World Church Acapella Choir. Of course, you'll also get the opportunity to meet and get your picture with Santa before he heads back to the North Pole!

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Christmas at The Mill

Nov. 29 & 30 • 10AM-7PM

Ice Skating All Season Long

Take your family to a festive outing at The Mill on Etowah for their "Christmas at the Mill" celebration! Featuring over 100 local vendor booths selling seasonal treats and arts and crafts, unique festive photo opportunities, and so much more. There will also be ice skating at The Mill all season long! Don't forget, there will be a special mailbox on-site for sending letters directly to the North Pole, so be sure to bring your letters to Santa. Finally, if you are unable to attend Canton's tree lighting in Downtown on November 20, The Mill will light their own tree at 6PM on November 30 accompanied by festive musical performances.

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See Cherokee in Gingerbread at History Cherokee

Nov. 30 - Dec. 22

See Cherokee County landmarks like you've never seen them before! This special exhibit at History Cherokee will see local bakers recreating iconic buildings in Cherokee County using gingerbread! Visitors will get to vote on their favorite creation, so be sure to visit History Cherokee from November 30 to December 22 to see the exhibit for yourself and help crown this year's winner!

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Mistletoe on Main

Dec. 5, 12, 19 • 5:30-8:30PM

Enjoy a cozy evening and take in the holiday lights with free wagon rides through Downtown Canton and an opportunity to meet Santa. A perfect way to spend an evening after a day of shopping or enjoying a meal in one Downtown Canton's many restaurants.

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Holiday Homes Tour

Dec. 6 • 5-9PM

Dec. 7 • 10AM-5PM

Step into Canton's history during one of History Cherokee's Holiday Homes Tours! This is a unique opportunity to discover historic homes in Downtown Canton, which consist mostly of private residences and two public buildings, fully decorated for the holiday season. Guests will learn about each home's unique architecture, as well as the history of the home. If you choose to do the evening tour on December 6th, you’ll enjoy the homes and buildings lit up after dark for a festive glow. Alternatively, you can take the tour in daylight on December 7. This is a truly unique way to learn about the history of Downtown Canton's architecture.

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Christmas Bar Crawl at The Mill

Dec. 7 • 12-8PM

Here's a fun activity for the 21 and over crowd! The Mill on Etowah will be hosting their first Christmas Bar Crawl on December 7th! Discover nine holiday-themed popup bars around The Mill, each with two exclusive themed cocktails available for purchase! Your ticket includes a keepsake Christmas Crawl mug and a map guiding you to each stop. Grab your friends, throw on your favorite festive attire, and stop by The Mill any time from noon until 8PM!

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Meet Santa in Downtown Canton!

Dec. 7, 14, 21 • 2-5PM

In addition to his various appearances at events throughout the season, Santa will also be visiting Canton from the North Pole on December 7, 14, and 21! Make sure you get your cameras and Christmas lists ready!

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Christmas in Canton

Dec. 13 • 6-9PM

Another cherished annual tradition is 'Christmas in Canton.' Visit the hot chocolate station beside the brightly lit Christmas Tree in Cannon Park and take in the spirit of the season. Roast some marshmallows over the roaring fires at the smores station, get your picture with Santa, and take in the lights and Christmas Carols in the heart of our picturesque, Historic Downtown.

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Merry Market & Christmas Parade

Dec. 14 • 12-6PM • Parade begins at 6PM

Looking for the perfect gift or some unique holiday decor you won't find anywhere else? You need to check out the Merry Market on December 14th in Cannon Park. Featuring homemade goods from local vendors to delicious seasonal comfort food, the Merry Market in Downtown Canton is the perfect small-town holiday shopping experience. Proceeds from the market go to the Canton Optimist Club.

Once the market wraps up at 6PM, gather around Main Street for the annual Christmas Parade!

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Catch a movie or show in a 113 year-old theatre

The Grinch [2018] en Español - Nov. 29 • 7PM (TICKETS/ENTRADAS)

Carrollton Jazz Orchestra: A Swingin' Christmas - Dec. 1 • 3PM (GET TICKETS HERE)

Elf - Dec. 23 • 3PM (GET TICKETS HERE FROM DEC. 9)

White Christmas - Dec. 23 - 7PM (GET TICKETS HERE FROM DEC. 9)

A Tuna Christmas - Various Dates (GET TICKETS HERE)

Ever wanted to see a movie or performance in a historic theatre? The Historic Canton Theatre has been a shining hub for arts & culture in Downtown Canton since 1911! Catch a variety of holiday-themed programming this year, such as movie screenings of "Elf" and "White Christmas!"

Music lovers can treat themselves to the Carrollton Jazz Orchestra's special performance of "A Swingin' Christmas," which features performances of holiday classics and amazing improvisations by some of the Southeast's greatest jazz musicians.

If live theatre is more up your alley, you won't want to miss "A Tuna Christmas," a comedy set in the eccentric town of Tuna, Texas, where local radio hosts Thurston and Arles cover the town's holiday chaos, from a fierce lawn-decorating contest to a struggling production of A Christmas Carol.

For a full list of events at the Historic Canton Theatre, click the link below.

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Canton is the perfect place to spend the Holiday season this year, offering a blend of endless activities for all ages and small-town feel. Be sure to visit our Christmas in Canton page for a full list of upcoming events.

Author

Michael Loizou

Digital Content Specialist; City of Canton, GA

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