Canton Christmas Festival

Christmas Festival 2024 - Opening Weekend - November 29 2024-December 1, 2024

Closed - December 2, 2024 - December 5, 2024

Christmas Festival Reopens - December 6, 2024 - December 23, 2024

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See below for our 2024 Christmas Festival interactive activities:

• Opening Weekend & Merchants Open House:

November 29th-December 1st

(Closed December 2 - December 5th)

• Reopens Nightly, Beginning:

December 6th - December 23rd

• 18th Annual Sip-N-Cider:

Friday, December 13th

*Festival hours are 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.

*Special Characters Perform at 6:30p and 8:00p with Photos after each performance.

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UPDATED 2024 CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL MAP COMING SOON

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Not sure where to stay? Check out our list of accommodations here in Canton!
WHERE TO STAY

Looking for something to eat? Here’s a list of all Canton has to offer.
WHERE TO EAT

For the most recent updates on our Christmas Festival,
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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CANTON CHRISTMAS T-SHIRTS FOR SALE!

We will have limited quantities available at the Welcome Center while supplies last.

These made GREAT Christmas gifts! Get yours today!

Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show

2024 Dates:

May 9th & October 10th

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

APPLICATION CUT OFF DATE FOR OCTOBER MARKET:

** SEPTEMER 20, 2024**

We invite you to visit Canton for one of the South’s original & finest arts & crafts shows! The bi-annual Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show is a ONE-day show, held on the second Thursday of May and October.

PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE APPLYING:

Exhibits are by invitation ONLY to participate in the Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show. Along with your completed application, you are required to send in photographs of your art or craft or food set up.

All items must be handmade, or partially handmade, by the vendor to be selected. Once an application is selected, you will be contacted by a flea market sponsor with an invitation. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we do not send rejection emails, if we consider you for a future event we will be in touch.

All spaces are 10' x 12' in size and are $140 per space. This cost covers the $80.00 fee for the City of Canton sales permit and the Sponsor's $60.00 rental fee.

CANTON TOURISM IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SELECTION OR PLACEMENT OF VENDORS AND ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION. Please refer below for application and FAQ’s:

• Canton Flea Market Brochure

• Download the Application

• Driving directions from select cities across the South

• Canton Flea Market Guidelines

The famous Canton Flea Market attracts artisans nationally to showcase handcrafted items such as pottery, jewelry, and unique arts & crafts. This bi-annual event attracts over 1,100 superior artists and craftsmen to within walking distance of the downtown area, who display their work on the beautiful grounds of the historic Madison County Courthouse and throughout the surrounding area.

Top Twenty Event in the Southeast

-Southeast Tourism Society

Outstanding Promotional Event in the State of Mississippi

-Mississippi Downtown Development Association

Best of the Best of Mississippi

-Mississippi Magazine

Top 100 Event

-American Bus Association

Handmade arts and crafts are located on the Courthouse grounds and the adjacent Union and Center Streets. Additional exhibits are on the church properties on Peace Street, at the Old Jail Museum behind City Hall, and on two blocks of East Fulton Street.

Take advantage of excellent shopping opportunities at the Flea Market as well as Canton’s surrounding merchants!

The Canton Flea Market features: 

UNIQUE HANDCRAFTED ARTS & CRAFTS VENDORS

QUALITY FINE ART AT BELOW GALLERY PRICES

BOUTIQUES & ANTIQUES STORES AROUND THE HISTORIC SQUARE

CONVENIENT PARKING THROUGHOUT THE CITY

Applications, hotel listings, and hospitality facilities are available through the Canton Tourism Office. Call (601) 859-1307 or (800) 844-3369.

Email fleamarket@cantontourism.com for additional information.

The Canton Flea Market is a litter free event.

Craft Vendors ONLY FAQ’s Canton Flea Market

The Canton Flea Market is owned by the City of Canton and managed by the Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau. Our event uses quotas in the various categories of arts and crafts and food to avoid any category from outweighing the others. This results in the denial of invitations to many good vendors, but it provides a better show for the participants and buying public.

*What dates are the flea market?

The Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show is a ONE-day event and is held on the second Thursday in May and October each year.  

*How do I apply to become a Craft/Food vendor at the Canton Flea Market?

Complete the application process and attach three to five photos of your work and send to fleamarket@cantontourism.com.  Photographs play a major role in selection. Canton Tourism is not responsible for selection or placement of vendors. If you are chosen to be a vendor in the market, a flea market sponsor will reach out to you with an invitation at that time and will be your point of contact throughout.

*How do I apply to be a vendor on the Courthouse grounds?

All items must be handmade/partially handmade to be selected to participate on the Courthouse grounds. You can visit www.cantonmsfleamarket.com for the application and instructions.  This application is designated ONLY for the Courthouse grounds. The telephone number is (601) 859-8055.  

*What are the hours of the Canton Flea Market per City Ordinance?

8:00AM - 5:00PM.  We ask that you please plan on having enough items for the entire day.

*When can we set up our merchandise?

Once you receive your invitation to the flea market, a flea market team member will have all of the instructions available for set up times.

If you are located on Courthouse Grounds, set up begins at 11:00AM the Wednesday before the flea market.   

*Traffic during set up and takedown on Courthouse Square will be restricted on Fulton Street as follows:

During setup- Fulton Street one-way, running from East to West

During takedown-   Fulton Street one-way, running from West to East

*Is there special parking for vendors?

Our flea market is so large it is difficult to designate parking for vendors only. We have paid parking all around the flea market area.

*Are there restrooms?

Yes, we have Port-O-Johns located throughout the flea market.

*Is there a map of the flea market zones?

See above for map.

*Are pets allowed?

Yes, pets are allowed but required to be on a leash and please be respectful and clean up behind your pet.

*How do I know where my space will be located? 

Space assignments are made by the Flea Market sponsor.

*Is there a parking map or locations to park?

Parking locations are first come first serve basis.

*How much are the spaces?

Spaces must be 10’ x 12’ and the cost is $140.00 per space per City ordinance.  This cost covers the ($80.00 fee for the City of Canton sales permit) and the (Sponsor’s $60.00) rental fee. 

*Can I apply for more than once space?

City ordinance limits each vendor to only ONE location in town.  If you are exhibiting at more than one location, you must select which location you prefer.  You may have more than one space at the location, but you must buy a permit for each space.  Failure to comply with the city ordinance will jeopardize your participation in future markets.

*What if it rains?

This is a rain or shine event.

*How do I receive my permit?

In order to set up, you must be issued a Flea Market permit through your flea market sponsor.  It is MANDATORY this permit be displayed in your booth.

*Do I need a tax ID number?

ALL Exhibitors will be issued a permit and must use the Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show sales tax number.  Sales tax is due immediately after each market to your sponsor by end of flea market day.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  Please DO NOT file the Flea Market taxes under your tax number if you have a business elsewhere.  Taxes are to be paid by CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY and are to be payable to the City of Canton. Permits are only good Flea Market Day.

*Where can I find information about tour buses/parking?

You can find parking information on our website at www.cantontourism.com/events. 

*Is electricity available?

Yes, electricity is available at most locations for an additional cost.

*Are generators allowed?

Please do not use any generators near businesses.  These are loud and disturb the business that occupy the buildings near Flea Market areas.  If unable to connect to electricity, we request that you utilize a generator that is quiet and does not disturb all those around. Generators are ONLY allowed in special circumstances and will need to be discussed with the sponsor.

*Can I set up a booth to advertise my business and hand out business cards?

Absolutely NO solicitation of any kind is allowed during the flea market.  

*Can I transfer my invitation to another exhibitor?

It is not allowed to transfer an invitation to another exhibitor. 

*When can I start selling merchandise?

Sales are ONLY permitted on Thursday Flea Market Day.

*Are golf carts/ATV’s allowed?

NO golf carts, ATV’s, motorcycles, bicycles, roller blades, skates, skateboards are allowed.

ONLY City owned and operated golf carts/ATVs are allowed.

*Is the Flea Market Handicap Accessible?

Only motorized scooters manufactured specifically for the handicapped ARE allowed.  There is a ramp located on the North side of the Courthouse Square. Handicap ONLY parking is located behind the Subway and Shelby Smith’s at 3356 North Liberty Street: Canton, MS  39046.  

FOOD VENDORS ONLY- 

Food Exhibitor Regulations:

1. Must maintain the cleanliness of your area.  Extra barrels have been provided near your booth.  We have people removing the trash, but if you see that the barrels are becoming full, it is your responsibility to have someone from your booth empty the barrels.

2. Please do not allow any oil or grease to spill onto the ground in your area.

3. Please do not dump any cornhusks into a trash barrel without having it bagged. These fall out of the barrel and create a mess on the ground.

4. You are required to leave your area in the condition in which you found it. You are not to leave trash anywhere except bagged in trash barrels provided.

5. Please do not throw grease into the trash barrels. These can not be put into the landfill.

6. All food trucks and vendors must have any and all applicable licenses necessary to serve food. Where other approvals are required, you must be able to furnish appropriate licensing and registration information to your flea market sponsor.

All guidelines have been developed in the best interests of you, the flea market sponsors and for the buying public.  These are for your protection and for the purpose of maintaining a quality show.  If you do not see your question here, please contact us at fleamarket@cantontourism.com and we will get back to you.

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Upstairs Downtown

Ever wonder what was UPSTAIRS in the historic DOWNTOWN buildings on the Canton Square?

TOUR DOWNTOWN CANTON’S HISTORIC BUILDINGS AT OUR BI-ANNUAL “UPSTAIRS DOWNTOWN” EVENt featuring hors d’ oeuvres, refreshments, & live music

Thursday, November 2, 2023

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Ticket cost in advance $20

Ticket cost day of event $25

Buildings on Tour IN 2021:

Old Sulm’s Building (Mitch Tyner)
Elks Lodge
Robert’s Insurance Building (Matt Kennedy)
The Loft (Jeb & Maria Stewart)
The Crosby (Bridgett Crosby)
Trolio Hotel
Canton Movie Museum
Sterling Hall
The daily scoop
Old Madison County Courthouse

For more information:
Canton Garden Club Facebook
Canton Garden Club: (601) 613-9411 / (601) 941-5637
Canton Tourism: (601) 859-1307

Ladies' Night Out on the Square

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

2025 Ladies Night Out details to come….

2024 Details below-

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Advance tickets: $15

Tickets at the door: $20

Gather your friends and make a memorable Ladies Night Out in the Heart of Canton!!!

Join us for a night filled with laughter, music, and uniques shopping experiences. Start your adventure at Sterling Hall (3350 N. Liberty St) where you will receive your Ladies Night Out bag with your exclusive wrist band, and a handy map to guide you through the nights festivities. Indulge in delicious hors d’oeuvres and enjoy the tunes of our beloved musician, Frazier Riddell. Don’t miss the Jackson All-Stars Band performing live at the courthouse gazebo, while Staxx Mobile Bar serves wine and soft drinks.

Explore the heart of Canton as our merchants showcase talented artisans demonstrating their incredible crafts right inside their stores. Take advantage of special shopping deals and find that perfect something you’ve been looking for.

And the cherry on top? A GRAND PRIZE drawing for a basket brimming with gifts at 8:15pm! Your ticket grants you one entry, but why stop there? Visit each participating merchant, validate your card, and return it to Sterling Hall by 8:00pm to double your chances of winning.

Don’t miss out on this fabulous opportunity to make memories with your friends!! Grab your tickets now and let’s make it a night to remember!

After you shop ‘til you drop, don’t forget to visit any of our fantastic restaurants! Click HERE for a list of local dining options.

For more information, please contact the Canton Tourism Office at (601) 859-1307 or (800) 844-3369.

Young Filmmakers Workshop

2025 Young Filmmakers Workshop details to come….

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR 2024 WORKSHOP AND LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR!!!

2024 Details below-

The Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau and Film Office are once again offering the Canton Young Filmmakers Workshop for 2024. We are excited to be celebrating twenty one years of this very rewarding program. Canton Young Filmmakers has been very successful in creating an environment for storytelling, scriptwriting, directing, and acting. Many of our former campers have become professional filmmakers and have gone to school and majored in academic film programs.

Canton Young Filmmakers is more than a camp. Our program prides itself in providing an opportunity to see, feel, and touch the beginning process of how movies are made with our young filmmakers and increased opportunity for the older students to progress at a higher level of achievement.

This year we will once again be partnering with the Madison County Library for their enhanced equipment toward the creation and implementation of the student projects. The Mississippi Film Office will partner with us to provide curriculum and experienced instructors with filmmaking experience.

We are looking forward to an exciting summer of filmmaking and look forward to hosting your child in Canton, Mississippi.

2024 CAMP OFFERINGS: (ENDED)

Ages 13 to 18

July 15 - July 19, 2024

• Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Premiere on Saturday, July 20,  2024

*Price $175.00 per person

Ages 8 to 12

July 8, 2023 - July 12, 2024

• Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Premiere on Saturday, July 13,  2024

  *Price $175.00 per person

**Lunch, Snacks, and Materials included, however students may be asked to bring props for filming.

THERE IS LIMITED SPACE IN EACH GROUP- ONCE FULL WE WILL CONTINUE TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AND PLACE ON OUR WAITLIST SHOULD A SPOT BECOME AVAILABLE:

CANTON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

YOUNG FILMMAKERS WORKSHOP

P.O. BOX 53

CANTON, MISSISSIPPI 39046

For more information, please contact Canton Tourism at (601) 859-1307 or (800) 844-3369, or email info@cantontourism.com

PARTNERS – Canton Convention & Visitors Bureau & Film Office

                       Madison County Library

INSTRUCTORS & CURRICULUM – Mississippi Film Office

Mississippi's Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest

Thank you everyone who came out to celebrate our 39th Annual 2024 Mississippi Championship
Hot Air Balloon Festival!!

We will see you in 2025!!

See below for 2024 details-

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Thursday, June 27, 2024 -

6:30 p.m. - Balloon inflation and opening ceremony on the north lawn of the courthouse square

Friday, June 28, 2024 - Northpark; Ridgeland, MS

6am - Competition Flight at the Canton Multipurpose Center; 501 Soldiers Colony Road, Canton, MS

Come out and show your patriotism! Ridgeland Parks and Recreation will partner with the MS Championship Balloon Fest for a spectacular evening. Kick off Fourth of July weekend on the green space at Northpark mall and enjoy food vendors, fireworks, a kid’s corner, live music, and colorful hot air balloons lining the sunset sky. Follow Ridgeland Parks and Recreations for more information.

Saturday, June 29, 2024 - Canton Multipurpose Center:

7am – Balloon Chase Bike Ride & Competition Flight
501 Soldiers Colony Road, Canton, MS

5pm-9pm - Mississippi’s Championship Hot Air Balloon Festival featuring live music by Travelin’ Jane Band on the Main Stage

6:30pm - Balloon Chase Run/Walk & Kids 1/4 Mile Fun Run (immediately after the adult run)

8:00pm - Good Samaritan’s Golf Ball Drop Fundraiser

8:00pm - Balloon Glow

9:00pm -Spectacular Fireworks Extravaganza

Food vendors include:

Funny Face Foods, Crunch Time Shaved Ice, Marlo’s BBQ, Street Dough Cookie Dough & Cat Daddie’s Catering

Enjoy great music by Travelin’ Jane Band

**RAIN OR SHINE EVENT**

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