Now that it is December, most places are getting into the holiday spirit. Light shows, festivals, and other activities are popping up around town. Restaurants and cafes are also providing holiday specials to satisfy your Christmas cravings.
The Canton Christmas Festival, better known as the “Canton Lights”, is back and better than ever this year. Open every night December 2-23 from 5-9 pm, it is a tradition for many Mississippi residents to visit this beautiful holiday display. Located in The Square of Canton, it features thousands of twinkling lights and Christmas trees. One can ride in a horse drawn carriage, take photos with Santa, listen to carolers, and more. A new addition to the Canton Lights this year is “Santa’s All American Home Town and Miniature Train Depot.”
The Belhaven Singing Christmas Tree was another fan favorite, and it celebrated its 90th anniversary this year. It was put on by students at Belhaven University from December 2-3 at 7:30 in the Belhaven Bowl Stadium. Along with the Belhaven students, children’s choirs from Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School, First Presbyterian Day School, Christ Covenant School, and Madison-Ridgeland Academy performed. Ms. Watts, an avid fan of the Singing Christmas Tree, said, “The Belhaven Singing Christmas Tree is a tradition I’ve enjoyed with my family since I was very young. I’ve been there in the rain, snow, and shine, and I’ve rarely missed a year.”
The Richardson Light Show, an award-winning drive-by Christmas light show, is open from December 2-24 from 5:30-10 on Fridays and Saturdays and 5:30-9 on Sundays-Thursdays. On Christmas Day, it is open from 5:30-10. On December 26-27, it is open from 5:30-9. This light show was voted third best private light display by USA Today in 2014 and was featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” in 2018. Due to Covid-19, this light show was closed in 2020 and 2021, so this is the Richardson Light Show’s first year back after two years. The Richardson family said, “Our mission is to inform our guests about the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. Without Him, we would have no reason to celebrate this wonderful holiday. Additionally, we want to make a difference in our community as well as surrounding communities by providing a “no admission charge” community event. We strive to provide great holiday entertainment, fun, joy, and laughter for everyone during the Christmas season.” It is located at 219 Sundial Road in Madison.
Looking for some holiday treats? Chick-Fil-A has a peppermint milkshake that is very popular during Christmas time. It is available until January 7, 2023. Primos Cafe also has a holiday menu that many families traditionally eat. It features classic Primos menu options along with casseroles such as sweet potato, squash, and green bean. The iconic “Holiday Dinner Package” serves 10-12 people and it includes a whole turkey or ham, cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, a large side, cranberry sauce, rolls or cornbread, and a choice of pie. This year, Primos also introduced their new gingerbread man kits. This kit features four gingerbread men, icing, and sprinkles. One can purchase this kit to decorate and eat the classic Primos gingerbread men. Another popular holiday item at Primos is cheese straws.
Starbucks also has their specialty drinks that are provided every year during the holiday season. They have the Peppermint Mocha, the Caramel Brulée Latte, the Chestnut Praline Latte, the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, the Irish Cream Cold Brew, and the non dairy Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte. They also sell Christmas-themed cookies and cake pops, the Cranberry Bliss Bar, the Sugar Plum Danish, and the Chocolate Pistachio Swirl, a new menu item. Starbucks has really spiced up their holiday menu with many savory drinks and treats.
Mississippi knows exactly how to get the people into the Christmas spirit. We hope you take some of our suggestions and go visit these places for a grand time during December. We think that this holiday will be one of the best yet!
