Magic in the Air: Opening Night Kicks Off the Canton Christmas Festival. The holiday spirit is sparkling bright in Canton with their annual Christmas festival opening in the square.
The festival has been thriving since its inception. It began in 1987 and has grown and improved over the years, thanks to the community.
“Without the community, I don’t think this would be what it is; they come out every year in the thousands to show their support. I think about 10,000 people come every year, it makes Canton special, it makes Canton what it is,” said Ace Henley, film and media specialist for Canton Tourism.
The festival has tons of decorative lights and figures, plus activities the whole family can enjoy while sipping on a warm cup of hot cocoa.
“It really brings families together. We have families that are coming for 10 years, and they get their picture taken with Santa every year, and just like a tradition, this is what they do during the Christmas season,” Henley said.
Such as the Carter family, who have been attending this festival for decades.
“It’s just the joy of Christmas, the magic of Christmas, and the happiness that it brings everybody, especially the younger generations here. They come and get to see what we got to see what we grew up with our kids and then their kids, we’ll continue this tradition for as long as we can,” Carter said.
The festival will operate from 5 to 9 p.m. during opening weekend and then be open those hours, Dec. 6-23.
