Jackson is the capital city of Mississippi. It is the site of the Freedom Trail which encompasses several historical landmarks that run through the city. It’s home to the Medgar Evers Home Museum, the Mississippi State Capitol Building and Le Fleur’s State Park.

The city has a great vibe that makes it the perfect location for a Christmas getaway. Here are some things you should check out when you visit.

Canton Christmas Festival

Canton is located just a half hour outside of Jackson and hosts a Christmas event that’s worth checking out.

The festival runs from late November until Christmas time. Every day of the festival, Courthouse Square lights up with over 200,000 lights. Activities include carousel rides, antique car rides, horse and buggy rides, trolley rides, train rides, fire truck rides, sky race rides, an animation museum and an interactive Christmas village.

There is also a light parade that happens on Friday and Saturday nights form 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Families can come to see their favorite characters marching by.

Journey to the North Pole at the Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum of Jackson is known for providing experiences that unlock a child’s thirst for discovery. Their Journey to the North Pole event is a lesson in navigation, geography and Holiday literature. It transforms the Gertrude C. Ford Exhibition Hall into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and train cars. There is also a 45-foot Snowflake Slide available for the children’s enjoyment.

The event features magical train cars, a child sized post office where children can sort holiday letters and packages, a clock tower that allows children to turn gears to change the time, a holiday train table with toy trains and movable village elements, a Santa letter writing station and a reindeer sock skating rink.

Santa Scuba Dive Fish Feedings at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

The Museum of Natural Science is the largest museum in Mississippi. Every year, they host a scuba diving event where Santa dives down to feed the fish. The show takes place on select days throughout December and is included in the price of admission.

Get your holiday cheer on. Then go and check out the many other exhibits the museum has to offer.

Snow Much Fun

Snow Much Fun is another holiday activity happening at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Taking place one weekend in mid-December, kids can come to play in scheduled snowfalls, create woodland craft projects and participate in the Snowball Dance.

The Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees “Tree Lighting Ceremony” takes place at the Westin Jackson in early December. It includes holiday music and meet in greets with favorite Disney Christmas characters.

The highlight of the event is the lighting of the tree that takes place at 7 PM. There are several trees on hand, all of which have been decorated by local businesses and organizations. The public has the opportunity to vote for their favorite. 

The event serves as a fundraiser for a select charity which varies from year to year. It is a free event but guests are encouraged to bring an item to donate to the cause.

Annual Tacky Christmas Party

The Annual Tacky Christmas Party is a Jackson holiday tradition. Guests are encouraged to show up wearing their ugliest Christmas sweaters and act as tacky as they possibly can. There is a live DJ on hand, and you can also by a VIP Ticket for access to the private lounge, unlimited bar, hors d-oeuvres and drink specials.

The event usually sells out so be sure to reserve a ticket early on.

A Christmas Carol: The Ballet

During the holiday season, there’s sure to be plenty of Christmas shows featured throughout Jackson. A Christmas Carol The Ballet provides a twist on the holiday classic with ballet dance added. It shows at the Thalia Mara Hall.

Be sure to check local listings to find out what other shows are playing when you’re in town.

Winter Nights and Magical Nights

This two-day event takes place in early December. It kicks off with a Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall.

The next day, spectators can gather to enjoy the Christmas parade that begins at the Fairgrounds and proceeds through downtown. The parade is typically emceed by a news representative and a local celebrity holds a contest for best float.

Christmas Candlelight Tour

A Christmas Candlelight Tour is a great way to see the city. Tour the historical sites of Jackson like the Governor’s Mansion, the Eudora Welty House and Garden, the Manship House Museum, the Mississippi State Capitol, the Old Capitol Museum and the Two Mississippi Museum while enjoying holiday music and refreshments. The Governor’s Mansion will be decked out for the holidays making it a sight to see.

Homestead for the Holidays at the Mississippi AG Museum

The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum is a living history farm that recreates a 1920’s cotton economy era farm and local historical artifacts. The Homestead for the Holidays event include a sampler breakfast supper, story time with Mrs. Claus and a chance to experience what a 1920’s Mississippi Christmas would be like.

Guests can enjoy live demonstrations, arts and crafts, live music and carousel and train rides. The General Store will be open giving visitors a chance to buy an authentic Mississippi souvenir while enjoying an old-timey seasonal snack and beverage. There will also be an opportunity to write a letter to Santa on the Museum’s limited-edition postcards.

Canned donations for the Mississippi Food Network will be accepted at the door.

Handworks Holiday Market

The Handworks Holiday Market takes place every year at the Mississippi Trade Mart. It features over 140 exhibitors giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique gifts.

Jackson is a great city to visit for the holidays. There’s so much to see and do. What will you be adding to your activity list when you’re in town?

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