Winter in Canton features an array of holiday events, Santa sightings, shopping, and entertainment scattered throughout the town. Find out more about everything happening each winter below.
Canton Holiday Event Roundup
This is a list of the annual events put on each Winter by The Town of Canton. For specific dates of the current year and to see other community holiday events happening around town visit our Community Holiday Calendar.
Reindeer Run 5K & Grinch Sprint
$| Sorrells Street Park in Downtown Canton | December
Come join us for the Annual Reindeer Run 5k and Grinch Sprint race! The Reindeer Run begins at Sorrells Street Park, goes around Recreation Park, and back to Sorrells Park. The Grinch Sprint is for runners 12 years old and under and is only a mile. Awards will take place from 12:00 to 12:30 pm and be given to the top runner in each division. This race is for the entire family, even your four-legged friends can join in the fun!
Those who register during Early Registration will receive an event shirt and/or bandana for your furry running buddy.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
FREE| Sorrells Street Park | Early December
The Town of Canton Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place in Sorrells Street Park and kick off the Christmas season. Mr. and Mrs. Clause will be there and “The Rink” in Canton will be open for ice skating.
Canton Christmas Parade
FREE| Downtown Canton | First Thursday in December @ 6:00 pm
Come and celebrate the season as the Canton Christmas Parade marches through downtown Canton. The parade is a community favorite and features area school groups, high school bands, Christmas music, dance teams, churches and many local businesses, as well as horses, dogs, tractors, vintage cars and the flashing lights of our local emergency services. Oh! and of course Mr. and Mrs. Clause will be making an appearance! It’ll be full of lights, Santa hats and holiday cheer… you won’t want to miss it!
Want to be in the parade?
Contact talexander@cantonnc.com or call 828-648-2363. This is a night parade so we ask that everyone participating have their entries lit with lights. IMPORTANT: The commercial float registration deadline is the Monday BEFORE Thanksgiving.
The Town of Canton Presents: A Family Christmas Movie
FREE | Sorrells Street Park in Downtown Canton | Before Christmas @ Dark
Each winter the town showcases a different FREE Christmas movie on our giant outdoor movie screen so bring your chairs, blankets, and movie snacks and get ready for a night of holiday cheer! Movies are rated G or PG and are fun for the entire family.
“The Rink” in Canton
Sorrells Street Park in Downtown Canton | December – March
Join us in Sorrells Street Park for some wintertime fun at “The Rink” in Canton! This ice rink was gifted to the Town of Canton by Cruso Endowment in partnership with the Canton Merchant Partnership and is made of synthetic ice, providing a similar experience to skating on real ice. Ice skate rentals are FREE for all Haywood County residents with a valid ID. Visit The Rink webpage for more information about hours and rentals.
