The Holiday Road Trip Through Mississippi That’ll Make You Want To Linger Longer

Mississippi doesn’t do Christmas halfway. From million-light displays spanning 40 acres to month-long celebrations in river towns that look charming enough for a Hallmark script, the state transforms into a holiday destination that rivals any other in the South. 

The only problem is choosing where to go–these towns pull you in with ice-skating rinks, historic mansions decked out in designer trees, and even choose-and-cut tree farms because the state has a surprising evergreen agricultural history that was news to me, a former resident.

While this guide hits all the festive highlights, holiday travel doesn’t end when the presents are opened. Read to the bottom and you’ll find plenty to do through the end of the year, and beyond.

7 Great Road Trips To Take In The United States

Since the advent of the automobile in the early 20th century, American tourism has been largely defined by the idea of the open road. Following WWII, the golden age of the automobile industry and the expansion of the interstate highway system made road-tripping the predominant mode of leisure travel. The format became a key component of American culture. Roadtrips let you experience the Americana of the 1950s and 60s on Route 66. Or explore the rocky coastlines of California on the Pacific Coast Highway, or traverse the Atlantic coast of Florida on State Road A1A. With the largest road network in the world there are thousands of trips to take on US highways and byways, and these are some of the best.

Canton Makes the List: Mississippi Magazine Recognizes Two Local Favorites in 2026 Best of Mississippi

Every year, Mississippi Magazine asks its readers to weigh in on the best the Magnolia State has to offer, from fine dining and boutique shopping to live music, local services and everything in between. The results of the 2026 Best of Mississippi awards are in, and Canton has reason to celebrate. Two hometown businesses earned spots on the M List, the magazine's recognition of top contenders statewide, putting Canton in good company with some of the most beloved businesses across Mississippi.

Canton Animal Hospital: Recognized for Excellence in Pet Care

For anyone who has ever walked through the doors of Canton Animal Hospital, the M List nod in the Pet Goods and Services category is well-earned and long overdue. Pet owners in Canton and across Madison County have trusted this team with their animals for years, and that loyalty shows up in results like this one.

The Best of Mississippi Pet Goods and Services category recognizes businesses that go beyond the transaction, places where animals are treated with genuine care and owners are met with knowledge, compassion and professionalism. Canton Animal Hospital checks every one of those boxes. Whether it's routine wellness visits, urgent care or everything in between, the team here has built a reputation that extends well beyond city limits, and a statewide readership took notice.

Canton Flea Market: A Mississippi Institution

If you've spent a Saturday morning wandering the Canton Flea Market, you already know what Mississippi Magazine's readers confirmed: this is one of the best arts and crafts shows in the state. The market earned M List recognition in the Flea Market category, and it's the kind of honor that feels both earned and obvious to anyone who has experienced it firsthand.

The Canton Flea Market is more than a shopping destination. It's a gathering place, a tradition and a living piece of Canton's character. Vendors bring everything from handcrafted goods and vintage finds to fresh produce and one-of-a-kind collectibles, and the energy of the market reflects the warmth of the community that hosts it. For visitors discovering Canton for the first time, the flea market often becomes the reason they come back. For locals, it's simply part of what makes this place home.

The market sets up twice a year on the historic Canton Square, and both 2026 dates are already on the calendar. Mark down May 14 and October 8, with gates open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Whether you're a seasoned vendor-hopper with a strategy or someone who just likes to wander and see what turns up, these are two days worth clearing your schedule for.

What the M List Means

The Best of Mississippi awards are determined entirely by reader votes, no panels, no editorial committees, no sponsored selections. Every business that earns a place on the M List got there because real Mississippians took the time to cast a vote for something they love. That makes the recognition meaningful in a way that's hard to replicate. When Canton Animal Hospital and Canton Flea Market show up in the pages of Mississippi Magazine alongside businesses from Jackson, Ridgeland, Oxford and beyond, it's a direct reflection of this community's pride in what we've built here.

Canton has always been a place with a strong sense of identity, a historic square, a thriving arts scene, a calendar full of festivals that draw visitors from across the region. Recognition like this in Mississippi's premier lifestyle publication is a reminder that the rest of the state is paying attention, and that the businesses making Canton what it is deserve to be celebrated.

Congratulations to Canton Animal Hospital and Canton Flea Market, and thank you to everyone who voted. Your voices put Canton on the map, again.

Flowood flea market reopens in Canton with new name and location

CANTON, Miss. —

The Flowood Flea Market has reopened with a new name and location, now operating as CantonTown on Peace Street in Canton.

"Everyone was waiting on pins and needles, waiting for the grand opening that we had planned since February," vendor Maria Spell said.

The Canton Town Flea Market will be open every weekend beginning Saturday, May 2.

Best May Events In The South: Festivals, Food, And Music You Don’t Want To Miss

Enter an open-air marketplace across historic downtown Canton, MS as the famous Canton Flea Market Arts and Crafts Show draws visitors and vendors from all around the region. Expect a variety of unique handcrafted crafts, from pottery to jewelry to art, from hundreds of different makers at one of the largest art markets in the South. As the beautiful backdrop of the town serves as the venue, you’ll shop alongside landmarks like the Old Jail Museum and the grounds of the Madison County Courthouse.