Minnesota: Bentleyville Tour of Lights
Where else can you see Santa arrive by parachute? In downtown Duluth, it's the opening-day tradition at Bentleyville Tour of Lights, which takes its name from founder Nathan Bentley. The sky-diving Santa kicks off the event held in the city's Bayfront Festival Park between November and the day after Christmas. While you check out more than five million lights spread over 20 acres, you can indulge in free cookies, popcorn, and hot chocolate, and then roast your own marshmallows and take a photo with the big man himself.
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Mississippi: Canton Christmas Festival
In Canton, Mississippi, located about a 30-minute drive from the capital city of Jackson, the Canton Christmas Festival lights up the holiday season year after year. Kids will have a ball with train rides, playgrounds, story time with Mrs. Claus, a peek into Santa's workshop, and an animated village for the whole family to enjoy.