Music and train rides will help the City of Vicksburg kickoff the Christmas season Friday starting at 5 p.m. at Washington Street Park.

“We’ll have the Sports Force Park bringing its train about 4 p.m. for the children to ride free and we’ll have a band, The Elite, playing Christmas music and we’ll have some arts and crafts for the children,” said Kim Hopkins, Main Street Vicksburg executive director.

Mayor George Flaggs Jr. will light the tree at 6 p.m. Hopkins said this is the fifth year the lighting is being held at the park.

“We’re looking forward to it and the weather is supposed to be good,” she said. “We want everyone come out and enjoy the decorations and the music to start the holiday season.

“We have a full weekend with small business Saturday and the open house downtown Sunday and the (Kansas City Southern) Holiday Train on Monday.”