Kilby Whitney of The Corners Bed and Breakfast is among the four innkeepers who will open their businesses to the public from 5 until 7 Saturday night for Carols, Twinkles, Tapers and Tours. The Belle of the Bends, Cedar Grove and Annabelle will also be included on the candlelight tour that costs $15. A second tour, on Dec. 16, will be of The Shlenker House, the Stained Glass Manor and the Harding-Johnston Home and cost $12. For information, call 636-7421 or 636-5117. (The Vicksburg Post/PAT SHANNAHAN)

This weekend’s holiday festivities begin Saturday morning with Vicksburg’s annual Christmas Parade through downtown.

The parade sponsored by the Vicksburg Jaycees will begin at 11 a.m. at Belmont and Washington streets and will go to Jackson Street. The procession will include floats, horses, motorcycles, antique cars and marching bands from area schools.

The highlight of the gala will be a visit from the jolliest elf of all, Santa Claus.

For those interested in less fanfare to bring in the holidays, historic homes in the Vicksburg Garden District will be decorated with Christmas flair and opened for public tours.

Homes included in the Carols, Twinkles, Tapers and Tours starting Saturday from 5 until 7 p.m. will be The Corners, Belle of The Bends, Cedar Grove and Annabelle Bed and Breakfast.

Tickets are $15 per four-house tour.