By Gabrielle Terrett

The Vicksburg Post

Kick off the Christmas season with the Old Fashioned Christmas Open House in downtown Vicksburg Nov. 26 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Christmas celebrations are starting early on Washington Street as the 21st annual Old Fashioned Christmas Open House is coming back to start the holiday season right once again.

More than 25 downtown stores will be participating and some will be serving holiday snacks inside.

“Some merchants will be selling things on the sidewalks but some will be serving goodies inside,” said Kim Hopkins executive director of Vicksburg Main Street.

“It’s been going on for years and it’s just a tradition.”

The Open House is sure to be a nostalgic walk down memory lane as both the old and the young can be involved. There will be snacks, Santa and sales inside of the downtown stores.

“This event kind of kicks off the Christmas season for the downtown merchants and for the city. It’s kind of like a big family reunion after Thanksgiving,” said Hopkins.

“People come out after Thanksgiving dinner to either start Christmas shopping or finish it.“

Merchants will also be filled with the holiday spirit. With each purchase of $25 patrons will receive a free poinsettia from the downtown merchants while supplies last.

Along with pretty poinsettias and the great deals going on the event will be a sealed deal with a visit from the man of the season — Santa Claus.

“We will have Santa downtown as we have in the past,” said Hopkins. “People will bring their cameras to take pictures of him and kids get to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. He’ll be there up until 3:30.”

For more information, call 601-634-4527.

“We hope that if you’ve never been before that you’ll come out this year and enjoy yourself. It’s a great way to kick off the season.”