Picayune Main Street’s annual Christmas on the Rails and Shop by Candlelight event will take place on Friday.

It’s a great time to find the perfect gift from a local retailer for loved ones and enjoy the Christmas spirit right here in Picayune.

The festive shopping event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. along East and West Canal streets.

But earlier that day at 7 a.m. Kiwanis Club of the Greater Picayune Area will hold a pancake breakfast fundraiser at Southern Char.

Children who want to tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas can have their chance starting at 5:30. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fire truck to their awaiting sleigh, which will be situated along North Main Street at that time.

Pictures with the Grinch from Whoville will be offered at 111 N. Main Street.

As part of a fundraiser for the Exchange Club of Picayune, fans of Elsa from Disney’s Frozen can be purchased for $10 at 113 West Canal Street.

Christmas music will be on tap throughout the area, including live performances by the Union Baptist Church Hand Bell Choir, Heritage Academy Choir, Wee Wisdom Learning Center, and Goodyear Baptist Church.

A new addition to the event will be Kirk Scheel, who will play bagpipes throughout East Canal Street and West Canal Street from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and the Senior Center of South Pearl River County Choir will perform Christmas Carols by the clock located at the intersection of West Canal and Main Street.

Performances by young artists and actors from TADA can be found at Southern Char from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and at The Glass Porch from 7:30 until 8:30 p.m.

Anyone interested in a free tour of the area to see all of the lights and decorations without walking can hitch a ride on the Toy Train, Hayride or Old Timey Stage Coach. A new addition this year will be a multi passenger street trolley.

Free hot chocolate stations can be found throughout the event area, including 114 East Canal Street and the Intermodal & Tourist Center, located at 200 Highway 11 S.

Free refreshments can be found in the city of Picayune parking area, located at 118 West Canal Street.

Snow machines located at April’s, Stewart Insurance Agency and Crystal Gallery will add a winter wonderland feel to the evening’s events.

At the Intermodal & Tourist Center on Highway 11, visitors will find carolers, the Pearl String Dulcimer group and Pearl River Community Band Ensemble.