Picayune Main Street expects over 2,000 attendees for the annual Christmas on the Rails and Shop by Candlelight set for Friday, Dec. 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30.

The downtown event will include free hot chocolate stations, performances from local bands and choirs, festively decorated local stores and appearances from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch.

Shop by Candlelight began in 2004 to help downtown merchants, and six years ago the event expanded to include more free elements for the community, said Picayune Main Street Director Reba Beebe.

There will be free toy train rides, hayrides and a stagecoach and trolley car will have one stop at the Train Depot, located at 200 Highway 11 S. Hot chocolate will be available next to Gibson House Antiques, by the Clock Corner located at the intersection of South Main Street and West Canal Street and at the Train Depot.

Pianists in training, carolers and Kirk Scheel on bagpipes will perform on the 200 block of W. Canal. Members of church choirs, school choirs and handbell choirs will perform on North Main Street.

The Intermodal Transportation Center and Museum will be open for tours and offer musical performances from The Pearl String Dulcimers, the Pearl River County Community Band and the Picayune On Stage Quartet.

The Pearl River County SPCA will be at April’s of Picayune with puppies available for adoption and photos.

For more information on the event, visit the Picayune Main Street Facebook page.