Christmas in Vicksburg kicked off with a bang Saturday as parents and children by the thousands packed downtown.

Just before, happy holiday revelers waited in line to tour the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express, decorated and lighted by employees of the railroad.

Once it rolled into the KCS railyard on Levee Street at about 4 p.m., it was worth the wait for scores of children waiting to see Santa Claus and check out a few toys along the way.

&#8220This one likes Thomas the Train, so that’s his present,” Tracy Hopkins said, leading her son Garrett, 3, through the rail car after a short visit with Santa.

Dillon Simmons, 4, got a bell from old St. Nick after giving Santa a few of his Hot Wheels cars.

&#8220His eyes got real big just getting something from Santa,” said his father, Mike Simmons.

The train featured a jolly Santa, two 30-foot electric train sets with painted city scenes and countless toys and dolls for children to see.

The train begins its annual visit through 22 cities in seven states the Saturday after Thanksgiving, averaging about 2,000 visitors at each stop, said Willis Kilpatrick of KCS.

&#8220This was our third time coming to Vicksburg and the turnout has been great each time,” Kilpatrick said. At least one year, Vicksburg turned out more visitors for the train than any other.

A crew of seven volunteers dressed as elves teamed with KCS employees to guide the way, with most amazed at the turnout each holiday season.

&#8220This gets bigger every year we do it,” said volunteer Paul Hoge of Shreveport.

The crowd made its way up to Washington Street to watch the second annual Christmas Parade of Lights.

Eighty-two floats decorated by local businesses, church groups, schools and civic groups were decked out in themes of all types, ranging from cherubic angels to scenes of sleepy children awaiting gifts on Christmas morning.

Marching bands from St. Aloysius High School, Vicksburg High School, Vicksburg Junior High School, Warren Central High School, Porters Chapel Academy and Hinds Community College played traditional holiday tunes such as &#8220Do You Hear What I Hear?” and &#8220Hark The Herald Angels Sing.”

Organizers with the Vicksburg Main Street Association estimated the crowd to match last year’s attendance, about 10,000.

Still, most who lined the parade route on Washington Street between Belmont and Jackson said it seems to be getting bigger because of the nighttime kickoff.

&#8220I grew up here in Vicksburg and I don’t remember the holidays being like this. It’s really taken off since then,” said Susan Palmer of Gonzales, La.

Even the pets enjoyed the sights and sounds of the parade.

&#8220He’s just here with us to get out and see it,” said Timmy Powers of Vicksburg, with his English bulldog, Tonka.

After the parade, awards were given in four categories for the best decorated floats. They were: