Christmas season will be in full swing in downtown Vicksburg starting Sunday.

The shops along Washington Street will be holding their 21st annual Old Fashion Christmas Open House from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Many of the shops will have sales carrying over from Small Business Saturday the day before and Santa will make an appearance to take pictures with children.

Then at 4 p.m. the Board of Mayor and Aldermen will kickoff its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in front of City Hall, 1415 Walnut St. The tree will be lit at 4:30 p.m. Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said.

The event will also include Christmas caroling by local church choirs and an appearance from Santa and his reindeer.

Flaggs will do the honor of lighting the tree as the city officially kicks off the Christmas season.