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NATCHEZ — For the next three weekends, the Holly Jolly Trolley will provide free transportation for residents and visitors who want to enjoy the Christmas spirit emanating from Downtown Natchez.

Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson kicked off the season on Friday when he and officials from the city, Natchez Transit and the Downtown Natchez Alliance cut the ribbon on the Holly Jolly Trolley in front of City Hall.

They then loaded onto the trolley and drove through downtown, making their way to the European Christmas Village on the Bluff across from the Natchez Grand Hotel.

They also cut the ribbon on the village’s opening and chatted with merchants about their wares.

Diane Dupont, president of the Christmas in Natchez board, said the village will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. on Fridays and 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturdays through Dec. 21.

In addition to the shops, youngsters can enjoy “ice skating” beside the Christmas village. It isn’t ice, but an area with a wax surface children can pretend to skate on in their socks.

“Santa will be making appearances throughout the next three weeks,” Dupont said.

Gibson said American Cruise Lines is sponsoring the Christmas Village.

“We have American Cruise Lines to thank for making this village possible this year. American Cruise Lines President Charlie Robinson will be in town next Friday to see the village,” he said.

A number of Christmas events take place this weekend in Natchez, including the Merry Market at the Natchez Convention Center and the annual Christmas parade Saturday beginning at 6 p.m.

The Christmas village features several vendors who sell herbal oils and natural remedies for skin and health care, as well as gift items like clothing, books, perfume oils, and tea towels. Natchez artist Carolyn Weir is selling her creations, including a Natchez coloring book. She has an area for children who want to color while their parents shop.

One vendor is offering fresh-squeezed lemonade, hot chocolate, coffee, and chicken, spinach, and cream cheese hot tamales.

Carol Smith of The Postal Shoppe is manning an area where children can write letters to Santa and deposit them in a special mailbox with direct access to the North Poll.

Marjorie Feltus Hawkins and her husband, David Hawkins, have set up an extension of the Linden Boutiquerie, selling a curated selection of Christmas decorations.

“This year is all about nutcrackers and Santa. We have beautiful pillows and lots of nutcrackers and ornaments and tea towels and a lot of tabletop items that make great gifts,” Marjorie said.

The Holly Jolly Trolley will make loops around Natchez every 30 minutes. Pick-up and drop-off points are located at Old South Trading Post on Canal Street, the William Johnson House on State Street, Wishes Sweets and Eats on Franklin, Lower Lodge Antiques and Mid-Town Grill near the corner of Franklin and MLK, the Rhythm Night Club Museum on St. Catherine Street, the Downtown Christmas Tree area at Main and Commerce Streets, and the Depot on the Bluff on Broadway.