All aboard! The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express will be making its stop from 4-9 p.m. Saturday at Union Station, 1901 Front St., Meridian. 

Children will have the chance to see Santa as well as a beautiful visual displays for both young and old alike on the six-car train. This event is free and open to the public.

This decorated train has been visiting towns for the holiday season for 18 years and distributes gift cards to The Salvation Army along their route. The gift cards are specifically designated for purchases of warm clothing and other necessities.

The Holiday Express Train includes a smiling tank car, “Rudy,” a flatcar carrying Santa’s sleigh, reindeer and a miniature village, a gingerbread boxcar, an elves’ workshop, the reindeer stable and a little red caboose, each one decked out in lights.

The train will make a stop at 4 p.m. Sunday at Newton Railroad Junction on West Church Street. There will also be food available from T&J Concessions and mini train rides with Conductor Paul for the children’s enjoyment.

The Town of Hickory will host Hickory Pick’N Flea Market from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at 9560 Highway 503. There will be hot chocolate, Christmas music, Santa giraffe, door prizes and many vendors on hand to sell items. For more information, call (601) 357-5053.

Merrehope’s annual Trees of Christmas continues its 50th year of hosting the beautifully decorated trees and the historic mansion itself through Dec. 29. Guided tours are $10 per person and run 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m Sundays.

Santa’s Christmas Factory returns from 4-8 p.m. Saturday at the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum. Snow flurries fly in Steam Alley as the historic site transforms into an amazing Christmas workshop.

This family-friendly event features holiday decorations, music, lights, snow-covered play area and a Christmas train ride for the kids. Admission is $5 per person. All proceeds go to the operation and restoration of the museum located at Soule’ Steam Feed Works, 1808 4th Street, Meridian.