Christmas shoppers are crossing items off their shopping list as Christmas nears. While the big day is only 10 days away, people still have a chance to shop local and win big during Picayune Main Street’s Late Nite Shopping event on Dec. 17. Participating stores will stay open until 7 p.m. and give away a gift basket to shoppers.

Picayune Main Street Director Reba Beebe said the event began in 2005 and continues to provide an incentive for people to shop local in the days leading up to Christmas.

During the event, customers can register at a participating store during time of purchase to win a gift basket, which Beebe said will include, “gift certificates, Christmas platters, soaps, jewelry, barbecue sauce and more.”

The Christmas basket is valued at $450.

Business owners are prepping their stores for the remaining shopping days.

Shay’s Thrift Store Manager Marie Strange said her business benefits from the Picayune Main Street events.

“It’s real important for us. Sometimes business is slow, and when they do things like this, it helps out small businesses here,” Strange said.

Crystal Gallery Manager Katy Jarrell said they look forward to participating in the event. They not only see it as a boost for business but as a chance to engage the community in a little Christmas spirit.

“We’ve got our Christmas window displays, which we do for the community every year,” Jarrell said.

The participating downtown stores include, Bre’s Clothing, Bella Skin, Bubbles & Bliss, Bonnie Blue Boutique, Dancewear Connection, PJs Coffee, Glass Porch, Infused, Faith’s Salon & Tanning, Unique Boutique, Stonewall’s BBQ, SouthernChar Steakhouse, Samples Western Auto, Angel’s Place, Crystal Gallery, Shay’s Thrift Store, Barze Antiques, April’s Picayune, Southern Boy Furniture and Pink Petunia.

The drawing for the merchant basket will take place Dec. 18.

For more information about the event, contact Main Street staff at 601-799-3070.