Christmas may be more than a month away, but Santa is coming to the Gainesville square for the annual Jingle Mingle.

Presented by Main Street Gainesville and the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, the event will be from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 21 and include extended shopping hours, food, drinks and activities.

Santa will arrive by fire truck to take photos with children. Each downtown shop will offer special events or discounts.

“It is fundamentally a chance for the downtown area to light up and show off to the public,” said Don Griffin of the downtown business Frames You-Nique.

The Believers Concert Band from Gainesville First United Methodist Church will perform holiday music in the Main Street Market at Sweet Magnolia’s and Brian Ulrich will perform at Frames You-Nique.

At 6:30 p.m., everyone will gather for the annual lighting of the Holiday Chicken on top of the Main Street Market.

In addition, Moore’s Wealth Management will sponsor free carriage rides, and My Daily Bread will give out food samples.

If you miss a chance to take photos with Santa, he will return to the Main Street Market for “Mingle with Kringle” at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 7, 14, 21.

Jingle Mingle is free, but participants are encouraged to donate to Meals on Wheels.