Picture an evening filled with twinkling lights, voices raised in song, laughing children and cups of hot chocolate, and you'll start to get an idea of what “A Night Before Christmas” in downtown Waynesville Saturday was like.

With many businesses staying open late to offer shopping and entertainment, Main Street was packed with families coming to enjoy the festivities. Hundreds of people wandered the street sampling food, music, dance and song along the way. A wide variety musicians and entertainers, including a hand-bell choir, carolers, singer-songwriters and high school bands will performed throughout the night.

As a special part of the evening First Baptist Church of Waynesville gave visitors the chance to take a step back in time with their presentation of “Bethlehem Marketplace,” a ...