Shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday, Julie Feece and her family were already standing outside the Four Flags Antique Mall, their winter coats zipped up, a guard against the chilly afternoon air.

They were the first in line for the horse and carriage rides being offered as part of the annual Holiday Homecoming event in downtown Niles.

For Feece, taking a carriage ride up Main Street was somewhat of a tradition for the family around the holiday season.

“The first year we came, we waited in line for an hour and a half,” she said.

Now, she said, they’re sure to get downtown early.

The Holiday Homecoming event officially started at 4 p.m. and as many residents made their way downtown, business owners along Main Street were busy, either preparing for extended hours or decorating outside their storefronts for the official lighting of downtown Niles.

Thousands of twinkle lights lining the street will keep Main Street aglow during the holidays.

In addition to carriage rides, those downtown on Saturday night were also treated to caroling, popcorn and plenty of opportunities for hot cocoa and coffee.