DeKalb’s downtown merchants want to help shoppers get into the “hollyday” spirit this weekend.

Saturday marks the first day of Hollydays in DeKalb, a six-week series of holiday-oriented weekend events. This weekend’s theme is “Shopping Like It Used To Be” and will feature shopping promotions, free gift wrapping and free horse-drawn carriage rides.

In accordance with the theme, downtown merchants will emphasize customer service and offer incentives such as coffee or cookies.

Merchants also will have their biggest sales of the season, a weekend ahead of nearby malls, said Jennifer Groce, executive director of Main Street DeKalb.

Merchants also will provide cards redeemable for free gift wrapping of purchases, Groce said. Wrappers will be ready with scissors and paper between 9 a.m. and noon at the National Bank and Trust Company’s former location, 164 E. Lincoln Highway.

Pickup for the carriage rides will take place at the old bank between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Groce said. The carriage, which comfortably fits about four adults, tours the surrounding streets for about five to 10 minutes.

“It’s a great photo opportunity for a holiday picture,” Groce said.

With businesses’ windows decorated and holiday music playing in the streets, organizer Main Street DeKalb and sponsor National Bank and Trust Company, 230 W. State St., Sycamore, planned the festivities to encourage shoppers to adopt the holiday spirit, Groce said.

Several local art galleries also will participate.

The Nehring Center Gallery, 111 S. Second St., is sponsoring a mixed-media artwork sale from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The DeKalb Gallery, 161 E. Lincoln Highway, is sponsoring a local artist’s show. Pete Olson’s work will be on display both Friday and Saturday.