After a notable three-year absence, Santa’s Village one-day Christmas celebration is back and it promises to be better than ever.

In 2004, tight insurance markets forced the cancellation of the popular event. “The markets have levelled off now and our insurance company has worked hard with us to make Christmas at Santa’s Village possible once again,” said Jamie Hopkins, general manager of Santa’s Village, Bracebridge.

The activities for the day include children’s crafts and colouring; storytime with Santa’s elves; marshmallow roasting; carol singing with the Muskoka Men of Song; face painting; gingerbread cookie decorating; free coffee, hot chocolate and popcorn; and, of course, a visit with Santa.

This year’s celebration will be held this Saturday, Dec. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free with a donation of an unwrapped toy for the Moose FM toy drive or non-perishable food item for the food bank. All activities are included with admission with the exception of the cookie decorating at a fee of $2.

For more information on this event, go to muskokaheritageplace.org/event.html.