Santa and his elves will soon be returning to their crafty workshop in Grand Forks full of games, books, music, hot cocoa, cookies and more than 40 themed Christmas trees.

Santa Village will open this Thursday through Sunday and Dec. 20 to 23 in the Lincoln Golf Course Clubhouse. Admission is free for all ages with a freewill donation of cash, a canned good item for the local food-shelf or a toy for the “Toys for Tots” program.

Hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. The rest of the week, the village is open by appointment.

Since its start in 2004, Santa Village has attracted all ages, from children to couples to seniors, according to the Grand Forks Park District. The cheerleaders from Central High School volunteer to dress up as elves every year. Park staff decorate the trees.

Funding for the village comes from a $5,000 Kiwanis International Club grant, and individual and corporate donors. The Herald is the presenting sponsor this year.