The elves filled their sacks in Santa's House, a circa-early 1900s home that is Santa's headquarters in Newton, where Santa Claus will be in residence for the next two Fridays.

For four years, Unifour families  enjoyed Santa Central, a Christmas tradition in downtown Newton.

In 2007,  organizers who helped create that event for Downtown Newton Development Association, decided to continue the holiday event in a new setting after DNDA moved away from sponsoring festivals like Santa Central.

Midstate Mills owners and original Santa Central supporters, Martha Jo and Boyd Drum offered a place for Santa to call home. Santa’s House,  is staged in a former home and attorney’s office, now owned by Midstate Mills and located beside its offices in downtown Newton.

Area residents are invited to visit Santa’s House on Friday, Dec. 11, 5-9 p.m.; Dec. 18, open house from noon to 4 p.m. and visits with Santa from 5-9 p.m.

Visitors will begin their Santa’s House experience with a tour of  Santa’s new headquarters. Rooms are filled with antiques, antique animated characters, holiday decorations and cherished Christmas collectibles.

Mrs. Santa will host the Kringles’ Christmas party in the dining room, where she will chat with the children and serve home-made refreshments.

Santa will be in residence again in his throne room, ready to take private meetings with families as they complete their tour.

A professional photographer will be there to capture the moment for a nominal charge. There are also many other opportunities for families to take their own photos throughout Santa’s House.

    Animals from Circle C Petting Zoo will be on hand. In addition, children will be able to make their own reindeer food.

Santa’s House exudes the same hometown charm that has made this event such a family favorite. It is a nostalgic trip that swells Christmas memories in adults and creates new, wholesome ones for children. There will be a covered porch, with an adjoining Reindeer Corral, where attendees can await their turn to enter Santa’s House.

    Public invited to Santa’s House in downtown Newton.

Side bar:

Want to go?

Santa’s House will be open Friday, Dec. 11, from 5-9 p.m., and Friday, Dec. 18, with an open house fro noon until 4p.m., and visits with Santa from 5-9 p.m. Santa’s House is located at 25 North Brady Avenue,beside Midstate Mills’ Corporate Office, at the intersection of East First Street. Look for the big Christmas tree and Santa’s House sign in the front yard.