Santa Claus is coming to Zoo Knoxville and will be in residence at Santa’s Village this Thursday, Dec. 14 through Sunday, Dec. 17, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. daily.

Santa Claus will be listening to Christmas wishes and available for photos in the festively decorated Santa’s Village, located in the zoo’s Kids Cove area. Guests will have the option to purchase portraits taken by a professional photographer and can take their own photos.

Complimentary event activities included with general admission are a visit with Santa Claus, reindeer games, holiday crafts and a story time each day at 12:30 p.m. Kids can also write a letter to Santa and they will receive a personal reply from Santa himself in the mail after their visit.

For an additional ticket, rides will be available on the “Polar Express” train and kids can opt for a face-painting session for some holiday flair.

All activities take place in the enclosed and heated Kids Cove tent for guests’ comfort. Now through February 28, 2018, zoo admission tickets are $5 off during Kroger Discount Days.