Ho, ho, home

Winter weather: check

Christmas lights: check

Big guy in a red hat: check

Even though the big guy is a voyageur statue rather than a resident of the North Pole bearing gifts, never fear — Santa is coming home for the holidays.

This year’s Santa’s Home for the Holidays festivities in Cloquet begin Wednesday with Elf Bingo for kids and a free chili feed at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 4:30 to 7 p.m.

On Thursday, kids are invited to enjoy Storytime with Santa 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. at the Dunlap Island shelter. Later in the day, head to the Holiday Open House with Santa 4 to 6 p.m. at the Pine Knot News office at 122 Avenue C.

On Friday, Dec. 6, there’s more fun and free photos with Santa, along with holiday music, crafts and dinner at Queen of Peace Church 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Both the “Winter Fest” gift and craft show at the Armory and the County Seat Theater Christmas play run multiple days.

Saturday, Dec. 7, is the big day. There are events all day long, starting with a pancake breakfast and shopping for holiday gifts and crafty items at Churchill Elementary School, followed by hayrides in the afternoon at Cloquet Ford Chrysler and Members Cooperative Credit Union. A parade starts down Cloquet Avenue at 5 p.m., followed by fireworks and an alumni hockey game at Northwoods Arena.

For more a complete holiday event schedule, find the pullout in the center of today’s paper.