Jasper has been having fun welcoming winter since early November, but the festivities are drawing to a close this weekend with a series of events that focus on the jolly, giving man in red. No, not Paul Martin — Santa Claus of course! Santa’s Village, located in the Royal Canadian Legion, will open its doors on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to give the curious a chance to witness the final preparations for the Christmas season at the North Pole. No word on whether or not the elves’ wildcat job action will be resolved before the doors open, but we can hope, right kids? Admission costs a toonie or a donated toy.

Word has it that the rotund one will himself emerge from his temporary home on Saturday afternoon (right around 4 p.m. according to a source close to Mrs. Claus) to parade around this beloved fiefdom of his. The weather forecasters forsee daytime highs around -10 degrees, so cover up or risk Jack Frost ripping off your nose.

For those who get their kicks from paste and glitter, the Christmas Craft Fair is a great opportunity to see how much better other people are at making little trinkets and decorations. The good news is that you can buy them. Not the people, the decorations. Check it out Sunday at the Jasper Activity Centre from     11 a.m. to 5 p.m.