SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Attention Parents: Project Sleigh Ride is a go.

We repeat, Project Sleigh Ride is a go.

The magic of Bass Pro Shops’ “Santa’s Wonderland” returns to the Spanish Fort Town Center Saturday with the arrival of the Jolly Old Elf, as the retailer hosts its third annual “Classic Christmas” celebration.

Santa’s sleigh is slated to touch down at 5 p.m., and children of all ages can find him daily at the outdoor retailer during the six-week celebration that culminates Christmas Eve.

Indeed, the 3,500-square-foot Christmas village boasts an array of games, activities and crafts while waiting for the chance to whisper wishlists meant for Santa’s ears only.

“I’m still thinking about it. And I can’t tell you before I tell him, or it won’t work,” said 7-year-old Patrick McElroy of Spanish Fort when asked what treats he’s had his eye on for the past 10 months.

Bass Pro Shops will start the festivities Saturday with a special “Preview Night” Saturday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., complete with caroling children out front and hot chocolate and cookies inside.

Santa will arrive in style at 5 p.m. sharp aboard a trademarked Tracker boat pulled by either a Toytota Tundra pickup truck or a Cub Cadet all-terrain vehicle.

And with the help of a little magic, patrons will be invited to help Santa light both the outside of the store and a Christmas tree in the main entrance before wandering back for his wonderland unveiling.

St. Nick has also indicated he’ll be giving away a $25 Bass Pro Shops gift card every 30 minutes.

For the unacquainted, Santa’s Wonderland includes both live and animated elves, nutcrackers, reindeer and a few other surprises such as a Lionel old-time model train, remote-control trucks, a Red Ryder laser arcade, a Nerf soft-gun range and slot-car racing. In addition, an arts-and-crafts area is available and offers the perfect place to pen a personal letter to Santa.

The first 150 children to visit Santa’s Wonderland between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will receive a Santa Bandz bracelet.

“I just want to talk to him,” said 5-year-old Hanna Norton of Spanish Fort.

Hanna’s mother, Felicia, said this will be the family’s third time experiencing the Bass Pro festivities.

“We usually just go and plan to stay for several hours on a Saturday, but I think this year, all the kids are old enough to stay awake for the arrival part,” Norton said, hugging 3-year-old Spencer while 7-year-old Ashleigh put Christmas ornaments in the family’s shopping buggy.

“He always brings me what I ask for,” Hanna said.

In addition to their chat with Santa, wonderland elves provide children with a free 4-by-6-inch photo of their visit from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon until 5 p.m. Sundays. And crafting homemade Christmas ornaments will help pass the time on weekends from noon until 5 p.m. Nov. 7 through Dec.  19 and from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Nov. 9 through Dec. 23. Elf masks, snowman suncatchers and ornaments crafted from fishing bobbers and popsicle sticks are just a few of the options available.

Ashleigh Norton is holding out for the cookie decorating Dec. 21 through 23.