The J.A. Walters YMCA will be host to a special, "Cookies with Santa" open house on Dec. 16.

The open house is from noon until 3 p.m. It will feature light snacks, carolers and a live nativity scene along with family games.

Cookies with Santa will begin at 4 p.m. and conclude at 6. During that time, kids will not only have the opportunity to share a snack with the jolly one, they'll also be able to have their picture taken with him, too. The pictures can be delivered via email or saved to a CD.

Although the portraits are free, the YMCA staff do ask that participants bring an unwrapped toy or a small, cash donation to be given to a local charity.

The family-friendly event at the J.A. Walters branch, 2455 Howard Road in Gainesville, is free and open to the public.