Merry Christmas, Atlanta! Register now to see Santa at Rhodes Hall in December (yes, really)

You’ve heard of Christmas in July?

So has Santa, apparently.

The big guy won’t be showing up at historic Rhodes Hall until December this year. But registration is now open for Santa face time at the so-called “Castle on Peachtree.”

Yes, right now. As in mid-July, when visions of sweat-soaked pollen, not sugar plums, are dancing in our heads.

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, which is headquartered in and operates the onetime Rhodes mansion as a historic house museum, knows it’s jumping the gun somewhat.

Or is it?

“In past years, registration for the popular holiday event opened on October 1, a date when many reservations were made,” the Trust said in a statement. “But this year, the Trust has decided to open registration early to accommodate a growing demand of busy families who want to plan ahead.”

Rhodes Hall is known as "the castle on Peachtree." (Georgia Trust)

The annual “Santa at Rhodes Hall” event is a fundraiser for the Trust. The $45 family admission fee includes entertainment, refreshments and, most important of all, a 5-by-7 photo with Santa (For an additional $20, you can bring in your own camera or video recorder). It runs weekends (including two Fridays) Dec. 1-Dec. 16. 

Reservations are required. Make yours and find additional information at www.georgiatrust.org  Or call 404-885-7812.