Looking for someplace different to visit Santa this year? Then come to AnnArbor.com for a free holiday party this Friday, Dec. 3, from 4 - 7 p.m.

Kids can talk with Santa (who some may find bears a striking resemblance to a certain former Ann Arbor News columnist) while a professional photographer captures the moment. Parents will have the option to purchase the photos, which will also appear in a gallery on the website, similar to the slideshow of Halloween trick-or-treaters last month.

Free hot cocoa and cookies will be available, holiday music will be playing, and staff members will read "The Polar Express" on the hour at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The party coincides with Midnight Madness, downtown's kickoff to the holiday season, when stores stay open late and offer sales and warm comfort to shoppers.