Santa Claus will set up shop in Midtown this year.

Beginning Saturday, Santa will read stories in his newest regional workshop, set up in a vacant retail space at 1801 L St., Suite 70. The Midtown Business Association and member businesses are sponsoring Santa's Toy Shoppe two or three times per day on weekends and certain other days until Dec. 23.

The workshop will be decorated for Christmas and sport an oversized rug where kids can sit and listen to Santa read for half an hour.

While some people say Santa is really a retired local law enforcement officer, MBA Executive Director Rob Kerth said that doesn't appear to be true.

"I think he actually is Santa," Kerth said. "The beard is real. The hearty laugh is real. The twinkle in the eye is real. Somebody's got to get him, so it ought to be Midtown."

The workshop, located next to Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates, is part of an effort by the MBA and Midtown businesses to draw potential shoppers by offering more holiday activities, Kerth said. Midtown is also home to an ice-skating rink this year and will host a night-time holiday parade, among other activities.

Building owner Sotiris Kolokotronis has donated the space for the workshop. Volunteers will help out at the events.

Santa also will pose for photos. Part of the proceeds will be donated to local charities, according to the MBA.

Admission will be $5 per child or $3 with the donation of an unwrapped toy. Adults accompanying kids get in free. To volunteer in the workshop, call 442-1500. For the workshop schedule, click here.