Before he became Santa Claus, with his familiar red and white suit, he went by the name of Saint Nicholas, wearing an entirely different outfit.

Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park invites families to its annual Christmas tradition of having photographs taken with the Civil War-era’s “Antebellum Saint Nicholas” on Dec. 10, noon-4 p.m., at the Battlefield Visitor Center.

In addition to visiting with St. Nick, families are welcome to participate in festive craft-making activities such as creating a unique “Antebellum-era Keepsake” or helping to “Trim-A-Tree for Nature,” to name just a few of the many offered activities.

The volunteer Friends Group will also be on hand serving Christmas “goodies” and warm/hot beverages. And be sure to check out the deals in the Gift Shop for Christmas gift ideas.

Photos with St. Nick will be sent to participants via a valid email address. Four-legged family members are also welcome, but must be on a leash at all times.

The event is free with donations welcome to the Friends Group. For more information, call the Visitor Center at (804) 561-7510.