RINCON — Beware! The holiday monster that First Baptist Church created last year is coming back.

Fortunately, the monster is far from frightening. It’s family friendly and fun.

On Dec. 14,  the church will present its version of the North Pole. The free event will feature Santa Claus, elves, reindeer, snow and, of course, Jesus.

“It’s going to be fantastic,” said Lori Sowers, the director of the church’s Kidz Ministries for newborns through fifth grade.

Last year, about 700 people viewed the spectacular winter wonderland inside the church’s Kidz building. The tours were by appointment only.

“We do free professional photos with Santa for all the families so I have to stage it,” Sowers said. “I can pull one hundred families from 9 a.m.-noon and one hundred families from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. We don’t have the flexibility to have walk-ups.”

It takes nearly 100 volunteers and two months of planning and and preparation to bring the North Pole to life. Funds for the project are derived from the church’s Pumpkin Patch sales. 

“There are a few changes this year,” Sowers said. “All of our reindeer games will be outside and we will have a nine-hole Grinch putt-putt course.”

The real meaning of Christmas won’t be lost among the event’s many sights and sounds.

“Every family will receive a copy of the Christmas story,” Sowers said. “Santa will give it to them, which we think is super cool because it brings Santa and Jesus into it together.”

North Pole registration will start Dec. 1. Sign up at www.fbcrincon.com or text “NORTH POLE” to 912-250-5536. 

Confirmation of appointments will be provided by Sowers.