A corner of the Founder’s Room of Turner Hall was set aside for Santa to meet children. He asked children what they wanted for Christmas and their parents could get a holiday photo.

Turner Hall staff member Sara Postel said several area organizations hosted Santa during the holiday season, but Turner Hall had not done so in decades.

“We thought, this is a very kid friendly space, so we should try again,” she said.

The results were better than expected.

Seven-year-old Johanna Dilly and her three-month-old twin brothers Emerson and JoHanna Dilly meet with Santa Claus at Turner Hall, Monday.

Postel said the line to meet with Santa was out the door when they started. Based on the attendance, she believed the Santa meet and greet would continue next year.

Six-year old Corben Holstein and his eight-month-old brother Kaeby Holstein were both meeting Santa for the first time. Their parents said Corben wanted toy cars for Christmas. Kaeby was too young to ask for anything but his parents said he liked everything.

Owen Budahn, 7, and Carter Budahn, 5, each asked Santa for hockey equipment, including nets and equipment bags. Carter also asked for Hot Wheels cars.

Many of the kids were too young or too shy to ask Santa for specific gifts, but were happy to say “hi.”

Santa said the most popular gift requests were Lego blocks and Squishmallows, but dolls and toy trucks that make noise were also popular.

The Widner Family meets with Santa Claus at Turner Hall Monday. In photo, left to right: Kelsie, Santa holding Charlotte and Harper, David and Everly.

Santa Claus was happy to report that all the kids he saw this year were on the nice list. He said this close to Christmas, all kids are good.

Carol Steinhauser, a longtime member of the Turner Ladies said for years Turner Hall would host Santa Claus. Each year Santa would make a grand entrance to Turner Hall, arriving a different way, sometimes on horseback and other times on motorcycle.

Steinhauser could not remember the last time Santa made an official visit to Turner Hall, but she said it was sometime in the 1970s. Earlier this year, the Turner board had the idea to bring Santa back. Steinahuser was pleased with the decision. She spent most the evening watching the kids visit with Santa.

“These kids get so excited to see Santa Claus,” she said. “It is really unbelievable.”

The Budahn boys, Carter (center) and Owen (right) ask Santa Claus for some new hockey equipment for Christmas.