Santa's Village in Skyforest to reopen after 20 years

SKYFOREST, Calif. (KABC) -- For the first time in nearly 20 years, children will once again be able to visit Santa at Santa's Village in Skyforest.

After closing in 1998, the long-beloved site will hold its grand reopening during the 2016 holiday season.

Project manager Bill Johnson said that due to the immense transformation of the amusement park, the site will be renamed Skypark at Santa's Village.

"Probably the biggest delay is trying to take something from 1955 and bring it up to code," Johnson explained.

Skypark at Santa's Village will hold its grand opening during the 2016 holiday season.

Although there will no longer be a petting zoo and Bumble Bee Monorail ride, Johnson assured that there will be plenty to do.

"We have climbing walls for all ages, bouldering rooms, train rides, the bakery and all the nostalgic stuff that was here before," Johnson said.

Gift shops will also include locally made scented candles.

San Bernardino County expects to issue a temporary-use permit by Nov. 1.