Whet your appetite for the holidays at South Elgin’s ‘An Almost Winter Day’

Bring the whole family and spend an afternoon getting into the holiday spirit.

#147;This is our way of celebrating the holidays that brings families together,#148; said Kim Wascher, superintendent of park and recreation in South Elgin.

#147;During the tough economic times, we want to keep this event as free as possible.#148;

Families can start their day early with a pizza lunch with Santa from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pizza Cucina, 325 Randall Road, South Elgin.

#147;It#146;s a great way to kick off the holidays,#148; said firefighter Mike Rothecker. #147;We get a very positive reaction from the community.#148;

Special events, beginning at 3 p.m., feature a petting zoo, trolley rides with a reading of #147;The Polar Express,#148; horse-drawn sleigh rides for children and free sugar cookie decorating with sprinkles and frosting.

For grown-ups, there will be a coffee bar station with coffee syrups donated by Caribou Coffee.

All ages can enjoy a bonfire to keep warm and a s#146;mores extravaganza.

#147;I oversee the s#146;mores extravaganza along with bringing Santa to light the Christmas tree,#148; said Jim Reuter, director of parks and recreation in South Elgin.

Santa will be arriving on one of South Elgin#146;s fire engines for the lighting of the Christmas tree at 5:15 p.m. at Footprints in Time Plaza. Children can visit and carol with Santa beginning at 4:30 p.m.

#147;One of the fire trucks on duty will bring Santa to light the Christmas tree,#148; Rothecker said. #147;We do this because children always get excited when they see the fire truck and it attracts people.#148;

#147;It#146;s a part of history to drive Santa with the fire engine to the Christmas tree because the town used to drive Santa all around town about 35 years ago,#148; Wascher said.

Visit the Municipal Annex for South Elgin#146;s decorated holiday windows that will be unveiled at 3 p.m. Children can also write a letter to Santa for $2, deposit into the mailbox and be able to receive a response.

For details, call (847) 622-0003 or visit southelgin.com. SEBA Park is at 151 South Water St., South Elgin.

The cost for the lunch is $25 for residents and $30 for nonresidents for a family of four. Each additional child is $5. Registration for the lunch is required #8212; register early, as space is limited. Register at village hall, 10 North Water St., South Elgin.