Santa has been making weekend rounds this holiday season, taking time ahead of his upcoming big day to sit down with families in Niles for a spread of breakfast fare.
The Niles Park District hosted its annual “Breakfast with Santa” Saturday at the Howard Leisure Center.
The sounds of festive tunes filled the room as families indulged in a lineup of breakfast favorites, arts and crafts, handmade balloon creations by one of Santa’s elves, and, of course, photos with the jolly guy himself.
A tradition for more than 30 years in Niles, Breakfast with Santa brings families and the community together for the holiday. This year’s event drew about 150 attendees, and to accommodate the demand, the district offered three one-hour seatings starting at 8:30 a.m.
“Because we have so many families, we can only accommodate 150 per seating, so that’s why we do three seatings,” Park District Program Director Robin Brey said.
Costs for the event were $16 for residents and $20 for non-residents. Upon arrival, children were greeted with holiday-themed goodie bags.
For Chicago resident Alan Russell, this was the first year attending with his two children, Owen and Jon.
“The kids are looking forward to the craft table, meeting Santa, of course, and eating as much pancakes and good breakfast food as they can,” said Russell.
Another first-time attendee, Samia Hempel, also traveled from the city to participate with her children, Derek and Kaeleb. Hempel heard about the event through family living in Niles.
“I think Niles is putting on a great event. Even as a non-resident, it’s lovely that we can meet up with family here. It really provides us a great opportunity,” she said.
Returning for their second year were Niles residents Jamie and Brandon Grosz with their 3-year-old son, Ryder.
“Ryder had a good time last year seeing Santa and telling him what he wanted for Christmas,” Jamie Grosz said.
This year, when asked what he wanted for Christmas, Ryder had a simple answer: “Airplanes.”
The holiday festivities in the area didn’t stop with breakfast.
A day after the morning breakfast, the Park District was set to host its annual “IceLand Santa Skate.” The afternoon event included families skating to Christmas music, taking pictures with Santa and his elves, and receiving holiday gift bags and hot chocolate.
Additionally, the Park District offered children a chance to write letters to Santa and receive a personalized response. Families had until Monday to drop letters into Santa’s Mailbox at the Howard Leisure Center or email them.
Kaitlin Mikrut is a freelancer.
