Head to South Elgin Saturday for An Almost Winter Day festival

There is a window of time between the rustle of autumn leaves and the cold winds of winter. The village of South Elgin calls it An Almost Winter Day, and this year's festival takes place from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at SEBA Park, 151 Water St.

The 17th annual event welcomes Santa at 3 p.m. He'll sing carols and take photos with children before heading to the Footprints in Time Plaza at the corner of Route 31 and State Street for a holiday tree lighting at 5 p.m.

An Almost Winter Day offers a wide variety of free, family-friendly activities, including: horse-drawn trolley rides, letters to Santa, a petting zoo (nominal optional charge for feed), cookie decorating, s'more extravaganza, complimentary soup station and a bonfire.

Pony rides and concessions provided by South Elgin FUNdation require a small cost. The adjacent and historic Fox River Trolley Museum offers the perfect excuse to get a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy a nostalgic trip to the Jon Duerr Forest Preserve and back. The trolley ride includes a reading of the classic children's book, "The Polar Express." Trolley rides depart at 3 and 4 p.m. and cost $1 per person.

A few openings remain for Breakfast With Santa earlier the same day. South Elgin welcomes Santa to Village Squire restaurant at 480 Randall Road between 9-10:30 a.m. The breakfast requires a fee ($30 for a family of four, $35 for nonresidents) and includes a meal, crafts and photo opportunity with St. Nick. Visit southelgin.com/registration or call (847) 622-0003 to register.

Events are subject to change based on weather conditions. Follow the village of South Elgin's Facebook page or website for necessary updates.