Children will have an opportunity to enjoy Breakfast with Santa, skate with him and to create their own gingerbread houses at the Niles Park District this holiday season. Families and children, at least 6 months old, can join Santa for his annual breakfast buffet Saturday December 7 at the Howard Leisure Center, 6676 W. Howard St., Niles. There will be 3 seatings; 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM, 10 AM to 11 AM and 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Children will be able to have their picture taken with Santa during their visit. The event is $12 for residents and $14 for non-residents. Seats fill up quickly, so please register early.

With holiday songs playing, children and families will have the opportunity to skate with Santa as well as his elves for IceLand Santa Skate 2:30 PM to 4 PM Sunday December 8 at IceLand Skate, 8435 W. Ballard Rd., Niles. Fee is $6 per person, skate rental $4.

The holiday fun continues 6 PM Wednesday December 11 at the Howard Leisure Center when children ages 4 and older can decorate their own gingerbread house with candy cane lanes and gum drop roofs. The workshop activities include pizza, hot cocoa, desserts and music.

Registration is $25 a couple for residents and $30 for non-residents. Additional family members are $10. The deadline to sign up is Monday, December 9.

Santa's elves have also installed a special mailbox at the Howard Leisure Center. Santa will write back to each child who drops off a letter. However, since Santa must have time to pack up his sleigh, he'll only be able to answer those letters received by Thursday December 12. So get those letters in early. Santa will take care of postage and there is no charge for this special holiday service. Please don't forget to include your return address.

For additional information and to register for these activities, please contact the Howard Leisure Center, 847-967-6633, http://www.niles-park.org.