An annual tradition, Niles’ Holiday Homecoming event kicks off a month’s worth of activities leading up to Christmas and the celebration of a new year.

Holiday Homecoming runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday in downtown Niles. Participants can expect refreshments, caroling and carriage rides.

As always, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by horse-drawn sleigh to light the lights and the trees downtown. Children can then visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Holiday Homecoming also coincides with Small Business Saturday, a national promotion that asks people to support small businesses.

Last year, more than 100 million people participated in Small Business Saturday, according to a consumer survey by American Express.

Downtown shops will be open throughout the day Saturday offering various specials and discounts.

The Inde Revolution Marketplace, 217 E. Main St., will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday and 5 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday between now and Christmas, according to Lisa Croteau, Niles Main Street program manager. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be appearing at Inde Marketplace from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 28.

From Dec. 1-15, residents can view and vote for their favorite downtown window holiday tree. Voters are automatically entered into a drawing for the “Shop Local Goodies Bag” filled with items from downtown businesses, including Sentiments, Veni’s Pizza Transit, Niles Styles and more.