Santa Claus is coming to town

GROSSE POINTE FARMS/CITY — Thousands are expected to usher in the holiday season as the Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade makes its way along Kercheval Avenue in Grosse Pointe Farms and Grosse Pointe City Nov. 29.

The parade, in its 49th year, will start at 10 a.m. Nov. 29 at Lewiston Road and Kercheval Avenue in Grosse Pointe Farms, making its way a little over a mile to Kercheval and Cadieux Road in Grosse Pointe City. It takes place, as is traditionally the case, the day after Thanksgiving.

Inspired by Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” this year’s parade has a Grinch theme.

“We’re always looking for fun ways to mix up the holiday spirit with the elements that make each parade standout,” Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce Membership and Events Coordinator Abigail Turnbull said in an email interview. “The Grinch theme came up when we met with a member, 313 Presents, and learned the Grinch musical was coming to the Fox Theatre around Thanksgiving! This started to get our wheels turning with ideas of if the Grinch could steal the Parade! With that, many of our participating sponsors will be in costume and decorate floats with a bit of a Whoville theme! We are thrilled with the enthusiasm of … everyone involved and can’t wait for it to come together on November 29.”

Along the same lines, visitors can look for Grinch décor throughout the community as part of a Grinch decorating contest, organized by the GPCC.

“Because we don’t want the holiday spirit to stop with the parade, a scavenger hunt is added for sponsors and additional businesses and organizations to get involved in the fun,” Turnbull said. “This year’s Grinch Decorating Contest will allow businesses and individuals to jazz up their own Grinch at their business! We have a few variations, but participants will have plush Grinch features or some silly graphics with lights to show a little chaos in business windows! We will have a list and map for spectators to enjoy that will kick off on Parade Day. The purpose of this isn’t for a vote and we don’t have a vote involved, but this was set up to encourage foot traffic during the holiday season and bring awareness to the great businesses we have in the Pointes! People are encouraged to post photos on social media when they’re shopping local and can tag the Chamber at @gp_chamber on Instagram or Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.”

Turnbull said parade spectators can watch for “some record-breaking floats in the size department” that are being borrowed from The Parade Company, along with new entertainment and favorite parade staples. Marching bands and community groups are among the many participants who make each parade memorable.

“The Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade is a beloved community event that brings joy and excitement to people of all ages,” GPCC President Jenny Boettcher said in an email interview. “It’s a time where families gather together, bundled up in their warmest winter gear, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa and his festive entourage. The vibrant floats, marching bands, and cheerful performers create a magical atmosphere that fills the streets with wonder and anticipation. The Santa Claus Parade truly embodies the magic and charm of Christmas, uniting friends, and neighbors in a heartwarming display of festive cheer. With Santa leading the way, this holiday season is sure to sparkle brighter than ever before!”

Main Street Grosse Pointe Executive Director Cindy Willcock said they’ll be rolling out the Little Village — which features activities and programs for families — on parade day. She said they hope people stay after the parade to enjoy additional festivities and get started on holiday shopping, noting that Black Friday — which coincides with parade day — is “the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season.”

Small Business Saturday, which takes place Nov. 30, will feature lots of specials and promotions from the many independent businesses in the community.

“We’re encouraging people to shop local,” Willcock said. “You can pretty much get everything you need.”

Plans for the parade’s milestone anniversary in 2025 were in the works at press time.

“The Chamber is already working with Santa to make sure the 50th Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade is even more magical and unforgettable!” Boettcher said. “From coordinating Santa’s grand entrance to planning special appearances along the route, every detail is being carefully designed to ensure that next year’s 50th Santa Claus Parade will be the most spectacular yet.”

The parade will be preceded by the Grosse Pointe Lions Club’s 27th annual Jingle Bell Family Fun 2.2 mile Walk/Run, which will start at 9 a.m. on the parade route. Registration and packet pickup will start at 8:15 that morning. For more information or to register for the run/walk, visit the Grosse Pointe Lions Club Facebook page.

For more information about the parade, contact the GPCC at (313) 881-4722 or visit grossepointechamber.com.