Santa Sneak Peek: Holiday Magic Parade In Royal Oak

Everyone knows the real Santa Claus officially appears in metro Detroit at the end of America's Thanksgiving Parade along Woodward Avenue.But revelers can get a rare preview, a sneak peek, of the Jolly Old Elf himself this Saturday at Holiday Magic in Royal Oak.Here's a guide to all the ins and outs of the first big holiday event of the season. -- Christy Strawser

What to expect

The annual parade features musical acts, performances, floats and more from over 80 parade units. The parade route starts at Washington and Lincoln and heads north on Washington to Fourth, where it then heads west to Lafayette.

Thousands of people line the route to catch candy, watch dancers and circus performers, hear high school bands, and enjoy floats from The Parade Company. There will be dogs in costumes, Irish dancers, local celebrities -- and it ends with Santa in a horse drawn carriage.
 
Bring a toy to help less fortunate families in metro Detroita. Marines will walk in the parade and collect them from the crowd for Toys for Tots.

Weather

Wondering how many layers to wear? Click here for an up-to-the minute forecast.

Hours

The big day kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 19, on Washington Avenue, between Lincoln and 11 Mile in downtown Royal Oak.

Early birds can join the 9:15 a.m. Santa Scamper, a family fun run through the parade route.

At 11 a.m., Santa gets off his float and heads to nearby Stagecrafters, where he'll stick around until 2 p.m. for photos with the little ones.

Santa Scamper

Participants can register for the 9:15 a.m. race beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church of Royal Oak. The noncompetitive, half mile race starts at Lincoln and Fourth.

All ages are welcome. Registration is $10 and includes a Santa hat, McDonald's coupon, and hot chocolate after the event. 

Parking

There is no officially designated parking for out-of-towners, but your best bet is to head to the municipal metered lot adjacent to City Hall, at Troy and Third Streets, or the municipal deck at Fourth and Washington.

See a map here. Lots will be free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.