SANTA CLAUS

Scarlett Doumato collected the half-eaten cookie and munched-on carrots she’d left out for Saint Nick and his reindeer and submitted them for DNA tests.

A young girl wrote to a Rhode Island police department asking them to run a DNA test on a cookie and carrots left for Santa Claus and his reindeer.

Markets closed out the week — and the year — in the red, as the so-called Santa Claus rally failed to materialize.

MIDLAND, MI -- They may not have white beards or rotund pot bellies, but the women of Midland’s Santa school still have plenty of Christmas spirit, including one woman who chooses to play Santa instead of Mrs. Claus. Rickard fell into the role in 1994 when the Santa Claus at a volunteer event had a medical emergency. One woman shared how she uses kinesiology tape to secure her wig, while another asked for tips on how much to charge for playing Mrs. Claus. She has instead worked to build up her own character as Mrs. Claus, focusing on being maternal during her interactions with children. Kathy Fick, who has played Mrs. Claus for three years, says the community has encouraged her to work on equal footing when she plays opposite a Santa Claus.

Santa-dressed Marines utilize snowmobiles and aircraft to help deliver toys and gifts to children in remote areas of Alaska for the Toys for Tots program.

Santa Claus hit the slopes at Crystal Mountain ahead of this big night around the world.

FLINT, MI - Santa Claus made a special trip this month to grant the wishes of Michigan’s newest babies at the Hurley Medical Center’s Pediatric Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Flint. The babies were too small to leave the hospital, so the head of the North Pole made a special trip to take photos with them. Hurley Marketing Specialist Peggy Agar said the event has been held each year since 2009 so babies can get their first photos with Santa, including printed photos. “Families are already missing out on so much,” said Agar, who has worked at Hurley for five years. “It’s crucial for the NICU team to provide this for families,” Agar said.

Mercury, the closest planet to the sun, will shine brightly in the sky on Christmas Eve as it reaches its highest altitude in the evening sky.

Christmas weekend started bitterly cold, with blowing snow and lots of icy roads, but it didn't matter as everybody was out shopping and eating.

He knows when you've been sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows when you've been eating edibles while you're on Christmas break.

Santa Claus sang his own rendition of the national anthem on Wednesday night before a basketball game between Florida State and Notre Dame.

What does Christmas in South Florida look like? Well, there’s no snow, that’s for sure.

The Ursid meteor shower peaks tonight (Dec. 22 into the morning of Dec. 23), and runs through Dec. 26.

The horror movie trend has morphed to Christmas — complete with haunted Christmas houses.

The City of Austin, Texas is running a series of promotional tweets during the holiday season to raise awareness of the dangers of driving with distractions.

The Investing Club holds its "Morning Meeting" every weekday at 10:20 a.m. ET.

We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun: Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in

Professor Casey Mulligan of the University of Chicago and I found that unemployment benefits can reach unexpected high levels in many states.

The Investing Club holds its "Morning Meeting" every weekday at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Staff, including professional photographers, from Santaland at Galleria Dallas advise parents on creating the best Santa experience for their kids this Christmas

MIDLAND, MI — It’s the last week to see Santa Claus at the Midland Santa House. St. Nick will visit with children at the Midland Santa House, located on the corner of Main Street and M-20 in downtown Midland, through Friday, Dec. 23, his final day there. The Santa house is closed on Saturday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve.

KALAMAZOO, MI - While Santa Claus is there to greet every child, sometimes its hard for them to relate to a Santa that doesn’t look like them. Soul Artistry hosted a meet and greet with Santa from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Space in downtown Kalamazoo, featuring a Black Santa who met with children to learn their Christmas wishes. This was the first Black Santa Claus event Soul Artistry has ever put on. Sidney “Öba” Ellis was the man behind the beard, who has experience playing the role of Santa Claus. “I felt that it’s always important that she sees a Black Santa versus the other Santas,” Devin Parker said about her daughter, Adriana Lindsey.

ANN ARBOR, MI - Santa Claus made an early visit to the University of Michigan in early December. Kris Kringle visited the young patients at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor on Dec. 1, for the first time in two years, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the last two visits to be done virtually, officials said.

FLINT, MI -- Flint’s Easterseals MORC continued its holiday tradition of hosting a Santa Claus visit for kids in their service with autism Thursday night. The event, which has been running for the past three years, provides a holiday celebration with the needs of children with sensory issues in mind. One element of making the event friendly to visiting children is Easterseals’ Santa, Dale James Potter, who is a home-based therapist. Potter has also volunteered as Santa Claus at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad. Some of our kids don’t get the opportunity to go see Santa Claus,” he said.

FLINT, MI - A ‘Hip-Hop Christmas’ at Comma Bookstore & Social Hub will be a holiday paradise with everything from a toy drive for kids, holiday Hip-Hop and R&B classics, as well as a hot chocolate bar and visit from Santa Claus. From noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 at Comma, 132 W. 2nd St. in downtown Flint, there will be a toy giveaway for the first 100 kids in attendance. The event is being presented by Liquid Bidding and Flint United. Officials weigh inClaressa Shields to host Christmas giveaway in Mt. Morris TownshipFenton Winery & Brewery opens ‘Dream Machine Distillery’ to expand optionsWalli’s Restaurant demolished, a decades-long Burton destination

Santa and Mrs. Claus were guests of the Ladies Auxiliary to Erie Post 3925, VFW. About 100 children visited Santa.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Sign Language Santa event was brought Christmas joy to deaf and hard of hearing children Dec. 10 in Grand Rapids. The Sign Language Santa was held in-person this year, after being modified during COVID-19 to be drive-thru only. Related: Sign Language Santa brings fun and interaction for deaf, hard of hearing childrenThere was a deaf Santa, fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), who spoke with deaf or hard of hearing children to learn their Christmas wish lists. There were also free handouts and a sign language reading of the classic book The Night Before Christmas. The Sign Language Santa event was a joyful, merry day for friends, families, and people in the deaf and hard of hearing community alike.

A bunch of Santa lookalikes have taken to the ski slopes once again to spread some holiday cheer.

The event featured a deaf Santa, fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), who spoke with deaf or hard of hearing children to learn their Christmas wish lists. Sign Language Santa is an annual event that has taken place over 10 years in Grand Rapids. One table had alphabet blocks with sign language letters printed on them for families to purchase and take home. Participants said the event is a fun way for deaf and hard of hearing children to interact. “It’s nice for my kids to get exposed to the deaf culture and sign language,” Merrifield said.

FLINT, MI - While children around the country are excited to meet Santa Claus this holiday season, it can be a difficult task for others. Children on the autism spectrum are often unable to visit Santa due to the chaotic, noisy environment and long lines. To ensure all children can visit with Santa this holiday season, Easterseals MORC is once again hosting a free, sensory-friendly event on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. located at Easterseals MORC’s Flint office, 1420 University Ave. The evening will include visits with Santa, fun holiday crafts, a story read by Santa and sing-along songs. Read more at The Flint Journal:Walli’s Restaurant demolished, a decades-long Burton destinationEducare Flint celebrates fifth anniversary, talk future of early childhood educationFenton Winery & Brewery opens ‘Dream Machine Distillery’ to expand options

Stocks have been positive about in roughly 3 of 4 holiday seasons going back several decades. The reason isn't exactly clear.

Santa and Mrs. Claus left Rudolph at home to catch a ride recently on an Alaska Air National Guard cargo plane to visit the Inupiac village of Nuiqsut, about 30 miles south of the Arctic Ocean.

Here's a holiday freebie parents will appreciate: You can help your kids call, text, email or even FaceTime Santa, and these services are all free.

As if on cue, 2022 has reached into its bag and delivered a jolly old elf who slays.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Free trolley rides to view the holiday lights of Spring Lake will be offered over the next several weekends. The Lakeshore Trolley will travel between the Spring Lake Holiday Inn and Orchard Market so riders can take in the Spring Lake Sparkle light display and holiday festivities. Sparkle includes more than 120,000 lights and displays in Spring Lake’s downtown corridor. Santa Claus will be at the Epicurean Village courtyard, 110 W. Savidge Street, from 4-7 p.m. Thursdays and 5-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Riders can choose to park and catch the trolley at the Holiday Inn, 940 W. Savidge Street, or Orchard Market, 17026 Lloyds Bayou Drive.

Santa Claus and Wednesday Addams are loved by many, and this season there is a twist on these classic characters. Movie Reviewer Greg Russell joined Michelle Oliver on “Live in the D” for Reel Talk to discuss a new film and Netflix series.

GRAND BLANC, MI -- Bicentennial Park in Grand Blanc will soon have its own lit Christmas tree. The city is hosting its 4th annual Holiday Tree Lighting from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2. The Christmas tree will be lit at 8 p.m.Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive on a firetruck at 6 p.m. for photos. There will also be a fireworks show after the tree is lit and plenty of activities to keep families busy if they arrive when the event begins, according to Grand Blanc Parks and Recreation. Burton hosted a similar Christmas tree lighting on Saturday, Nov. 19.

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Santa Claus is coming to town and Grand Haven is escorting him with a parade. The 30th Annual Jingle Bell Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 3, and will be followed by the traditional Christmas tree lighting. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. at the Ottawa County parking lot on Franklin Street at Fourth Street. The parade ends at the park, where the festivities will continue with carolers and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. Grand Haven's Jingle Bell parade route begins at the county building parking lot and ends at Central Park for the annual Christmas tree lighting.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI - The annual Flushing and Montrose Candlewalk traditions are set to continue this week. On Thursday, Dec .1, hundreds of people are expected to flood Main Street from 6-9 p.m. The Flushing Candlewalk first began over 30 years ago and has grown into one of the county’s largest events. The Montrose Candlewalk committee stated in a Facebook post that roadblocks prevented the parade from going forward. For more information, visit the Montrose Candlewalk Facebook page.

MUSKEGON, MI – Carriage rides, shopping, food and beverage and, of course, Santa Claus, are all part of this weekend’s holiday festivities in Muskegon’s Lakeside district. Holidays in Lakeside will be celebrated all day – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – on Saturday, Dec. 3. A Christmas tree lighting will follow. The business district along Lakeshore Drive is getting in the holiday spirit with free carriage rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Christmas tree lighting will be at 5:30 p.m. in the pocket park next to Ghezzi’s.

LAPEER, MI - The historic Lapeer Winterfest is on the horizon, which features a nighttime Christmas parade, tree lighting ceremony, a visit with Santa Claus and more. Friday, Dec. 23-8 p.m.: Winter Market, located across from the PIX Theatre4-7 p.m.: Horse carriage rides4-8 p.m.: Christmas window scavenger hunt. Pick up clue cards at the Winter Market. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Winter Market, located across from the PIX Theatre. : Visit Santa.

FLINT, MI – Photo opportunities with Santa Claus, gifts for children of all ages and special holiday performances are just a few of the things you might see at the Flint Christmas Celebration this week. The celebration, scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1 at Berston Field House, will feature the Flint Symphony Orchestra and Ensemble Creative Expressions Dance.

GOODRICH, MI – Santa Claus himself will make a stop in Goodrich before finishing up Christmas preparations at the North Pole this year. The Goodrich Village Christmas Celebration will take place in downtown Goodrich from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8.

“You don’t like me having a Black Santa in my front yard?" said Chris Kennedy. "I will go and be the Santa Claus for the entire city.”

Operation Santa has helped deliver gifts from Ol' Saint Nick to kids of all ages. And over the years, the process has moved online.

The demand for Santa Claus and all his helpers is up by over 30% from last year.

BAY CITY, MI - Glowsticks and cell phone lights shined in the crisp air in Bay City as thousands of children and their families helped to light the way for Santa’s big arrival this year. Bay City hosted its annual tree lighting ceremony Friday, Nov. 25. This is also the largest tree lighting so far, he said. “It was a phenomenal tree lighting this year, everything went without a hitch and we just had a lot of fun,” he added. This is the 7th year that Clements and his wife, Sally, have brought in a Christmas tree to Bay City.

From St. Clair County to Livingston County, Santa Claus will be spreading holiday cheer around Metro Detroit before his big day.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- As it gets closer to December, there are a few cities in Washtenaw County that are preparing to kickstart the holiday season with annual tree lightings. During these celebrations cities sometimes sip on warm drinks, sing some Christmas carols or get a surprise visit from Santa Claus himself. Here is a list of upcoming tree lighting ceremonies going on in Washtenaw County:Ypsilanti:Depot Town will be having its tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, at the tree across from Sidetrack at 56 E Cross St. Saline:Saline’s annual tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29, in front of KeyBank at 100 W. Michigan Ave. To learn more about the tree lighting or the city’s annual holiday parade, visit Saline Area Chamber of Commerce’s website. The tree lighting will have Santa Claus, Whitmore Lake High School’s marching band playing holiday tunes and more.

There are some road closures you should be aware of if you plan on heading into Downtown Detroit on Thursday for America’s Thanksgiving Parade Presented by Gardner White.

The floats have moved into position along Woodward Wednesday, staged and ready for Thursday morning, and hundreds of people came out Wednesday to get a good look and start their holiday a bit early.

The holidays are about family, friends and making magical memories that last, and one destination in the D offers all that.

Overall World Cup champion Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States claimed a slalom event for a sweep of the two season-opening races.

Santa Claus and his reindeer will be stopping by for a meet-and-greet and to help the community spread some holiday cheer. The annual Holidays in the Hamptons event is returning on Wednesday, Nov. 23. at the Skorupski Family Funeral Home at 821 N. Pine Road between Ridge and Center. The community is welcome to stop by with an unwrapped toy donation as they fill a Hampton Twp. “To give back to the community is such a privilege and an honor,” said Spencer Skorupski, funeral home owner and director. Read more from MLiveRalphie’s house from “A Christmas Story” is actually for saleU.P.

You never know what might touch the lives of families going through a difficult time, especially those spending months in the hospital with sick children.

MUSKEGON, MI - Santa Claus and his reindeers will be making an appearance in Muskegon for the annual Christmas tree lighting. The city in partnership with Hackley Library will bring reindeers to Hackley Park for families to take pictures while celebrating the holiday season together. Following the tree lighting, Santa will be at Hackley Library for a meet and greet and pictures until around 7:30 p.m.“It’s a great collaborative effort,” said Mallory Metzger, marketing and program coordinator at Hackley Library. GLOW After Party - Make your way to Social Sandbox to join Lakeshore Legacy Project at 6:30 p.m. for its initial lighting event for GLOW in downtown Muskegon from 1st to 5th Street on W Western Ave. They are collaborating with the Hackley Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The story of The Santa Clause continues! Register for Disney+ and join Scott Calvin for a whole new adventure. It’s been almost thirty years since Scott Calvin accidentally shouted Santa Claus off the roof, inheriting his fabled red suit and the insane responsibilities of Father Christmas. Now, as the public’s interest in this once magical holiday wanes, so too does Santa’s vigor. Watch the premiere of The Santa Clauses today with a Disney+ subscriptionFor $7.99/month ($79.99/year) register for Disney+ and enjoy Disney originals, Pixar classics, Marvel favorites, and more.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - After a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Santa Claus is coming to downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday for the annual parade. Santa Claus and his reindeers will be joined by high school marching bands, handmade holiday floats, special guests and more in celebration of the 101st Gentex Santa Parade, formerly Art Van Santa Parade. This is just one of many things we’re doing to increase awareness of our company in the Grand Rapids market.”Organizers said up to 30,000 attendees are expected to show up in downtown Grand Rapids this year, weather dependent. The Grand Rapids Junior Chamber, formerly the Grand Rapids Jaycees, aims to commemorate its history with the parade by having Santa Claus fly onto the streets of Grand Rapids in the historic 1950s Jaycee’s sleigh. Read more:Grand opening for Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits second Grand Rapids location announcedYears of water penetration caused deterioration of wall that forced closure of Grand Rapids schoolMichigan’s Best Local Eats: Grand Haven’s Lucky Sushi Cafe serves handcrafted sushi, Japanese-style entrées

KALAMAZOO, MI — City workers gathered around a dissembled Santa Claus statute Tuesday morning and, right on cue, the snow began to fall. One again, the 17-foot-tall Santa Claus statue was assembled by workers on Tuesday, Nov. 15, along West Michigan Avenue at the Kalamazoo Mall. Holiday decorations have been placed around downtown Kalamazoo in preparation for the 60th annual Kalamazoo Holiday Parade this Saturday, Nov. 19. In another sign of the season, the annual art sale at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts’ Kirk Newman Art School is scheduled for this week. The sale is from 5-8 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the KIA, 314 S. Park St.

A revamped holiday castle will be front and center at Somerset Collection for Santa’s arrival later this week.

Hopefully, your pups at home are on the nice list because Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend to pay them a visit.

Index, Sonos is going to track how many times our five favorite Christmas songs and movies are searched and streamed. During the cold air intrusion in the 24 hours after October 18, the number of people streaming Christmas music jumped to 3.1 million people - the biggest spike in Christmas music listening that we have seen thus far this season!”That’s the same day part of the Upper Peninsula had over one foot of snow. She tweeted from her bathtub “not yet” to her Christmas songs and putting up a Christmas tree. They are using these songs to track us, not Santa Claus:“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby“Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande“Last Christmas” by Wham! It’s not time for you to go whole-hog on Christmas music and movies.

In 1995, Coolio combined street-tough lyrics with a pop sensibility - and rap wold never be the same.

Spain will end a mandate to wear masks outdoors next week, reversing a late December order against an unprecedented surge of coronavirus infections fueled by a highly contagious mutation.

This Christmas Eve, Jolly Old St. Nicholas is once again delivering gifts to children around the world in record time. Here's how to track his whereabouts.

Marines on snowmobiles helped Santa this month while delivering toys to boys and girls in Alaska’s Arctic.

This Christmas Eve, Jolly Old St. Nicholas is once again delivering gifts to children around the world in record time. Here's how to track his whereabouts.

Friday afternoon becomes milder and a little wetter just before sunset. Afterward, rain becomes steadier and, at times, heavier in the evening and during nighttime hours.

Here is the weather forecast for Metro Detroit.

Rest assured, kids of all ages: Santa’s coming this Christmas Eve, and a second holiday with COVID-19 won’t stop him.

South Africa's government says the country will donate just over 2 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to other African countries to boost the continent’s vaccine drive.

It all began with an elf named Fisbee.

A Roman Catholic diocese in Sicily has apologized to outraged parents after its bishop told a group of children that Santa Claus doesn’t exist.

We’re used to seeing Santa at the mall, or better yet, on his sleigh delivering toys to children around the world, but you don’t see Santa (let alone hundreds of him) skiing or snowboarding down a mountain.

Get a classic photo with Santa this month at Briarwood Mall.

Britain’s government has tightened travel restrictions amid concerns about the spread of the omicron coronavirus variant.

Santa Claus has returned to Detroit this Thanksgiving -- but instead of giving away gifts, he’s receiving a special one himself.

In need of a little inspiration, getting into the holiday spirit? Then we have the perfect event to tell you about.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will return to its pre-pandemic form this year, with its route restored through Manhattan, high-flying helium balloons once again pulled by handlers and crowds welcomed back to cheer them on.

Visitors to a mall with a monster themed festival wears masks to protect from the coronavirus in Beijing Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. Beijing is conducting testing on a limited scale in the neighborhoods and workplaces where the cases were found. Japan had 3,823 new cases Friday for a national total of 213,547, with 3,155 deaths, the health ministry said. — South Korea has reported another 1,132 coronavirus cases as the resurgence worsened over the Christmas week, putting pressure on the government to enforce stricter social distancing controls. On Saturday morning, 110 new coronavirus cases were reported, bringing Thailand’s total to 6,020.

Nothing is going to stop Santa Claus from coming to town. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracks everything in the skies of the United States and Canada -- and that includes Santa’s sleigh and his reindeer this Christmas Eve. You can follow his journey around the globe through one of the livestreams included in this article, or by clicking here. You can call 660-557-2682 to hear a message from Santa.

Nothing is going to stop Santa Claus from coming to town. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracks everything in the skies of the United States and Canada -- and that includes Santa’s sleigh and his reindeer this Christmas Eve. You can follow his journey around the globe through one of the livestreams included in this article, or by clicking here. You can call 660-557-2682 to hear a message from Santa.

The National Weather Service earlier this week warned that South Florida could experience the coldest Christmas Day in 21 years. Morning lows on Saturday could drop into the low 30s and 40s degrees Fahrenheit, the weather service said. Much colder temps expected for Christmas," the National Weather Service in Miami tweeted earlier this week. A squall line with severe storms and fast-moving winds also was headed for north Florida on Christmas Eve. The pandemic also was impacting a Space Coast tradition — Surfing Santa Day, which takes place the day before Christmas.

Snow showers return Thursday evening, to prep Santa and his sleigh for a good landing overnight. Christmas Day is a White Christmas in my book. Despite the lack of an inch of snow on the ground in many neighborhoods, snowflakes will be falling with scattered snow showers. The holiday’s first day, Umoja - Community, will be partly sunny with morning snow showers. Monday has another chance of rain and snow showers.

Legendary singer Morris Day has released a new holiday song that is sure get you into the spirit. It’s called “Cooler than Santa Claus”. Day said he wanted to pay homage to the parents who work so hard to make sure their children have a happy holiday, while giving a shout out to Santa Claus. “Cooler than Santa Claus” is available on multiple music streaming services. Watch the video above to hear just how cool “Cooler than Santa Claus” is.

ANN ARBOR – The Christmas spirit came alive on Saturday in the Glacier Highlands neighborhood on Ann Arbor’s northside. The Ly family has been welcoming Joe Eadie -- also known as Kerrytown Santa -- into their home for the past nine years. The Ly family with Santa Joe Eadie on Dec. 19, 2020. Santa Joe Eadie surprises children during the pandemic on Dec. 19, 2020. (Carly Ly)Local mothers pose with Santa Joe Eadie on Dec. 19, 2020 in the Glacier Highlands neighborhood in Ann Arbor.

In this photo provided by the California Highway Patrol, a man dressed as Santa Claus who was flying on a powered parachute on his way to deliver candy canes to children is seen stuck on power lines in Rio Linda, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. The incident happened shortly after the man took off near a school in Rio Linda and then hit and became suspended in power lines, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman told KCRA-TV. (California Highway Patrol via AP)RIO LINDA, Calif. – Santa found himself a little more tied up than usual this time of year. A Northern California man impersonating Santa Claus and flying on a powered parachute was rescued Sunday after he became entangled in power lines, authorities said. He flew into a maze of power lines and wound up suspended in them, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman told KCRA-TV.

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – In midst of Michigan’s current COVID-19 restrictions, many Metro Detroit businesses are utilizing outdoor dining this holiday season. While there is a Christmas atmosphere at the Village of Rochester Hills, things are different such as visiting Santa Claus by appointment at a 6-foot distance. Meanwhile, outdoor dining popped up this week at many of the restaurants at the Village. “We’ve got all of the Christmas lights up. While it may be a different feel, people are still excited that it’s the holidays,” said Zach Carlson with Kruse & Muer.

This snowy Wednesday, Santa Claus made a socially distanced appearance in Birmingham -- and things are looking different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Santa also went high tech this year, meeting with children and families virtually on Zoom to share Christmas wishes and spirit. What you may not know is that Santa spends his off season right here in Metro Detroit under the assumed name of Daniel Suttkus. “Children don’t have to worry about Santa catching COVID and not being able to make his deliveries. But right now, before Christmas, we don’t want crowds to gather and we don’t want children to actually come visit face-to-face with Santa.

A spat has erupted over competing claims that the prime minister and his main rival broke the spirit of pandemic restrictions that have renewed financial hardship for many voters. Conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was photographed last weekend posing with his mountain bike, without a mask, alongside five motocross riders on a hillside trail outside Athens. Greece's lockdown rules exempt people who've gone outdoors for exercise, including cycling, from the obligation to wear a mask. Greece’s pandemic death toll reached close to 3,100 on Monday, with most deaths occurring after Nov. 1. The current lockdown was launched on Nov. 7 and initially planned to last for three weeks.

Santa visited the city, as he always does on Thanksgiving, but this time was even more special. Watch the special moment above. More coverage: America’s Thanksgiving Parade special sectionView more Parade Floats here. “Santa is not going to be spreading any infections to anybody,” said Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert. “(He) is exempt from this because Santa, of all the good qualities, has a lot of good innate immunity.”Read more here.

(AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)SEATTLE — Health officials in Washington state said the number of people who were hospitalized to receive treatment for the coronavirus has reached a record high. The director of the state health department urged residents to cancel indoor Thanksgiving plans and those that involve large groups of family and friends. Authorities are strictly enforcing a lockdown and nightly curfew after a recent surge in COVID-19 cases. Health authorities announced 1,498 new coronavirus cases Sunday, along with 103 deaths, five less than the daily record set Saturday. Italy added 28,337 confirmed cases, raising to 1,408,868, the country’s total in the pandemic.

FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2019, file photo a playbook sits next to a telephone set up in the NORAD Tracks Santa center at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo. The North American Aerospace Defense Command has announced that NORAD will track Santa on December 24, just as it has done for 65 years. The global pandemic won't stop them from tracking Santa Claus' progress as he delivers gifts around the globe on Christmas Eve. The North American Aerospace Defense Command has announced that NORAD will track Santa on Dec. 24, just as it has done for 65 years. Besides the call center, the NORAD Tracks Santa website — noradsanta.org — as well as social media pages, Amazon Alexa, Onstar and a new mobile app will still be available with up-to-the-minute details on Santa's location.

A buyer shouted out with glee that they would pay $368,000 for the Rudolph and Santa Claus figures used in the perennially beloved Christmas special “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”Bidding for the figures soared past the projected sale price of between $150,000 and $200,000 on Friday at the Icons & Legends of Hollywood Auction held in Los Angeles by Profiles in History. The 6-inch-tall Rudolph and 11-inch-tall Santa were made in Tokyo of wood, wire, cloth and leather, and are still malleable. Other highlights from the two-day auction include Marilyn Monroe's tiger-striped gown from “The Seven Year Itch,” which sold for a whopping $593,750. Another Monroe gown that she wore when she met Queen Elizabeth II at a London film premiere went for $294,400. A Scarlett O'Hara dress that Vivien Leigh wore in “Gone With the Wind” and Gene Kelly's rain suit from “Singin' in the Rain” sold for $150,000 apiece.

Santa Claus is coming to the mall just don't try to sit on his lap. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)NEW YORK – Santa Claus is coming to the mall — just don’t try to sit on his lap. Kids will instead tell Santa what they want for Christmas from six feet away, and sometimes from behind a sheet of plexiglass. Santa and his visitors may need to wear a face mask, even while posing for photos. And Brookfield teamed up with virtual Santa company JingleRing, giving people a way to chat with Santa from home.

FILE - Santa Claus waves during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nov. 28, 2019, in New York. Macy's said Santa Claus won't be greeting kids at its flagship New York store this year due to the coronavirus, interrupting a holiday tradition started nearly 160 years ago. However, Macy's said the jolly old man will still appear at the end of the televised Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. But he will still appear at the end of the televised Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, the company said. Macy's has been using Santa Claus to draw crowds to its New York store since the early 1860s, calling itself “The Home of Santa Claus" for decades.

-FILE- In this Saturday Nov. 16, 2013, image The Dutch version of Santa Claus, Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, and his blackface sidekicks "Zwarte Piet" or "Black Pete" arrive by steamboat in Hoorn, north-western Netherlands. Saint Nicholas is due to arrive in the Netherlands Saturday Nov. 16, 2019, in an annual children's party that has become the backdrop for increasingly acrimonious confrontations between supporters and opponents of his sidekick, Black Pete, a depictions which opponents say promotes racist stereotypes. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)THE HAGUE The Dutch version of St. Nicholas is due to arrive in the Netherlands in an annual childrens party that has become the backdrop for increasingly acrimonious confrontations between supporters and opponents of his sidekick, Black Pete. Opponents say such depictions promote racist stereotypes, while supporters defend the helper of Sinterklaas, the white-bearded, red-robed Dutch version of St. Nicholas, as a traditional children's character. On Saturday, the nationally televised arrival of Sinterklaas is happening, amid tight security, in the central city of Apeldoorn.

Tired of waiting patiently for America's Thanksgiving Parade? Watch the parade live Thursday -- click hereThe Michigan Thanksgiving Parade began marching down Woodward Avenue in 1924 and Santa has never missed one yet. Now known as America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van, the parade was originally founded by J.L. It was the same year that Macy’s began its parade in New York City. Yes, betamax!