NORAD Tracks Santa Claus En Route to Michigan

Thanks to NORAD, children young and old can keep track of Santa Claus as he journeys around the world toward Michigan

For 364 days out of the year, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) spends its time tracking airplanes, missiles, space ships—anything flying near the United States and Canada.  But on Christmas Eve, a team of volunteers spends the night tracking a very special pilot: Santa Claus.  "We are the only organization that has the technology, the qualifications and the people to do it," NORAD said on its website. "NORAD tracks Santa, but only Santa knows his route, which means we cannot predict where and when he will arrive at your house."  Santa usually starts at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean and travels west, NORAD noticed, meaning he moves from the South Pacific to New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Africa and …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Patch's Holiday Event Guide for Metro Detroit 2012

Looking for some holiday cheer within an hour's drive? We've got lights, Santas, parades and more happing in the greater Detroit area.

We combed our Patches for some great holiday events to put together this list of holiday happenings all over Southeast Michigan. Get out and have some festive fun! Holiday Lights Parade and tree-lighting ceremony: The festivities begin early in the day Dec. 1 with a petting zoo, carriage rides, etc., and go into the night with the tree-lighting after the parade, which begins at 5:30 p.m. Here’s a link to last year’s coverage: http://patch.com/A-pkHk Holiday Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at Shain Park. That is also the first day for the Santa House in Shain Park (lasts through Dec. 24), and the first day for carriage rides around the city (through Dec. 22). Magic of Birmingham: Shopping events takes place Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 at most downtown…

•  2 Comments
• Photos (5)

Clare Pfeiffer Ramsey

12:07 pm on Thursday, November 15, 2012

Thanks Laura!   more ›

Santa Claus at The Somerset Collection: 2012 Schedule

The jolly old elf will arrive this Friday. Here are the days and hours he'll be available this season.

Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus is coming to town – or, more specifically, to The Somerset Collection in Troy. Here's what you need to know about Santa's arrival and extended visit to the upscale mall this season. Santa will arrive in Troy at 6:30 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 16 in front of Somerset Collection North between J Alexander’s and Capital Grille. There will be stilt walkers, jugglers, a caroling quartet and townspeople handing out roasted almonds to guests.  At 7 p.m., the Dearborn Marching Band will begin marching and playing a holiday tune from Nordstrom’s to the center doors. They will play as Santa arrives in a horse-drawn carriage with Princess Celeste.  Once inside, the Dearborn Jazz Band will play while Santa visits with all his guests…

• Photos (1)

Clawson Goodfellows Gear Up for Holiday Giving

The charitable organization is launching its efforts to ensure that there is "no child without a Christmas."

The season of giving has already arrived in Clawson. The Clawson Goodfellows are collecting food and toy donations to help dozens of local families in need during the holidays. Goodfellow Jim Horton said the group plans to deliver food baskets to at least 25 families Monday for Thanksgiving. The Goodfellows have been working with the Clawson Eagles to gather turkeys and nonperishable goods for the baskets. They are storing the items at the Clawson Food Bank in the basement of Grace Apostolic Church. The food bank has held food drives every Monday since October for needy families. Members of the community and the local schools help the Goodfellows with their efforts each year, Horton said. There are large boxes at City Hall and Hunter …

• Photos (2)

Clawson Christmas Craft Show Welcomes New Crafters This Year

There will be some old and new vendors at the annual craft show Saturday at Clawson High School.

Linda Clapsadle of Livonia likes to make life easier for pet owners. With two cats of her own, she understands the hassle of keeping up with food and water bowls that pets often flop around the floors. So two years ago, Clapsadle started designing pet dinner tables, which are elevated wooden tables with stainless steel bowls built in them. She sells them at craft shows for $25-$45. "They're more a labor of love than making the money," Clapsadle said. Clapsadle is one of the new crafters this year at the 27th annual Christmas in Clawson Craft Show, which will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Clawson High School. Craft organizers are expecting 149 crafters this year from throughout Michigan and beyond. Organizer Betsy O'Brien said this…

• Photos (4)

5 Things to do in Clawson

Here's a roundup of events this weekend and beyond.

The Christmas holiday came and went, and New Year's is just a few days away. Don't spend the last holiday week of 2010 at home. There is plenty to do in Clawson this weekend and beyond. Here are five events in Clawson for children, families and adults.