DETROIT – Santa Claus has returned to the Motor City just in time to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving! But instead of giving away gifts, Santa received a special one himself while traveling on the route of America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White.

The Detroit parade is the second largest behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York in terms of its viewership and the number of people going to see it in person — an estimated 1 million in Detroit last year, Michaels said. “We want to get Detroit on this big national map, and we’ve worked very hard to do that," he said.

Forecasters have mixed opinions, with some predicting some rain and even snow, while others calling for none. But they agree, it will be cold.

The parade broadcast starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 12 p.m. The parade is also syndicated across 185 markets nation-wide

Located at the Daxton Hotel in Birmingham, Madam’s Thanksgiving grand buffet offers seatings from 2-8 p.m. Buffet features roasted turkey plus glazed ham, cedar baked salmon, seafood towers, salads, sides and desserts. $75 per adult; $35 ages 3-10; under 3 are free. For info and ordering: daxtonhotel.com

We were downtown for the start of America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. We talked with some first timers hoping to start new family traditions, and some seasoned parade veterans who all say this is the best way to start their Thanksgiving.

Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your long holiday weekend in and around Detroit. 🦃 America's Thanksgiving Parade: The three-mile parade down Woodward Avenue is in its 98th year.