All right, all of you good boys and girls, I know you have been wondering when the guy in the red suit will be coming to town.

The answer is soon … very soon.

Pack up the parents and get working on that wish list because Santa is already making plans for his arrival at Briarwood Mall at the end of the week!

Briarwood mall’s Santa is the real deal:

• Beard made of real whiskers: check!
• Rosy cheeks and a belly full of jelly: check!
• Jolly Ho, ho, ho!: check!
• A Red suit velvety enough to want to sit on: check!
• Rumor even has it that he spends his off season in the UP - which is awfully close to the North Pole.

Here are the facts you need to know about when to meet the jolly old guy:Friday, Nov. 13: Santa will quietly arrive at the mall on this day. If you are among the first 200 kids to come and see Santa this season you are in for a treat. You will be given a ticket to Breakfast with Santa for Dec. 5 courtesy of Lexus. Lexus is also making a donation to Simon Youth Foundation, a charity dedicated to improving graduation rates for at risk youth.

Saturday, Nov. 14: Santa Returns to Briarwood. Join Santa and the University of Michigan Dance team as they parade through the mall to celebrate Santa’s return at 10 a.m.

Santa’s Visiting hours for November are as follows: Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 8 PM (breaks from 1 PM - 1:45 PM and 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM) and on Sundays from noon-6 PM (breaks from 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM). Santa’s Visiting hours for December are as follows: Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 8 PM (breaks from 1 PM - 1:45 PM and 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM) and on Sundays from 11 AM - 7 PM (breaks from 1 PM - 1:45 PM and 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM).

Santa departs at 5 PM on Christmas Eve.

Saturday, Nov. 28: New this year, Santa will take part in a special tree lighting ceremony at the park area outside of Briarwood Mall near the Sears entrance. Santa will be arriving in his convertible Lexus, as his live reindeer mingle and jingle with the crowds. Look for warm cocoa from the Salvation Army, cookies from Nestle, carolers, and more. 5:30 - 8:30 pm. The tree will stand 20 feet tall in its decorated glory, and other trees will be available to purchase that evening.

So make your list and check it twice; Santa will be here before you know it!

Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals, and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com