NORWICH – Santa will be gracing downtown Norwich with his presence as he will be in his igloo Saturday after the completion of the Parade of Lights.

“Out of all of the cities and towns across the world Norwich has the warmest igloo with the friendliest elves, and all the children have the rosiest cheeks I just want to pinch,” exclaimed Santa.

Santa will be boasting an extra long and extra white beard this year when he visits Norwich during No-shave November.

“I like to keep my beard year long regardless, but Mrs. Clause really likes it as well. The North Pole can get pretty cold,” said Santa.

When asked how the children from Norwich and the surrounding communities generally are Santa gave a huge laugh before saying, “I would say about 77 percent of the children are on my good list, the other 33 percent are on the naughty list. These children on the naughty list need to listen to their parents more, work harder in school and remember that education can also come outside of school, so keep on playing more.”

The Reindeer will not be in town with Santa when he makes his trip to Norwich. Santa explained how he likes to keep the Reindeer home and rested in order for them to be in perfect condition come Christmas.

“I left the Reindeer home at the North Pole to get rested up for the big night coming up. To get to Norwich I first ended up taking a plane from the North Pole to Canada, from Canada I jumped on a bus across the border to the United States. Once in the country I hopped on a train and made my way to my Igloo in Norwich, where I was picked up by Mike McCormick,” said Santa.

Santa went on to explain “Mrs. Clause usually stays home to watch over the elves and the reindeer. But instead she came with me to make sure I was safe.”

Mrs. Clause who accompanied Santa on his trip down from the North Pole wont be in the Igloo with Santa, instead she wanted to share a message to the children saying, “bundle up, keep warm, build a snowman or two, have some fun. But make sure you grab your hats, gloves, and snow pants. If you don’t have them or cant find them then check out the local toys-for-tots shelter or any other shelter, to grab some.”

Make sure you make your way down to Santa's Igloo after the Parade of Lights is over to get your picture taken with Santa and tell him what you would like for Christmas, and check out the Delivering Christmas story written for the Igloo schedule.

“I am very excited about being in the parade again. I love all the smiling faces, it really just makes me want to dance,” said Santa.