Santa Claus is coming to town, and early.

Coral Springs residents and people living in nearby cities will be able to catch an early glimpse of Santa this event at the Coral Square mall. Families can join the parade.

Santa will be perched atop Coral Springs fire department’s shiny red fire truck and will be accompanied by the Coral Springs Police Department’s motorcycle division. The Taravella High School Drum Line will herald Santa’s arrival in the mall parking lot. The parade will follow.

“We are expecting hundreds of families,” said Elisha Sova of the Coral Square Mall marketing department. “We always do a Santa arrival but this is the first time in a while that we are working with the police and fire departments.”

“We will provide bells for the kids to ring as they welcome Santa,” said Sova. “Santa will be here for the entire season. Families can come and have photos taken with Santa. Those who have pets can have photos taken of their pet with Santa from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 17 and Dec. 8.”

The event will begin at 6 p.m. today at Coral Square Mall, 9469 W. Atlantic Blvd. The holiday parade will be at 6:30 p.m. Call 954-755-5552.