Hundreds of paraders are expected to march with Santa Claus to his grand arrival at South DeKalb Mall on Nov. 13.

Marching bands from schools like McNair, Redan, Stephenson and Chapel Hill will be the lineup, as well as the Georgia Youth on Parade Baton Twirlers, Youth Vibe, 100 Black Men of DeKalb, DeKalb Youth Explorers, a number of civic and professional organizations, the winners of mall contests, Buckle up Bear, and fire, police and EMS workers, among others.

The parade's theme is "Experience the World of Christmas." Floats will feature Santa Claus, elves, and reindeers. Many paraders will be decked out in Santa hats and bells for the festive occasion that marks the beginning of the holidays, and the year's biggest shopping season.

"We are hoping for 1,000 marchers," said Yvette Stephenson, owner of A&D Jumpers, the Lithonia-based events company that is organizing the parade for the second year.

A car decorating contest is also planned.

Stephenson said the two-and-a-half-mile parade route will begin in the parking lot of the South DeKalb campus of Georgia Perimeter College and end at South DeKalb Mall. The parade starts at 12:30 p.m.

"We hope the community will come out and line the route to see the parade," Stephenson said.

For more information or to join the parade, call Yvette Stephenson at 770-808-7942.