Better watch out, don't cry or pout, because Santa Claus is definitely coming to town.

Kris Kringle is preparing for a whirlwind weekend in Edmonton.

Santa will make appearances at local shopping malls, and lead the city's first outdoor Christmas parade in 26 years this afternoon.

CBC has learned Edmonton AM radio show host Mark Connolly is on the naughty list, but after calling in some serious favours to the North Pole, Claus made a special trip to the CBC studios on Friday morning.

Santa has been setting up shop at the Bonnie Doon Centre for more than 20 years, and it will be his first stop this weekend.

"It's been a fantastic adventure. I've met thousands of people and now those people are bringing in their babies," said Claus.

"My favourite part is seeing the smiles on the kids faces when they come in, and hearing all their stories."

Although Santa and his elves will be in Edmonton this weekend, a run-in with local bylaw officers a few years back means Rudolph and the rest of the reindeer will be laying low in the North Pole until Christmas eve.

"One year they broke free and snuck into Mrs. McGillicutty's backyard, and started chewing on her crabapples," said Santa.

"That got Fish and Wildlife involved, the ticket book came out, and I can't bring them into town now until the 24th."

Santa's Parade of Lights begins at 4:30 p.m. on the corner of Jasper Avenue and 99th Street.

Kids can bring letters to Santa and meet him in Churchill Square at the end of the parade.