5 Things You Need to Know Today — Nov. 23, 2012

Trivia: According to the National Retail Federation, approximately how much was spent on holiday shopping over Thanksgiving weekend in 2011?

Yesterday's trivia answer: Gimbel's was the first department store to host a Thanksgiving Day parade.

Happy Thanksgiving!

5. Downtown Plymouth Gingerbread House Display

Restaurants, shops and other businesses will participate in this year’s display of gingerbread houses in downtown Plymouth. The display starts today. 

4. Walk of Trees at Kellogg Park

Christmas trees decorated by local families, service clubs, groups and businesses will be ready for decorating and viewing in Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth until Jan. 2

3. Contribute to Patch and Gleaners' virtual food drive!

Patch.com, through its 30 Michigan sites including Plymouth-Canton, launched an online food drive to raise $10,000 to feed area families. This is the first virtual food drive for the Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Patch is proud and honored to be their first partner. The drive has been extended from Nov. 17 to Nov. 24. 

Shop Gleaners' virtual grocery shelves. Click to get started!

2. It's Black Friday. Find the best local deals

It's Black Friday! Well, technically it began last night at several retailers, but you can still find great deals. Check our story here for some of the best Black Friday deals at big-box retailers.

1. Santa Claus comes to town tonight

Santa Claus is coming to town tonight. Plymouth will celebrate Santa's arrival with its holiday tree lighting at Kellogg Park. Festivities begin at about 5:15 p.m. There also will be an open house at the Plymouth Historical Museum's Dickens Christmas exhibit from 6:30-9 p.m.