LONDONDERRY — Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s arriving by chopper.

On Dec. 9, Saint Nick’s helicopter will land at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, 27 Navigator Rd. in Londonderry. Touchdown is scheduled for 11 a.m.

All are invited to attend and join in welcoming the jolly old elf. Families wishing to see the arrival of Santa’s helicopter should be at the museum no later than 10:45 a.m. to park and then make their way to the landing observation area.

After arriving, Santa will enter the museum, where he’ll visit with children individually. Santa will be available until 1 p.m., when he’ll depart by fire truck courtesy the Manchester Airport Fire Department, which will whisk him off to his next appearance.

Children who speak to Santa will be rewarded with goodie bags given out by Santa’s helpers.

In addition, elves from the Common Man Roadside will be on hand with free hot chocolate, coffee, donuts and other goodies for Santa’s fans. Also, the museum’s store will be open with one-of-a-kind gift ideas.

“It’s become an annual tradition for Santa to visit us by helicopter and we’re pleased to continue it this year,” said Jeffrey Rapsis, executive director of the Aviation Museum. “This close to Christmas Eve, Santa prefers to travel by chopper because the flying reindeer are resting up for the big night on Dec. 24.”

The Aviation Museum will be open free to visitors on Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Following Santa’s departure, regular admission prices will be charged from 1 to 4 p.m.

In addition to Santa’s arrival, Dec. 9 also marks the debut of the museum’s “Home of the Holidays” exhibit, featuring vintage World War II uniforms and posters on loan from the Wright Museum.

The exhibit, which runs through Jan. 14, 2024, includes trees decorated with more than 1,000 aviation-related toys, a special exhibit of vintage Barbie dolls and a selection of hands-on toys for young children to play with during their visit.

Santa’s appearance at the Aviation Museum is made possible by generous supporters including Manchester-Boston Regional Airport; Common Man Roadside; CR Helicopters of Nashua; Signature Flight Services; and the Manchester Airport Fire Department.

For more information, visit www.aviationmuseumofnh.org or call 603-669-4820.

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