Santa Claus will arrive at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire by helicopter on Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. His annual visit gives area families a chance to meet the Big Guy in person. Courtesy photo/Aviation Museum of New Hampshire

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

On Dec. 14, Saint Nick will land via helicopter at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, 27 Navigator Rd.

Touchdown is scheduled for 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend and join in welcoming the jolly old elf.

Families wishing to welcome 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 be at the museum to visit with children.

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.

“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.”

In addition to Santa’s arrival, Dec. 14 also marks the debut of this year’s “Festival of Planes” exhibit.

The exhibit, which runs through Jan. 19, 2025, includes more than 2,000 aviation-related toys, games and other items that celebrate the enduring childhood fascination with flight.

This year’s holiday exhibit will be highlighted by a display of vintage aviation-themed board games as well as a pair of custom-made mobiles hung with model planes that will fly in formation overhead.

“Many aviation careers started with a special model or toy plane under a tree or given as a birthday present,” said Rapsis. “Each year, we celebrate that connection by displaying aviation toys from our collection, some of which date back to the days of Charles Lindbergh.”