(Los Angeles, CA) On Wednesday, December 8, 2021, more than 2,100 local students from 18 local and greater Los Angeles-area schools shared in holiday cheer as Santa Claus made a virtual appearance as part of Los Angeles International Airport's (LAX) annual Santa Fly-In event. Students in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten and first-grade classes from 18 schools enjoyed a virtual program that included educational entertainment, safety activities and a reading from Saint Nicholas himself.
"Our Santa Fly-In has become a hugely popular annual event that exposes children to the world of aviation and promotes holiday cheer within the community we serve," said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports. "As perhaps the most famous pilot in the world, we are always happy to welcome Santa to Los Angeles."
The event began with Santa making a special call to LAX Air Traffic Control to let students know that he would be arriving soon. As they waited for his approach, students heard from the Hawthorne Police Department and Gabby, its talking patrol car. Next, students met volunteers and therapy dogs from LAX's Pets Unstressing Passengers program, enjoyed a special aviation-themed presentation from Los Angeles-based performance artist and musician Kiddle Karoo, and learned practical safety tips from the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Finally, Santa surprised students by descending onto the airfield near the Flight Path Museum & Learning Center before reading "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," and concluded his visit by wishing every child a happy holiday before making his return to the North Pole.
This is the second year that the Santa Fly-In program was presented virtually. Students participated from schools in El Segundo, Hawthorne, Lennox, Inglewood, Playa Vista, Torrance, Lawndale and the greater Los Angeles area.
This annual event is part of LAX's continued efforts to engage with surrounding communities. Teachers and parents can watch a recording of the virtual Santa Fly-In with their students and children here.
