Santa to Touch Down at Elementary Schools

Santa Claus will be in his customary red suit today as he tours Newport Beach’s elementary schools, and he will have treats for the children.

But something will be missing.

He is ditching his customary wooden sleigh pulled by eight reindeer in favor of a sleek police helicopter and a police escort.

In a tour organized by the Newport Beach Police Department, Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit, via chopper, all eight of the city’s elementary schools.

Children will be told the police stepped in to give the reindeer a day of rest before their heavy night of flying on Christmas Eve.

“It’s part of our continuing effort to positively interact with the kids in the schools,” said Sgt. John Desmond.

Started 25 years ago, when Newport Beach got its first helicopter, the event has become extremely popular with the children.

Two civilians dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus and a police officer land on the playground of each school to distribute candy canes, hugs and holiday wishes.

“The kids really love it,” said Desmond. “There will be a lot of excitement at the schools.”