In a heartwarming spectacle that lit up a snowy December afternoon, Santa Claus made a grand entrance at the Alberta Children's Hospital, touching down not with reindeer but with the help of a familiar red helicopter.
A Festive Arrival from the Sky
At precisely 1 p.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025, the distinct sound of rotor blades drew young faces to the windows of the Calgary hospital. Against the grey winter sky, a bright red STARS air ambulance helicopter descended, landing on the snow-covered pad outside. In a whirl of snowflakes, the door opened to reveal the season's most anticipated visitor: Santa Claus himself, dressed in velvet red, his face rosy and bearing a massive smile.
The hospital's young patients, along with curious staff members, pressed their noses and phones against the glass, capturing the magical moment. A STARS pilot then handed Santa his iconic red sack brimming with gifts, which he waved to his captivated audience before heading inside to spread cheer.
Santa's Modern Transportation Review
Following his flight, the jolly visitor shared his thoughts on this modern mode of holiday transport with gathered media. "It was like landing on a featherbed," Santa remarked about the smooth touchdown. He offered a comparative review, noting the advantages over his traditional sleigh. "It's actually quite nice riding in STARS because it's closed. You don't get the wind blowing in your face. It's much warmer. And being behind the reindeer sometimes can be a bit pungent, shall we say," he added with a characteristic twinkle in his eye and a wrinkle of his nose.
He explained that his reindeer were enjoying a rest at a ranch in Sybil Creek, west of Calgary. For urban deliveries, he's opted for alternative logistics: "I borrow a car and drive in because can you imagine the distracted driving there'd be if I flew my sleigh over Calgary?"
A Partnership That Creates Lasting Smiles
This visit marked the second consecutive year of this special partnership between the hospital, STARS air ambulance services, and sponsor TC Energy. Jo Ann Beckie, Chief Operating Officer at the Alberta Children's Hospital, beamed as she described the immeasurable impact of the event.
"You can see all the kids around inside looking out, and all the smiles on their faces and on the faces of really everybody who works and volunteers at the Alberta Children's Hospital," Beckie said. She called the morning a "joy" and expressed hope that the tradition would continue for many years to come. "It's just a day of joy so it's something we look forward to every year," she concluded.
Mike LaMacchia, Chief Operating Officer for Provincial Operations at STARS, humorously explained their involvement in Santa's route, stating the service simply "came to the rescue" when his sleigh needed assistance, solidifying a now-beloved annual mission.
Inside the hospital, Santa's conversations were filled with the thoughtful curiosity of children. He noted they asked "very sensible questions," like the perennial favourite: "How do you get around the Earth in one night?" True to his mysterious nature, he refused to reveal the secret on camera, insisting that magic was for the children alone to cherish.
The event transformed the hospital into a scene of pure festive delight, proving that even a brief visit from the North Pole's most famous resident can deliver a powerful dose of happiness and hope during the holiday season.
