Santa Claus due to arrive in Nanaimo by seaplane this week

Santa Claus is coming to town to visit the girls and boys of Nanaimo next weekend. With the sleigh being tuned and reindeer resting ahead of their Dec. 24 journey, Harbour Air has lent an aircraft to Jolly Old St. Nick for a fly-in on Saturday, Dec. 6, the first of his December appearances in Nanaimo. Santa is due to arrive at the Harbour Air dock at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 6, and will then head to his temporary workshop at 78 Wharf St. He will be at his chair for pictures with children from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day and again on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa will be at the workshop Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 4-7 p.m. to spend time with children with mobility or cognitive issues and on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 4-7 p.m. for pictures with pets. His last two appearances for 2025 will be Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. RBC Dominion Securities is sponsoring the event and while there is no admission, donations will be accepted for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.