No sleigh, no problem. Santa hops chopper ride to Schaumburg

With his magical sleigh presumably in the workshop getting some final tweaks for the big night ahead, Santa Claus found another way to drop in Sunday on some eager fans in Schaumburg.

With an adoring crowd awaiting his arrival on the ground, the Jolly Old Elf flew into the Schaumburg Regional Airport by helicopter for his annual visit hosted by the Schaumburg Park District.

The park district has been putting on the event for about 15 years, and sold-out crowds are the norm.

“We love this,” said Sarah Bolton of Schaumburg, whose three-year-old daughter, Amelia, was among the kids eagerly anticipating Santa’s appearance. “It’s the third year we have come to see Santa come in on a helicopter.”

While waiting for Santa to arrive, families enjoyed holiday music and crafts, along with a buffet.