Santa Flies Into Princeton Airport

Photo by Anna Savoia

Thirty-six years ago someone suggested that Santa fly in to the airport for the area children watch. Over this period the event has evolved into a wonderful annual event for families and those less fortunate.

The tradition continued on Christmas Eve day when the Nierenberg family, owners of Princeton Airport, opened the hangar doors to area children while they awaited Santa’s arrival.  The event began at a neighboring airport and brought the tradition to the Princeton Airport in 1985. 

Participants with children were asked to bring a wrapped gift for each child with the name in large print to the lobby of the airport.  Santa calls in on the airplane’s radio to confirm his ETA (estimated time of arrival).  While waiting, members of the Princeton Airport Flying Tigers serve cocoa and cookies.  Ms. Pat McKinley, a local folk singer, led the audience in a variety of holiday songs. 

Once contact was made with Santa, everyone went outside onto the ramp in front of the hangar to watch Santa fly low over the runway.  After he landed, he  distributed each gift individually. 

The most important feature of this event is the collection of gifts for needy children.  Participants are required to bring new unwrapped gifts of clothing, books, or toys.  These gifts are collected and distributed through the Mercer County Board of Social Services. 

Once the distribution of gifts was completed, Santa continued on his mission.