Traded His Sleigh For A 172 On Floats For The Appearance

We all know Santa's a pretty good pilot, and his certifications apparently extend to a seaplane rating. The jolly old elf reportedly flew a Cessna 172 on floats to Marin City in the San Francisco Bay area's Marin County, taxiing up to a dock at Seaplane Adventures with a delivery of toys.

About 60 children between the ages of 4 and 8 were waiting for Santa as he docked his seaplane, according to a report in the Marin Independent Journal. They had to wait a little longer than they had expected, as Santa's 172 reportedly had a dead battery that delayed his flight by about half an hour. But in the end, the children swarmed the pilot in his iconic red suit and presented their wish lists.

The event was organized by Felecia Gaston, director of the Marin City Performing Stars, and coordinated with local fire departments and the Marin County Sheriff's office, CHP, Sausalito Parks and Recreation Department, and others.

Aaron Singer ... the owner of Seaplane Adventures who reportedly bears a passing resemblance to Santa ... came up with the idea. He said while it was Santa's first visit to Marin City by seaplane, he hopes that it won't be the last.

(Image from Seaplane Adventures YouTube video)

FMI: www.seaplane.com