CHICO, Calif. — Santa has arrived! Well, at least at the Chico Marketplace, which celebrated the arrival of Santa Claus on Saturday morning.

The wet weather did not stop hundreds of people from gathering at the Chico Marketplace to watch the famous helicopter arrival. Old Saint Nick dropped down in style and was escorted by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office before greeting all those who came to see him.

This is just one of the many ways Chico Marketplace says they are getting the community involved for the holidays. “Chico Marketplace has been a community center, I have been here for 20 years and we love doing these events, the families embrace it,” said Chico Marketplace Marketing Manager, Lynette Myers.

“We love to get them out here and celebrate the holidays,” said Myers. “The holidays of course are our big season and Santa is always really anticipated and we are really looking forward to it.”

The arrival was then followed by performances from the Kinetics Academy Of Dance & Gymnastics. There are still many opportunities to meet Santa and get your photo taken at Chico Marketplace. Santa will have an an ‘indoor workshop’, located next to American Eagle. You will be able to find Santa there for photos until Christmas Eve.

Santa Hours:

• November 18th – December 3rd: Monday – Thursday, 3:00 pm – 7:00pm | Friday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 7:00pm (Break 3:00 pm – 4:00pm) | Sunday, 11:00 am – 6:00pm (Break 2:30pm – 3:00 pm)
• December 4th – December 14th: Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 7:00pm (Break 3:00 pm -4:00pm) | Sunday, 11:00 am – 6:00pm (Break 2:30pm – 3:00 pm)
• December 15th – 23rd Daily: 11:00 am – 8:00pm (Break 3:00 pm – 4:00pm) | December 24th, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm (Break 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm)