RELEASE – Santa Trades Sleigh for C-130 Arrival at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport

Annual Operation Santa Claus Lifts Local Families’ Holiday Spirits with Aviation Fun 

RENO, Nev. (Dec. 6, 2025) – Holiday magic took flight at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) today as Santa Claus made his grand entrance aboard a C-130 aircraft, swapping sleigh bells for jet engines at the 11th annual Operation Santa Claus. 

This festive event, hosted by the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) in partnership with Atlantic Aviation, the Reno-Tahoe Aviation Group, SSP America and the Nevada Air National Guard, celebrated the season with 25 local families from The Children’s Cabinet, bringing joy through the collective generosity of the airport community, aviation groups, local businesses and individuals. 

A Hangar Full of Holiday Magic 

This year’s event turned the Atlantic Aviation hangar into a holiday hotspot, complete with a Grinch-y welcome, a high-energy performance by Flips Gymnastics, musical melodies by the Reno Highschool Orchestra and a hands-on static aircraft display where children climbed into real planes and experienced what it feels like to be in the pilot’s seat. 

Guests enjoyed games, photos with Frosty and Rudolph, lively holiday music, a warm lunch, hot chocolate and plenty of tail wags from the Paws4Passengers therapy dogs, ensuring there was no shortage of comfort and joy. 

“Operation Santa Claus reminds us how powerful it is when a community rallies behind its families,” said Kim Young, CEO of The Children’s Cabinet. “The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority and its partners continue to create a day full of wonder, support and togetherness. Events like this help the season shine a little brighter for the families we serve.” 

Santa delighted families by arriving in spectacular style on a C-130 aircraft and later taking photos, listening to holiday wishes and spreading cheer. 

A Holiday Tradition That Soars 

Operation Santa Claus brings the aviation community and northern Nevada partners together to create an unforgettable experience for families facing challenges during the holidays. The Children’s Cabinet, which provides essential services and stability for youth and families, ensures that each gift, moment and memory is delivered with care. 

Photos, video and digital assets from the event are available here. 

Ways to Support The Children’s Cabinet: 

Donations to support The Children’s Cabinet and their year-round programs can be made at childrenscabinet.org/donate. 

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About The Children’s Cabinet 

Founded in Reno in 1985, The Children’s Cabinet is dedicated to keeping children safe and families together. Through a unique partnership between public and private sectors, the organization provides no-cost services to over 15,000 families annually, including basic needs assistance, educational resources, crisis intervention, and family counseling. The Children’s Cabinet relies on the generosity of the community to continue its work supporting youth and families. 

About Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) operates two of the most important economic drivers for our region–the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and the Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). The RTAA is financially self-sufficient, meaning it is funded through airport operations and not state or local taxes. Eleven airlines serve RNO, flying to multiple nonstop destinations throughout the United States and Mexico. For more details, visit www.renoairport.com.