ROCK HILL — Santa brought a smile to more than 200 kids’ faces in downtown Rock Hill as a Christmas-worthy helicopter made a grand aerial entrance Thursday morning.

Kids cheered as Santa came in by chopper and landed on top of the Black Street parking garage around 10 a.m.

Santa and Mother Goose then led a “jingle bell parade” up Main Street, with the group of children, parents and teachers close behind.

Santa has helped kick off ChristmasVille, Rock Hill’s four-day festival since it started seven years ago.

The jolly old elf proved he wasn’t afraid of heights last year when he arrived by parachuting from a plane from more than 3,000 feet off the ground.

Children will enjoy more Santa time on Saturday at “A Story With Santa In The Garden” at Glencairn Garden. Santa will read “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and families can enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies.

The free event starts at 11:30 a.m. Parents are welcome to take photos of their children with Santa at the event.

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Anna Douglas 803-329-4068