This past Wednesday, just a few days before taking off on his 'round the World trip to deliver toys to all girls and boys on his nice list, Santa and Mrs. Claus landed at the Dulles Funway to meet kids and wish them a Merry Christmas.
Santa's timing was perfect; Orville, NASA's flying squirrel mascot (named after Orville Wright), also dropped by to present Santa Claus with Quiet Super-Santa Transport (QueSST) technology which will enable him to circumnavigate the World faster and quieter than ever before, thanks to NASA Aeronautics.
After the technology transfer, it was time to relax and have some fun; Santa and Orville spent some time playing with kids awaiting their flights at the Dulles Funway kids play area.
Even flight crew stopped by to with Santa a safe Christmas flight and show off their holiday cheer!
All that play wore Santa out, and he decided to get a massage at Be Relax in Dulles' Concourse B. He is sure to now be loosened up and ready to fly tomorrow night!
Meanwhile, Orville had decided to head outside and check out the aircraft; he is a flying squirrel after all! A Southwest flight was just arriving and he helped marshal in the 737, and even assisted ramp crew offload luggage!
Before going back inside, Orville greeted passengers boarding the outbound flight, giving high-fives and taking selfies.
As his day came to a close, Orville checked the flight status boards to see when he was scheduled to take off from Dulles; thankfully, Travelers Aid was there to help Orville find his way to the gate.
...and of course on the way there Orville had to join in singing with the carolers!
