Pocatello hosts Night of a Thousand Santas

Old St. Nick helped usher in the season, by making a personal visit in Pocatello for the Night of a Thousand Santas and Night Lights Parade.

The festivities kicked off with Santa Claus flying into tow in a helicopter.

“He had to make a special trip from the north pole today just for us. So it was fun to have him come in on the helicopter,” Old Town Pocatello Executive Director Stephanie Palagi said.

Santa spent hours with long lines of kids eager to sit on his knee and share what they’re hoping to find under the tree Christmas morning.

Palagi said the point of putting on the Christmas festivities every year is to give local kids something to remember.

“Those are memories. That’s what we’re about, creating memories for kids,” Palagi said.

After giving the kids a chance to meet Santa, Pocatello played host to the annual Night Lights Parade.

The bright floats made their way through Old Town Pocatello, where crowds of Santa-hatted spectators lined the streets.