On December 8, a beautiful tradition was upheld in Qaanaaq: Operation Santa Claus, which Pituffik Space Base has carried out every year since 1959. For the 66th time, Christmas gifts were delivered to children in North Greenland – an effort built on a full year of work and community spirit.

Behind the initiative stands the base personnel – American, Canadian, and Danish military members, civilian contractors, and guests – who throughout the year have raised funds through activities such as bingo games and postcard sales. These funds have not only financed Christmas gifts but also made it possible to support local projects, including purchasing dog food in January when hunters faced poor hunting conditions.

Operation Santa Claus is a multinational Christmas initiative where American, Danish, Canadian, and Greenlandic military and civilian forces join to collect and deliver gifts and supplies (toys, school materials, books) to children in Greenland’s northernmost town and its settlements. The tradition began in 1959 and involves Air Greenland, which once again this year ensures transportation for the event.

Since flights to Qaanaaq fall under the service contract with the Government of Greenland, this type of sponsorship first had to be approved – and it was.

“I am very pleased that Air Greenland, with its service contract helicopter, can support Pituffik Space Base’s Christmas tradition and fly Santa Claus and gifts to Qaanaaq. It is an experience that creates joy and community and contributes to a wonderful Christmas for the children,” said Aqqaluaq B. Egede, Minister, when he sent the approval of the sponsorship at the end of November.

Air Greenland Group’s CEO, Jacob Nitter Sørensen, is proud that the airline can contribute to this event:

“Operation Santa Claus is a tradition that goes all the way back to 1959, and we are proud to be part of it. For us, it’s about more than transportation – it’s about bringing joy and creating connections between people in some of Greenland’s most remote areas. It’s a beautiful reminder of community and care during the Christmas season.”

The sponsorship included flying the helicopter trip for Santa Claus and his helpers, as well as transporting the many gifts from Pituffik to Qaanaaq, where they received a warm welcome from the local committee, the school principal, and municipal staff. As the photos show, a festive atmosphere was created for Santa’s arrival, where he first visited the elderly at the nursing home and then met the town’s children in the hall.

Pituffik Space Base liaison officer Lars Hawaleschka expressed great joy that the tradition was once again upheld:

“You can truly feel the love and Christmas spirit. The oldest students from the school helped Santa with the gift distribution – yes, it really became Christmas again in 2025.”

In addition to Air Greenland, contributors include Inussuk, the local committee in Qaanaaq, US 821 Space Base Group, 22 SOPS – DET 7, 12 SWS, Aarsleff, InDyne, and many others who have supported Operation Santa Claus throughout the year.