Santa Rides the Goodyear Blimp

Santa traded his sleigh for a Goodyear blimp in 1925.

The first Goodyear Blimp "Pilgrim" as the Santa Claus Express (photo: Goodyear)

The first Goodyear Blimp — “Pilgrim”–  as the Santa Claus Express (photo: Goodyear)

Santa Claus delivered his toys that year aboard Pilgrim, Goodyear’s first advertising blimp, which also served as Goodyear’s first Santa Claus Express.

Santa Claus with the first Goodyear Blimp "Pilgrim"

Santa Claus in the Goodyear Blimp “Pilgrim” (photo: Goodyear)

Santa Claus with the first Goodyear Blimp. Pilgrim pilot Carl Wollam holds the gondola door for Santa, portrayed by fellow Goodyear pilot Jack Yolton.

Santa Claus with the first Goodyear Blimp, Pilgrim. Pilot Carl Wollam holds the gondola door for Santa, portrayed by fellow Goodyear pilot Jack Yolton. (Photo NASM 7A45388h)

Goodyear’s Christmas generosity continues to this day, supporting the U. S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

Last year Santa received his latest upgrade, to Goodyear’s newest airship: a Zeppelin NT named Wingfoot One.

Santa Claus in Goodyear's newest airship, the Zeppelin NT "Wingfoot One"

Santa Claus in Goodyear’s newest airship, the Zeppelin NT “Wingfoot One” (photo: Goodyear)

Santa Claus in Goodyear's newest airship, the Zeppelin NT "Wingfoot One"

Santa Claus in Goodyear’s newest airship, the Zeppelin NT “Wingfoot One” (photo: Goodyear)

 

 

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Dagmara Lizlovs
Dagmara Lizlovs

Why would Santa use a blimp instead of a sleigh? I thought about it for a while and came up with several practical reasons for a blimp. 1. The cost of feed and hay for the reindeer. High quality feed is expensive and good hay like a timothy and clover… Read more »