Gifts From the Sky: Celebrating the Flying Lighthouse Santa
- Linda Borromeo
- Dec 12, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
It starts with a low rumble. As the noise grows louder, I shade my eyes and look up at the blue sky. Overhead, the roar approaches and its source comes into view—half plane and half boat.
I'm still surprised when I spot a floatplane overhead. Since I grew up in a very rain-challenged California valley, there was little reason for a floatplane to fly over my childhood home! Now that I live in the Pacific Northwest, I find these planes fascinating as they fly to the San Juan Islands.
And whenever I see them, I think of a storied name in lighthouse history: Captain William H. Wincapaw. A pioneering and accomplished pilot, he flew many types of aircraft, but when he settled into an airplane meant for water landings, he felt the most "at home." [1]
Across the country from my San Juan Islands, Capt. Wincapaw flew among the islands of Penobscot Bay, an inlet of the Gulf of Maine. When ill or injured islanders needed help, Capt. Wincapaw transported them to doctors and hospitals. In difficult circumstances, using his pilot skills and experience, he was credited with saving many lives. [2]
One December night in 1929, however, Capt. Wincapaw needed help to save his own life.
In a blinding snowstorm, Capt. Wincapaw flew on through the night, trying to make his way to the airfield and shelter. His destination seemed like a lost dream as he peered through the falling whiteness. He was no stranger to harsh weather, but this time he was unsure and disoriented in the swirling storm.
Then, a flash of light appeared. He recognized the lighthouse, found his bearings, and made his way to safety. [3]
Early on the morning of December 25, 1929, Capt. Wincapaw loaded his plane with a dozen packages of gifts. He took to the skies again, flying over the lighthouses in the Rocklin area where he had received so much help during the storm and on many other occasions. In gratitude and appreciation, he dropped Christmas presents to the hardworking lighthouse keepers and their families. [4]
When he headed back home to celebrate Christmas with his family, he had no idea he'd just started a tradition that has now lasted almost a hundred years. From the surprised and happy reactions of those first Rocklin-area lighthouse families, Capt. Wincapaw realized other keepers, who did so much for others, would also find encouragement from Christmas gifts dropped from the sky.
During the following Christmas seasons, more lighthouse families began watching for packages containing newspapers, magazines, candy, toys, coffee, and other highly-prized items. [5]
The service expanded to many other lighthouse stations. Capt. Wincapaw's son, Bill Jr., joined the tradition, and later, the festively-named Edward Rowe Snow. Mr. Snow, a noted New England historian and author, became a "Flying Santa" for over 40 years. [6]
Lighthouse children eagerly listened for the roar of the plane’s engines every December. Along with gifts, the Flying Santa volunteers brought hope, appreciation, and fun to lighthouse families. In an isolated world, especially during the harsh winters, they knew they were not forgotten.
Lighthouse expert and author Elinor DeWire writes that it occurred to Capt. Wincapaw that "all lighthouse families ought to be remembered during the holidays for their benevolent services, especially at Christmas when the symbolism of light to guide the way was foremost in everyone's heart" [7].
This December (2025) marks the 96th anniversary of the Flying Santa tradition, managed since 1997 by the nonprofit organization, Friends of Flying Santa, Inc. Volunteers begin early every year to gear up for the Christmas flights.
Now using helicopters, the dedicated Flying Santa delivers Christmas cheer and packages to show appreciation to the men, women, and families of the Coast Guard. Nowadays, the helicopter lands and the gifts are distributed to the children.
Capt. Wincapaw's original mission of gratitude to those who protect our coastal waters continues as children watch for Christmas gifts brought from the sky.
To find out more about the history of the Flying Santa from 1929-2025, see the Youtube video about all things Flying Santa here! The presentation is hosted by the United States Lighthouse Society.
For more videos and podcasts, subscribe to the Lighthouse Society's Youtube channel here.
References:
Tague, Brian. “History & Origins of Flying Santa 1929-2016.” Flyingsanta.org, 2016, flyingsanta.org/HistoryOrigins.html. Accessed 4 Dec. 2025.
Ibid.
De Wire, Elinor. Guardians of the Lights. Pineapple Press, 2007.
U.S. Lighthouse Society. “The Flying Santa of the Lighthouses 1929-2025.” YouTube, 5 Dec. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=onefVUUKBcM. Accessed 5 June 2026.
Tague.
Landrigan, Leslie. “Flying Santa Left His Reindeer Behind for These Deliveries.” New England Historical Society, 24 Dec. 2013, newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/flying-santa-new-england-lighthouses-1936-from-sky/. Accessed 4 June 2026.
De Wire.