Santa landed in Boston Sunday afternoon weeks ahead of Christmas — helicoptering down into the North End Christmas Parade.

“Hello children! Merry Christmas!” Santa called from his float traveling down Commercial Wharf, echoed excited holiday greetings.

The festive annual parade kicked off by Christopher Columbus Park, where the helicopter landed, and winded its way around the North End streets. Locals lined the streets and hung out of their windows through the mild Sunday afternoon.

Holiday staples including elves, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph marched along the route along with other characters from Barbie to Mickey Mouse to Wally the Green Monster.

“I liked Rudolph best,” said 7-year-old local Riley, decked out in “Ho, Ho, Ho” pajamas. “Rudolph and Frosty said hi to me.”

Throughout the route, carols and tunes blasted. Those playing included the Boston Fireman’s Band, Aleppo Shriners Units, Italian American Band, National Lancers of Massachusetts, and Marching Bands from Woburn High School, Medford High School and North Reading High School

“What a wonderful thing to come across,” said Lily Kreeger, who said she was doing holiday shopping when she was drawn to the carols. “And what a day for it.”

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Attendees made it through most of the parade with little rain, but kept on going even in the drizzle.

“We try and come out every year,” said Dottie Collins, a North Ender standing with her family in reindeer antlers. “We always bring the grandkids. It’s just great to get everyone in the spirit.”

Students from the St John School watch excitedly as the North End Christmas parade winds through the street. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)
Lauren Gentile and her son Matthew, 6, wave as a helicopter carrying Santa arrives for the North End Christmas parade. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)
Evelyn Bennett, 3, on the shoulders of her father Chris, gets a high five from Minnie Mouse at the North End Christmas parade. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)
Santa poses for a photo with Jennifer Feranec and her great cousin Camilla Giordano, 78, at the North End Christmas parade. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)