It won’t be long until Santa Claus makes his first of several visits to the Boothbay region this Christmas season. Santa arrives in Boothbay on Nov. 29 to spread Christmas cheer and learn what is on the minds of local youngsters.

He will start the day visiting and eating lunch with senior citizens at the St. Andrews Village and in the LincolnHealth complex. And later that evening, he will hear Christmas wishes from a long line of children gathered at the Boothbay Common.

Santa will meet the children beginning at 6 p.m. The Boothbay Fire Department is preparing the common for an expected long line of anxious children ready to met Santa, according to Fire Chief Dick Spofford.

This is the third year in a row the fire department has sponsored the event. The department is providing candy canes, lighting and Christmas music for the event. The Bay View Masonic Lodge will dispense hot chocolate and cookies.

As in previous years, Santa Claus will be escorted to the common on a fire truck. Each year, children come to the common to tell Santa what is on their Christmas list. Last year, over 100 children, ranging from ages 2-7, attended the event.

“About two-thirds come right up and have their lists and notes ready,” Santa Claus said in an exclusive phone interview with the Boothbay Register from the North Pole. “They’re all pretty much know who I am so they aren’t too shy about talking to me. Most know exactly what they want and get right to it.”

Last year, Santa said the most requested gifts were Legos. He said the Princess and Star Wars Lego sets were the most requested items.

Santa’s visit to the Boothbay Common will take place regardless of weather conditions. In case of inclement conditions, the event will be moved to the fire station, according to Spofford.

Santa is scheduled to visit Boothbay Harbor on Saturday, Dec. 6.  He and Mrs. Claus will meet children from 1:15-3:30 p.m. at the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library.

Santa will also participate in the Boothbay Railway Village’s “North Pole Express,” which runs on Nov. 29, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20.