Around 75 children boarded a United Airlines plane at Denver International Airport on Saturday to visit Santa Claus at the North Pole.

Not the literal North Pole — but don’t tell them that.

United Airlines teamed up with Make-A-Wish Colorado, Girls Inc., Children’s Hospital Colorado and Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association for their annual Fantasy Flight event. The yearly event flew Denver children to the “North Pole” — United’s decorated hanger — where they received presents and treats and got to meet Santa.

“We really believe in giving back to the community at United,” Jonna McGrath, Vice President at United Airlines Denver, said.

“It’s such a great event that really touches one’s heart,” she added. “It gives kids an experience they’ll never forget along with their siblings and families. Christmas sometimes gets lost in some of the challenges that they have in their lives.”

The decorated United Boeing 777 flew selected children and their families down and back from Colorado Springs before landing at United’s decorated hangar. The plan then shut all its windows, transporting the kids to the “North Pole”.

Over 200 United employees volunteered for the event, helping the holiday spirit take over the gate, plane and hangar. The volunteering employees also each “adopted” a child, buying gifts for them as a secret Santa.

“You really got to watch out for your mascara. It gets emotional,” Rusti Rhodes, a flight attendant with United for 27 years, said. “Everyone’s position can get stale once in a while. But with the way these kids’ faces light up, they make you think you have the absolute best job in the world.”

Rhodes has been with United for over two decades and loves the event, but she has only been able to participate in the Fantasy Flight twice because spots fill up immediately.

“It’s very coveted,” she said.

Employees could be seen dancing, singing and smiling ear-to-ear at the flight gate.

“It truly is such an amazing experience. You really just try to get it every year,” Rhodes said. “We all do hundreds of flights every year. This one takes the top.”

Twelve-year-old Asher Bogdan, a child with Down’s Syndrome, was all smiles while patiently waiting for the flight to board.

“It’s nice to get to do something joyful altogether,” his mother, Trisha Raque, said.

“Let’s have an adventure!” Asher cheered.