Santa Claus is slated to make his inaugural visit to Marshall this holiday season via helicopter Wednesday evening.

His arrival in a chopper is scheduled during the opening ceremonies for the 2006 edition of Marshall's Wonderland of Lights, according to Phyllis Bryan, festivals coordinator for the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce. The event is set to start at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the area of North Washington Avenue by Rotary Park and directly north of the historic Harrison County Courthouse.