A visit from Santa Claus at 'North Pole' at Detroit Metro Airport

ROMULUS, Mich. (FOX 2) - A very special flight took off from Detroit Metro Airport today with some special passengers on board -- a fantasy flight to the North Pole.

Holidays are a challenge for kids fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. So on Friday, more than two weeks before Santa's big night, roughly 60 kids from seven hospitals pulled up to the gate at Detroit Metro Airport for a special trip.

After getting their boarding passes to the North Pole it's all aboard flight 8240! 

It's an hour- long fantasy flight to Kris Kringle's Castle, complete with candy canes and carols.

The plane pulled in with a special greeting from Santa. Then his helpers took the kids to Santa's workshop.

They also saw their favorite super heroes and Disney characters. Of course, Saint Nick stole the show. 

If you want the feel good story of the season, don't watch the Grinch or a Christmas Carol - watch this.