Santa, elves, and some reindeer stopped by a Lincoln hospital

When you think of a hospital you probably don’t think of it being a fun place to celebrate the holidays.

One hospital in Lincoln is hoping to change that.

“I think it’s important for the community to come and feel excited this time of year and even in a hospital to be able to do that it’s great, we love to see all the people here,” said Derek Vance, the president of CHI Health St. Elizabeth and Nebraska Heart Hospital.

CHI Health St. Elizabeth near 70th and O Streets held their annual ‘Miracle on 70th Street’ event Saturday morning.

It’s a chance to people in the community and in the hospital to come together to get in the holiday spirit. 

There were crafts, music, and games for kids. Even Buddy the Elf was there to help celebrate.

“Some of them have started singing jingle bells and some of them have been saying Buddy the Elf! It’s been mixed emotions,” said Buddy Goodenkauf, a CHI employee who dressed up like Buddy the Elf.

Santa and Mrs. Claus also made an appearance. 

Mrs. Claus read to kids while Santa greeted kids and listened to what they wanted for Christmas. 

Santa even brought a few reindeer with him for the kids to meet and pet.