Goodness! Do they do this every year? How do they know which houses have small children? If I didn't know what was going on, I think it would scare the heck out of me, but knowing in advance that it's going to happen would be a ton of fun!

In my hometown (population 4000) someone drives "Santa" around town on Christmas eve in a decorated pickup truck. People get on Facebook or Twitter to let their neighbours know it will be on their street next. Often Santa will call children by name as he passes their house. The kids love it and are sure to go to bed quickly after seeing Santa so he can deliver their gifts.

I know the kids enjoyed that.

When my kids were little we accidentally found a small town in the mountains where Santa and Mrs. Claus ride in on the firetruck. The firehouse was across the street from the park where the festivities were held so they had to do a small loop through town first. Most years there was a bit of snow on the ground and herds of deer. My kids really believed. They loved Santa.

that's very cool!! Your grandson must be over the moon!!! Of course he thinks he doesn't have to be good., Santa was already here and he passed "the test"!! His elves will deliver the toys!! Kids - gotta love them :)xoxoxo

My DD used to live in Hoover, AL and they always did that on Christmas Eve.

My town does this as does my daughter's in the next town. I always took my grandson in his stroller back in the day . We'd follow the firetruck as Santa gave out candy.

Whew! Heart attack dodged!

How long do you think kids still *really* believe in Santa today? Or maybe it hasn't changed -- is gone with the 'magical thinking' ability of children?

They do that here in the big city, too (greater Los Angeles area.) Every night for the past week or so they're in a different neighborhood.

My neighbors sister is a firefighter and drives the big engine- the first time they pulled up in front of the house I almost had a heart attack- now I'm used to it and the neighborhood kids love it- if they have time they let the kids sit in the truck and turn the lights on and wear the hats. Its super cool- they're inspiring a future generation of firefighters!

gee they never did that when we lived in Hollywood...not quite a kid friendly place, lol...and that 5yo? bless him!

Susan- is that the first time they came down your street? If so, no wonder you were alarmed.

That's one of my favorite Christmas traditions - our Santa comes down the street on the fire engine on Christmas Eve. You know they're getting close when you can hear the sirens and all the neighbors come out onto the sidewalk and wave to Santa. If there's a group of kids Santa will get off the truck and hand them candy canes. One year they gave out little stuffed animals - my kids were young then and still talk about that.

One year my girlfriend's son was a volunteer firefighter and he told her that if it's really cold or rainy that Santa is usually a little drunk by the time he gets back to the station.

Maire, I'm laughing at the image of the "little drunk" Santa! Yes, this was the first time they've done it here. I have no idea how they knew there were kids at my son's house, but it might have had something to do with my daughter-in-law's big local family.

I'll bet when my son got home from work 15 minutes later the boys had lots to tell him!

We are immediately outside of Philadelphia and our township's three fire departments do this, too. Different nights, thank goodness! what great fun!

Santa has been coming around on the fire engine for as long as I can remember (and that's a long time). Love it. Everyone comes out and greets him and all the neighbors wish each other Merry Christmas. Santa gives apples, oranges, and candy canes to the kids.

Santa comes through our small town in a sleigh (on wheels) pulled by two horses. He makes stops at appointed places and hands out candy to the kids. The route brings the sleigh right past my house and I usually stand out on the front porch and watch them go by. The kids love it.

That sounds great. What a nice place to be.

I love it!

I had no idea this was done in small towns! What a lovely idea.

This isn't happening here with our cold weather at Christmas. We have a tree lighting ceremony in Market Square where Santa arrives and gives candy to children. There are usually a couple reindeer, too. (Not to miss an opportunity, the local shops are all open late that evening.)