Yule Pitstop: Curbside Santa Visits At Golden's Bridge Firehouse

GOLDEN'S BRIDGE — A tradition that was conceived as a pandemic precaution has grown into one of the most popular opportunities South of the Arctic Circle to share wish lists with Santa.

From Golden's Bridge Fire Department.

No time to get to the mall with your children for those precious pictures with Santa? No problem. The Golden's Bridge Fire Department has you covered! We hear they have an in with the Jolly Old Elf himself!

Santa’s coming to town! Santa and his helpers will visit the Golden’s Bridge Firehouse this Sunday, December 17, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., when the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department hosts its annual "Children’s Curbside with Santa" holiday extravaganza. Bring the children and grandchildren!

Have your cameras ready! Children – and adults, too! – will get to take a picture with Santa, and all children will receive a special gift bag. Santa’s helpers and Golden’s Bridge firefighters will serve hot dogs, snacks, candy canes, and more to everyone in your car as you wait your turn to meet Santa. Everything is free. (The mall Santa doesn’t give out gift bags and free food!)

The popular decades-long tradition of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department hosting a children’s holiday party at the firehouse was changed to a curbside event during the pandemic. Curbside with Santa has become so popular that it is now the regular holiday event at the firehouse.

"Out of necessity to keep everyone safe during the pandemic, we discovered this new and exciting way to provide the full Santa experience for kids of all ages who live in the Golden’s Bridge Fire District or attend Increase Miller Elementary School," explained Steven Mines, a firefighter and vice president of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department, who is also chair of the Curbside with Santa event.

"Families are rushing around at this time of the year, shopping and visiting friends and relatives, so they can bring their children to the firehouse to take a photo with Santa and be on their merry way within minutes. And where else are you served free hotdogs and snacks – and a gift bag – while waiting to meet Santa!" added Mines.

For more information, call or text the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department community rep at 914-403-4072, or email [email protected].