Operation Holiday Cheer is bringing holiday magic to neighborhoods across Los Banos as Santa teams up with the Los Banos Fire Department to spread cheer throughout the city on Dec. 17, 19, 21, and 22.
From 5:30 to 9 p.m. each night, residents can expect Santa to trade in his reindeer for fire engines, traveling to local parks with flashing lights and sirens to greet families and children.
The event invites residents to bundle up, step outside, and welcome Santa as he makes his way through different areas of the city, creating a unique experience that brings the spirit of Christmas directly into the community.
Route maps have been released for each night, showing park stops and estimated arrival times so families can plan when to go outside and take photos. The maps can be seen on the Facebook page for the Los Banos Fire Department. Firefighters will escort Santa as he travels to several parks each evening, offering families the chance to wave, take pictures, and enjoy the excitement of seeing holiday traditions rolled into a special hometown celebration.
Parents are encouraged to arrive early at park locations, as stop times are approximate and depend on traffic and turnout. For many local children, the sight of Santa arriving on a fire truck is a memory that will last long after the holidays are over.
The Los Banos Fire Department hopes the event brings smiles to families and strengthens community connections during the holiday season. Operation Holiday Cheer is free to attend and open to everyone, making it one of the most accessible and festive traditions in the city.
As Santa makes his journey across Los Banos, the event reminds residents of the joy of togetherness, generosity, and celebrating the season as a community.
