Each year, Bexar County ESD 2 teams up with Santa for a ride aboard a fire engine. But this isn’t your typical cruise through the neighborhood.
It’s a tradition for one local fire department: A mini Christmas parade every day in December.
Each year, Bexar County Emergency Services District (ESD) 2 teams up with Santa for a ride aboard a fire engine.
But this isn’t your typical cruise through the neighborhood.
This year, Santa’s getup is “next level” — renovated with a fresh coat of paint and state-of-the-art Christmas lights.
Friday night, KENS 5 joined Mr. Kris Kringle himself on the far west side aboard his other sleigh.
This event is called Santa Run. Bexar County ESD 2 is going on more than 50 years keeping this tradition alive.
“With everything going on in today’s world, it’s important to bring some Christmas joy back to everybody,” said Division Chief Rudy Khalaf of Bexar County ESD 2.
This Christmas season marked the unveiling of Santa’s spruced up ride.
Friday was a cold night in Alamo Ranch, but the playlist aboard Santa’s decked-out fire engine was sizzling hot.
Santa’s ride, renovated by Da Bass, LLC out of Houston, features strips of Christmas lights lining the truck that change colors by the second. As the Christmas classics with the occasional dubstep played over the speakers, the lights danced along the truck as if they were harmonizing with the beat. A light underneath the engine illuminates the ground with different colors, matching Santa’s joyful spirit. The fire department’s logo glows front and center.
“It’s one of one. You’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Khalaf. “I think Santa puts the magic in this truck and he makes it go.”
A team of firefighters hop on board every night to help Santa spread his message of joy this holiday season. We’re told the list to sign up for Santa Run gets pretty competitive.
Santa Run reaches every corners of ESD 2. Each night, Santa’s Engine runs through a different neighborhood.
The crew sounds the horn, the sirens blare, Christmas music fills the air. On top, Santa and Mrs. Claus greet families with treats and holiday cheer.
Curious minds peered through windows, others ran to the street to catch a glimpse of Jolly Old Saint Nick.
“From being on top of the fire truck and seeing their faces light up and seeing the glow, these little kids jumping up and down and doing happy dances, it’s amazing,” Khalaf explained. “I’ve got to see from kids growing up to, oh no the kids aren’t there anymore but guess who’s outside? The parents.”
Bexar County ESD 2’s district is booming. Every year, as new neighborhoods pop up, Santa’s route gets bigger.
The magic takes time to plan.
The good news is, no matter how many routes Santa has, we know he will always make time for everyone. This applies especially to residents within ESD 2, we learned.
“There are other county fire departments. There are other fire departments in Bexar County. There are other cities in Bexar County and they all have a fire department, but we’re Santa’s favorite fire department,” Khalaf.
“He told you that himself?” we asked.
“Yes. I know him,” Khalaf replied.
Santa Run will run through December 21. Each route begins just before dark.
You can track Santa’s routes each day on Bexar County ESD 2’s website. You can even track his engine in real time. All are welcome to take part.