It's that magical time of the year. Twinkling lights illuminating the nighttime landscape. Shopping malls buzzing with activity. Community Christmas events taking place that resemble scenes straight from a Hallmark movie. An overall feeling of warmth emanating around town despite those chilly December temperatures.
And as sure as these customs are to surface each December, there is another local tradition that has stood the test of time. Each Christmas Eve since 1948, the members of the Avalon Volunteer Fire Company embark across the borough with a special guest in tow: Santa Claus himself. For one night each year, their red flashing lights and sirens take on a slightly different meaning – not one of urgency and concern, but rather of holiday cheer and festive celebration.
Avalon is a small borough of less than 5,000 residents nestled in the hills just a few miles north of downtown Pittsburgh. The fire department celebrated its 125th anniversary this year since its inception, with the Santa tradition in existence for over half of that time.
It’s become a beloved event among locals, and many look forward to including this special visit as part of their annual get-togethers with friends and family.
“This is something that my grandchildren have come to look forward to every year,” Terri DiDomenico said who spends Christmas Eve in Avalon. “All of the kids at our family gathering take turns watching out the window for the truck to make its way onto the street. The second they spot the lights or hear the sirens, it’s a mad dash to see who can get to see Santa first. Seeing their reaction never gets old.”
It means just as much if not more to those volunteer firefighters who have kept this tradition alive. Bill Silay has been a member of the department since 1985 and has participated in the Santa visits for the past 30 years.
“It all comes full circle for me,” Silay said. “Growing up in Avalon, I always looked forward to that visit from Santa on Christmas Eve. Fast forward 50 plus years and I am now the one getting to put those smiles on children’s faces.”
So, while most children are looking to the skies on Christmas Eve and listening for those iconic sleigh bells, if you pass through the Borough of Avalon, you just may see Santa in a slightly less traditional mode of transportation.
“Traveling the streets of our small town on the night before Christmas adds a little extra holiday magic,” Silay added. “It’s something that I’m proud our fire department has been able to sustain for the past 75 years, and I hope it remains a staple of our community involvement for many more to come.”