Santa Claus is coming to town.

For the sixth year in a row, Saint Nicholas will be taking a break from supervising his elf workers up in the North Pole to pay a visit to the Benicia Fire Department on Dec. 19, giving children an opportunity to have their pictures taken with the jolly Christmas figure. This event has proven to be a big hit with children and parents alike.

“Last year, we had approximately 400 people attend the event and we took approximately 170 pictures,” Fire Chief Jim Lydon said.

In addition, the Fire Department will be providing crafts to keep kids entertained as well as light refreshments. There will also be an opportunity to donate toys to those in need.

Benicia Fire Department will be participating in Toys for Tots, the nonprofit organization founded in 1947 to give toys to children whose parents can not afford to buy them Christmas presents.

“We do encourage people to support our toys program by bringing a toy to that event,” Lydon said.

The toys must be newly purchased and unwrapped. The toys can be dropped off throughout the Christmas season at Fire Station 11 on 150 Military West, as well as Fire Station 12 on 601 Hastings Drive, The Benicia Senior Center on 187 East L St. and the Family Resource Center at 200 East L St.

The Pictures with Santa event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, in the garage area of Fire Station 11, located on Military West. Additionally, Santa will be in between the AT&T Store and Sport Clips at the Southampton Shopping Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Santa will also be at Pizza Pirate from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 20. Pizza Pirate is located at 72 Solano Square, off Military East.

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