El Dorado Hills Fire Department Santa Run
Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and fire department crews travel through local neighborhoods and plazas with sirens, lights, and elves. Visitors can gather at designated Santa stops to greet the procession, drop off letters to Santa, and receive candy canes. A donation trailer accompanies the stops to collect new toys and non-perishable food for local charities.
What to Expect
El Dorado Hills holiday tradition and charity drive for over 60 years.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
El Dorado Hills Fire Department
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Tips & Advice
- Bring new, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food to your Santa stop, where the donation trailer collects them for Shriners Children's and the El Dorado County Food Bank.
- Follow Santa with the Track Santa link, because arrival times at each stop are only estimates and may shift during the night.
- Shop from the Shriners Children's and Food Bank wish lists so your donation covers the items they need most this season.
- Have the kids write their letters to Santa before you go, since letters are collected at every Santa stop.
- Dress warmly, because the Santa Run visits its stops after dark on December evenings.
Special Events & Promotions
- Night 1 is Saturday, December 5: the Santa Run kicks off at Sunset Estates and then joins the Town Center tree lighting at Theater Plaza.
- Night 2 is Tuesday, December 8, with stops at Holy Trinity School, Oak Knoll Park, Bayside Church and John Adams Academy.
- Night 3 is Wednesday, December 9, with stops at William Brooks Elementary, Parkview Heights Park, the EDH Community Services District and Serrano Visitors Center.
- Night 4 is Thursday, December 10, with stops at Lake Forest Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Jackson Elementary and the Fairchild neighborhood at Falkirk/Keswick.
- Night 5 is Friday, December 11, with stops at Four Seasons Visitors Center, Heritage, Valley View Charter Montessori and District Church.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at a Santa stop?
Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, the elves and the El Dorado Hills Fire Department crew roll in with sirens and lights. The elves hand out candy canes, and a donation trailer collects gifts for the food and toy drive.
What should we bring?
Bring new, unwrapped toys, non-perishable food and letters to Santa. The toys go to Shriners Children's Northern California, and the food goes to the El Dorado County Food Bank.
Can I drop off donations if I miss a stop?
Yes. You can drop donations at any of the five El Dorado Hills fire stations through Friday, December 11.
How do I know when Santa is getting close?
Scan the Track Santa QR code or use the link on the Santa Run page to follow him along the route. Arrival times at each stop are estimates.
Can I give money instead of toys or food?
Yes. Scan the Donate Today QR codes to give directly to Shriners Children's or to the El Dorado County Food Bank.
More Christmas Events Near El Dorado Hills
More Christmas Events near El Dorado Hills
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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