Santa's Christmas Eve Rounds on SSI

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Every year on Christmas Eve, volunteers with the Glynn County Fire Department and the Saint Simons Island Civinettes make a very special holiday tradition happen on St. Simons Island. For more than 75 years now, Santa has been making his last rounds of the island in an antique fire truck before heading back to the North Pole and loading up the sleigh. The fun begins and the sirens begin to sound around 5:00 p.m. when Santa makes his first stop in the Village at the St. Simons Casino Building. Children at each stop are invited to take their turns on his lap to whisper a last minute Christmas wish and to receive a stocking gift from volunteers. From there, he'll proceed to the Coast Guard Station Bathhouse (a new stop this year, replacing the Demere Skate Park), Shops at Demere, then continues the trek up to the north end of the island with stops at Brogen's North (another new stop, replacing Glynn Haven Baptist Church), and, finally, the First African Baptist Church just past the north roundabout. There are ample photo opportunities for families at the stops and the atmosphere is electric.  Even adults without children are known to come out from their holiday dinners at Bennie’s Red Barn and various other establishments just to watch Santa pass by. Countless island residents tell stories of sharing this special tradition that they experienced as a child with their own children and grandchildren.

Notes from the Civinettes & the Glynn County Volunteer Department who coordinate this event:

1. ONLY the Casino has a starting time. The times at all stops depends on the number of children being seen at the previous stops.

2. Please exercise caution as the procession approaches and departs each stop.

3. The Saint Simons Civinettes, the non-profit group who has been organizing Santa’s visit, relies on generous donation from individuals and local businesses to ensure that each child gets a stocking.

4. Santa’s reindeer and sleigh are kept at an undisclosed and secure location during the visit.

5. Santa will make the tour, neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow will prevent the event.

6. LASTLY, and sad to even mention. This TRADITION is intended as a fun, FAMILY event. Parents need to be be sure that EVERYONE is respectful and polite at all locations.

We at Elegant Island Living take part in the excitement by becoming Santa’s parade route social media elves, sharing the location of Engine 32 on Facebook and Twitter as it makes its way around the island. So, be sure to keep up with us on Christmas Eve so you can get your moment with or glimpse of that white-bearded, jolly fella!