Steamboat Springs, Colorado-December 4, 2025-Santa is switching up his travel plans this holiday season, and the community is invited to celebrate in a new and exciting way. The traditional Big Red Sleigh Tour, which started during the coronavirus epidemic, will not take flight this year.
Instead, Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue (SSFR), in partnership with Steamboat Springs Main Street, the Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD), and the Veteran’s Center will open the new downtown Fire Station 1 ahead of Santa’s visits to his holiday study in Civic Plaza over the next three Saturdays in December.
“We’re excited to share the holiday spirit in a new way this year while also welcoming the community into the new downtown station,” said Fire Chief Chuck Cerasoli. “Although we’ll miss bringing Santa through the neighborhoods, the new format brings our partners together for a fun, central gathering for families.”
SSPD will join SSFR at Station 1 each Saturday a half hour before Santa opens his study. The event offers kids a chance to explore fire equipment and a police patrol vehicle, meet first responders, and ask questions about what firefighters and police officers do for the community. In addition, the large tower truck and a police vehicle will be set up on the station apron for kids to check out before or after their visit with Santa. The Veteran’s Center will also have their doors open, welcoming families to visit with Mrs. Claus and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
Before strolling over to Civic Plaza to meet children and families, Santa will make a special walk through the apparatus bay at Station 1 — giving the community a festive look inside the downtown fire station.
Downtown Station 1 Open House & Santa Visit
Saturday, Dec. 6 Station opens: 10:30 am Santa appearance: 11 am-1 pm | Saturday, Dec. 13 Station opens: 10:30 am Santa appearance: 11 am-1 pm | Saturday, Dec. 20 Station opens: 9:30 am Santa appearance: 10 am-12 pm |
Police Chief Mark Beckett added, “This is a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with their local officers in a fun, relaxed setting. We’re proud to partner with Fire Rescue, Main Street Steamboat, and our local veterans to create positive, lasting memories for our community, especially for our kids.”
Following each Station 1 open house, Santa will continue on foot to his study in Civic Plaza, where families can visit with him as part of Steamboat Springs Main Street’s holiday programming. Families are encouraged to arrive early, enjoy the station open house, and then follow Santa on his short walk to Civic Plaza.
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Contact
Email Chuck Cerasoli, Fire Chief, or call 970-879-7170
Email Mark Beckett, Police Chief, or call 970-879-4344
Email Michael Lane, Marketing and Communications Manager, or call 970-871-8220