The annual tradition returns as the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department (FCVFD) decorates the reserve engine and escorts Santa Claus through the streets of the greater Falls Church area.

Santamobile begins on today and will run through Saturday, Dec. 23. On the first five nights, Santa and his elves will visit each neighborhood in the City of Falls Church. The remaining nights are reserved for make-up routes and excursions into neighboring Arlington and Fairfax counties.

During each night’s three-hour run, Santa’s helpers will be handing out candy canes and fire safety literature. Anyone who wishes to receive these free items are encouraged to greet Santa at the curb. This provides the safest conditions for Santa’s helpers and ensures they have an opportunity to visit the largest number of neighbors and well-wishers.

The schedule is below, but residents should note that routes occasionally change based on road conditions parking, traffic, and construction:

Dec. 15 – South of W. Broad Street in the St. James Cemetery and Virginia Forest neighborhoods up to and including Seaton Lane and S. Oak south of the Tripps Run bridge; Dec. 16 – North of W. Broad Street including Little Falls Street; Dec. 17 – South of W. Broad Street in the Tyler Gardens neighborhood and Virginia Forest neighborhood south of Seaton Lane; also includes streets north of the Tripps Run bridge (Hillier, S. Oak, Lee, Rees, Chanel). Dec. 18 – The Little Falls neighborhood, and streets east of Washington Street including the Madison Park and Whittier Park neighborhoods; Dec. 19 – Broadmont neighborhood and streets on the north side of Hillwood east of Cherry Street.

Santamobile 2017 is sponsored by WINN Design+Build, Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, and Kids First Swim School.`