Each year around Christmas time, hundreds of San Gabriel residents and shoppers look forward to the arrival of Santa Claus riding atop his fire sleigh through our streets, wishing everyone a merry Christmas and happy holidays.

Quite often, the San Gabriel Fire Department is asked a variety of questions about this grand tradition.

Here’s a FAQ to answer some of your questions:

What is Santa’s route?

Santa’s route in the City is spread over four consecutive nights from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the same dates every year.  From December 20 to December 23, the City is split into four quadrants with the following route:

• Dec. 20. Southwest: This is the area south of the railroad tracks to the I-10 FWY and from Del Mar Avenue, west to New Avenue.
• Dec. 21. Southeast: This is the area south of the railroad tracks to the I-10 FWY and from Del Mar Avenue, east to Charlotte Avenue.
• Dec. 22. Northwest: This is the area north of the railroad tracks to Longden Avenue and from Del Mar Avenue, west to Alhambra Road.
• Dec. 23. Northeast: This is the area north of the railroad tracks to Longden Avenue and from Del Mar Avenue, east to Willard Avenue.

The route is driven primarily for the City of San Gabriel. Periodically, for ease of travel, the Santa sleigh may enter unincorporated areas of San Gabriel but it’s done for the purposes of maneuvering the fire engine.