Dartmouth Fire District No. 1’s engine roared into the station with a special guest on Dec. 16: Santa Claus himself.

The man in the big red suit paid a visit to the station for the department’s annual holiday party. After a pancake breakfast, nearly two dozen kids of District No. 1 firefighters got an early Christmas present to unwrap and open up, delivered straight from Santa.

From radio controlled cars to dolls, the training room inside the fire station resembled more of a toy store than a fire station once all the gifts were opened and being played with.

It’s part of a tradition which dates back quite a while. Hosted by District No. 1’s firefighters association, it was originally a dinner, but was turned into a breakfast event about eight years ago.

“It’s a lot of behind the scenes work,” said Lt. Jeff Costa, who is president of the association. “It’s a group effort.”

Even some of the kids helped out behind the scenes: Abby Lancaster was in charge of the pancakes, although she confessed it’s not her favorite breakfast food.

Many of the firefighters working in the kitchen or serving up pancakes have their own fond memories of attending Christmas events at the station.

“It’s good to get everyone together,” Costa said. “I remember coming here as a kid.”