In Satellite Beach, the Fire Department Runs December
November 12, 2026
November 12, 2026
"Please ensure all trees are trimmed from right of way so Santa can get through every street safely!" That request appears in the November–December 2026 issue of the Beachcaster, the city's official newsletter. It is printed under a schedule that splits Satellite Beach into six sections, one for each night from December 7 through 12.
That schedule tells you how the city handles the holidays. Most of what happens here in December is put on by the Satellite Beach Fire Department, the Recreation Department and a few long-running civic clubs, and much of it starts at one building on Jackson Avenue. The calendar is also tied to where you live, so the first thing to find out is which night the fire truck comes down your street.
The Fall 2026 recreation brochure says Satellite Beach Fire Rescue and Paramedic Services and the reserve firefighter organization present Twilight Santa, "an annual tradition since 1981." Santa rides through the city on a decorated fire truck, and the brochure tells residents to listen for the engines between 6 and 9 p.m. each night. The Beachcaster has the 2026 street schedule, and every night the truck leaves the Fire Department at 6 p.m.
| Night | Section covered |
|---|---|
| Monday, Dec. 7 | Jackson Ave. south to Park Ave., east of S. Patrick Drive |
| Tuesday, Dec. 8 | Park Ave. south to Cinnamon Drive |
| Wednesday, Dec. 9 | West side of S. Patrick Drive |
| Thursday, Dec. 10 | Cassia Blvd. south to DeSoto Parkway |
| Friday, Dec. 11 | DeSoto Parkway south to the city line |
| Saturday, Dec. 12 | Satellite Beach portion of Tortoise Island, Pelican Coast and Montecito |
The route runs north to south and covers the whole city in one week. The tree-trimming request matters because the truck has to get through every street on the route. If you have branches hanging over the curb, cut them back before your night. For questions, the fire department's number is 321-773-4405.
The truck sets out from the same station that hosts the city's holiday party the evening before. The Fire Department Open House is Sunday, December 6, at 6 p.m. at 240 Jackson Avenue. The city's listing includes music, kids' games and activities, hot chocolate, a fire engine display and a visit from Santa, and it promises that "it will even SNOW!!"
Guests are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys or non-perishable food for Satellite Cares. The Beachcaster says the Satellite Beach Fire Department and Volunteer Fire Department have collected and handed out toys and gift cards for more than 20 years to help local families and seniors during the holidays. The collection runs longer than one party. Donation trees and boxes go up on Tuesday, November 17, at these locations:
So the Twilight Santa crews spend the weeks before the parade collecting donations at the same building. For most of a month, the station on Jackson Avenue serves as both the starting point for the parade and a drop-off for the city's main holiday donation drive.
The days around Twilight Santa fill up with events from the city and its partner groups. Here are the main dates from December 5 to 12, in order:
If you live between Park Avenue and Cinnamon Drive and have young children, Tuesday, December 8, may be the busiest night of the month. The fire truck passes during the same hours the elves are making calls.
The last big event of the season is resident-run. The Fall 2026 brochure lists the annual Holiday Golf Cart Parade on Friday, December 18, hosted by the Satellite Beach Golf Cart Club. The event includes the parade plus contests, food trucks, music and prizes.
Your entry fee depends on when you register:
| Registration window | Price per cart |
|---|---|
| Oct. 26 – Nov. 20 | $10 early bird |
| Nov. 21 – Dec. 17 | $15 |
| Dec. 18, at the event | $20 |
The early-bird price ends Friday, November 20. Check-in on parade day starts at 4:30 p.m., and the parade starts at 5:30. It ends at Satellite Beach Sports Park, 750 Jamaica Blvd., where a free family festival is open to everyone. If you aren't entering a cart, you can watch along the route or go straight to the festival.
The fire department runs the first half of the month, and civic clubs handle much of the rest. The Satellite Beach Lions Club is running its Christmas Food Basket project for the 36th year. For each $35 donation, the club will send a letter to someone you choose, saying a food basket was dedicated in their honor. All letters will be mailed by December 19. Mailing and contact details are in the Beachcaster.
The 55+ Club of Satellite Beach holds its Annual Meeting and Holiday Dinner on December 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Tides, 1001 Highway A1A. Tickets cost $35 for members and $45 for guests, and the guest price includes membership. Tickets are sold at Bingo and at the Recreation Office. Before that, the club's Chili Challenge and Baking Battle on November 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., has attendees voting for a Chili Champ, a Bread Boss and a Dessert Dominator.
Over Thanksgiving, city recreation facilities close November 26 and 27. The Black Friday Farmers Market takes place at the DRS Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 27.
The city also issues permits for something you can host yourself. Beach bonfire season runs from November 1 through February 28. Permits are available Friday through Sunday, from 6 p.m. to midnight, at designated sites at Hightower and Pelican beaches. One Pelican site is reserved for clubhouse rentals, according to the city's beach bonfire permit page.
A permit costs $50 for residents and $100 for non-residents, plus a $100 refundable deposit. To check availability, call Recreation at 321-773-6458. The permit holder has to sign and pay in person at the Recreation Office by noon on the Thursday before the fire. Residents can book up to 30 days ahead and non-residents up to 15 days. Beach parking fees apply until 7 p.m. and aren't included in the permit. The city's 2026 bonfire rules require a permit holder aged 21 or older to stay on site. The fire has to be at least 25 feet from access ramps, dunes and structures, no more than 3 feet across with flames no higher than 2 feet, and put out by midnight. Fees and rules can change during the season, so confirm the current terms with the Recreation Office, at the DRS Center at 1089 S. Patrick Drive, before you book.
To plan a December weekend here, start with the Twilight Santa night for your section and the Recreation Office calendar. If you're comparing parts of Satellite Beach, from the streets near Jackson Avenue down to Pelican Coast and Montecito, Ryan Reilly can walk you through how each section works day to day. Let's Connect.
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