Holiday cheer will fill the truck bay of the Pearce’s Mill Fire Department as firefighters prepare to host their annual “Breakfast with Santa,” a family-centered event that has grown into one of the department’s most beloved traditions. The celebration will take place Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the station at 168 Dedication Drive, offering families a cozy and festive start to the holiday season.
Each year, the volunteer fire station undergoes a transformation as crews clear the trucks, set up long tables, and decorate the bay with garland, lights, and holiday colors. The normally utilitarian space known more for turnout gear and emergency radios turns into a warm gathering hall where neighbors share breakfast surrounded by the engines that serve their community.
The event centers on a hot, homemade breakfast prepared by department volunteers and members of the Pearce’s Mill Ladies Auxiliary. Pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice, and coffee are served family-style, with firefighters moving from table to table to offer refills and greeting guests. The setup is intentionally simple, mirroring a church or community breakfast rather than a commercial holiday program. Organizers say this down-to-earth approach is part of what makes the event feel personal and memorable for the families who attend.
As children finish their plates, anticipation builds for the arrival of Santa Claus. His entrance, often announced by the sound of a fire truck easing into the station, is a highlight of the morning. Children line up for photos, some clutching their wish lists or wearing matching pajamas, while parents snap pictures and enjoy the relaxed pace. Unlike the bustling environment of shopping malls or larger holiday events, Santa’s visit to the firehouse gives families time to slow down and enjoy the moment.
In addition to meeting Santa, children are invited to explore parts of the fire station under the supervision of firefighters. Kids look inside the fire trucks, try on firefighter helmets, and listen as volunteers explain how equipment is used during emergencies. These moments often spark wide-eyed excitement as children sit behind the wheel of an engine or stand next to tools they’ve only seen in books or movies. Parents frequently use the experience to teach children about safety and to introduce the people who protect their community.
The event also serves as an opportunity for the fire department to strengthen its relationship with residents. As a volunteer department, Pearce’s Mill relies on community support, and events like this help build familiarity and trust. Families who attend year after year often greet the firefighters by name, and the station becomes a place associated with celebration rather than just emergencies. Tickets are $10, plus a small processing fee, with proceeds supporting the Ladies Auxiliary and the department’s community outreach efforts. Organizers recommend that families arrive early, as seating fills quickly, and parking around the station is limited. Many families choose tables closest to the trucks, hoping to be first in line when Santa appears.
For Pearce’s Mill, “Breakfast with Santa” has become a seasonal favorite that highlights the spirit of community in southern Cumberland County. It offers a simple mix of warm food, holiday decorations, and neighborly fellowship, an approach that resonates with families looking for tradition without the rush and commercial pressure of the season.
Whether children arrive bundled in coats, wearing holiday sweaters, or still in their morning pajamas, the fire department welcomes everyone for a morning designed to bring people together. With the glow of Christmas lights reflecting off red fire engines and the hum of friendly conversation filling the bay, the event captures what many consider the heart of the holidays: connection, gratitude, and the joy of sharing the season with others.
For more information, visit their website at https://facebook.com/events/s/breakfast-with-santa-at-the-fi/3271315913020022/ or Pierce’s Mill Fire Department, 168 Dedication Dr, Fayetteville.