Hundreds of excited children would line the streets of Elder Way to greet the popular visitor whose spectacular arrival signalled the start of Christmas for many families.
While the Co-op has long gone and with it Santa’s arrival in town on a fire engine, some seasonal traditions survive – from Santa Special boat trips aboard Chesterfield canal to grottos where children can tell Father Christmas what gifts they are hoping to unwrap when the big day arrives….
1. Santa's arrival
I'm here! Santa arrives on a fire engine at Chesterfield Co-op in 2006. Photo: Marisa Cashill
2.
Maisie Lawrence, 8, with Owen Blake, 3, and grandad firefighter Owen Moran on Santa's fire engine outside Chesterfield Co-op in 2006. Photo: Marisa Cashill
3. Santa's arrival
Do you know this happy little boy who rode on Santa's fire engine outside Chesterfield Co-op in 2009? Photo: Submitted
4. Santa's arrival
Santa makes his grand entrance on Elder Way, Chesterfield in 2001. Photo: Submitted