Santa Claus arrived in a West End Fire Company to greet children gathered at the Chestnuthill Township Park building on Friday night.

Santa led them inside to his chair next to a decorated Christmas tree, where he chatted with them while parents took their photos.

“It’s good that the children can interact with Santa again,” said Bernie Kozen, executive director of West End Park and Open Space Commission.

Last year’s event was a drive-thru, where families spoke to Santa through car windows rolled down.

Santa, Kozen and volunteers stood on the sidewalk greeting everyone.

This year, 3-year-old Maxwell Curtis told Santa he wants a car, while his sister, 4-year-old Bella Curtis, asked for a doll. Their mom, Taylour, and younger brother 18-month-old Thatcher waited nearby.

Wearing a Santa hat and a Christmas shirt, 4-year-old Ayden Shenton gave a big smile to his mom, Heather, as she snapped some photos. He told Santa he wants a big motorcycle, not a toy.

“I think this event is special. I remember talking to Santa as a kid. It is sweet to see their faces light up,” said volunteer Adreenah Mendez, a 10th-grade student at Pleasant Valley.

Volunteer Michael Tuin, an eighth-grade student at Commonwealth Charter Academy, helped her hand out goody bags containing a coloring book and craft to the children.

Other volunteers handed out cookies and cocoa to the families in attendance.