For more than 30 years, volunteer firefighters have escorted Santa on a tanker to delight children of all ages.

This year Santa will travel through various streets, starting in New Gisborne at 1pm and finishing at St Brigid's Catholic Church in Aitken Street in time for the traditional Christmas Eve mass about 8pm.

As part of the annual tradition, Santa will hand out lolly bags to children along the way.

Adding to the festive feel will be special candle lanterns lining the streets.

Gisborne CFA's communications officer Peter Harry said the Santa Run was getting bigger and better every year.