Photos: A Bit of Christmas Magic at Fire Station 14

It was cold enough to snow in Belmont last week, and indeed, a pile of the frosty white stuff it was found at Belmont Fire Station 14 on Thursday night as dozens of kids and their parents visited Belmont's own winter wonderland.

Click on the slideshow above for highlights from the open house and toy drive.

During their annual Open House and Toy Drive on Dec. 13,  firefighters from the Belmont-Foster City-San Mateo Fire Department treated visitors to an evening of holiday cheer complete with an electric train, refreshments, snowball fights and, of course, a visit with Santa. Visitors were asked to bring unwrapped toys or books to be given to needy children right here in Belmont.  

Fire Chief Michael Keefe said the snow was a great attraction to this year's event. The snow was donated by Belmont Iceland. 

"We've had lots of kids come by throughout the evening," said the chief.

Firefighter Chris MacFarland said the crews really enjoy the annual tradition of the open house and toy drive. 

The fire department works with Nesbit Elementary School to deliver the toys, and on December 18, the firefighters will be making a special delivery of the toys to families in Belmont. In addition, MacFarland said that on Monday firefighters will be picking up toys at Notre Dame de Namur Theater that were donated by attendees of "A Christmas Carol" over the last two weeks. 

MacFarland added that toys can be dropped off at any fire station in the San Mateo County between now and Dec. 25.

"All next week we have toy pick-ups from all Belmont schools as well," MacFarland said.

"We love being a part of the community and meeting the residents of Belmont. And, we've collected lots of toys tonight," added Chief Keefe.