Christmas lights and music arrived at Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue's main station Sunday night, thanks to a visit from Glenn Johnson and his three holiday-themed vehicles.

Mr Johnson, a member of Tolland Fire Department, led a caravan of vehicles that included two sleighs and a fire truck absolutely covered with blinking, colorful lights.

Mr Johnson had been hoping to visit Sandy Hook for a few years, he said this week, and was finally able to spend a few hours offering free rides on his sleigh.

A series of events during the autumn led to Mr Johnson meeting a few Newtown residents, who helped coordinate the December 4 visit at Sandy Hook's firehouse,  where a group of residents - including many families with young children - were delighted to see him. Mr Johnson spent a few hours in town, offering dozens of rides on his truck and sleigh to anyone who wanted one.

Mr Johnson is already planning on returning next year, "even earlier in the day, so I can spend more time putting smiles on peoples' faces," he said this week.