No matter which side of it you fall on, the most festive drinking event in Gotham has to be SantaCon NYC. This major, mid-December celebration brings thousands of folks dressed up in red suits, elf hats, and antlers to midtown bars for a daylong celebration.
Here's everything you need to know about the festivity, whether you're dressing up or trying to get snowhere near it.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in NYC
What is SantaCon?
Hordes dress up as Christmas characters from gingerbread cookies and reindeer, but Kris Kringle is the most popular choice of those who attend the boozy crawl to some of the best bars in NYC. In the past, some bars have banned dressed-up folks, so your best bet is to stick to the organizer's map to have a jolly time.
This is certainly one of the most popular (and despised) NYC events in December, and for some, one of the best things to do around Christmas, so try to avoid acting like a bad Santa. The creators just want the affair to be safe and fun for everyone involved. (That means no drunk ice-skating, got it?) Obviously, only elves who are 21 and older can participate.
When is SantaCon NYC 2024?
SantaCon NYC is usually on the second Saturday in December. In this case, it's Saturday, December 14, from 10am-8pm.
Where is SantaCon NYC 2024?
SantaCon NYC usually invades bars all over midtown. Typically around 65 bars, clubs and venues participate. As the event date approaches, keep an eye out here for an interactive map.
How do I join SantaCon NYC 2024?
For more information, visit SANTACON.NYC. Get tickets for $15/person here to secure access into the big SantaCon venues. The ticket cost helps local charities. Do keep in mind that most venues are free to enter with no cover charge. Only the special venues require a $15 (tax-deductible) donation, as they are larger and offer additional perks such as a DJ, holiday decorations, etc. For those spots, participants are given a snazzy SantaCon pendant to get through the doors.
Tips for attending SantaCon
Bring cash, your ID, comfortable shoes, warm layers, and a charged phone (plus a battery pack if you have one) so you can keep partying through the day. Organizers encourage all to wear a full, holiday-themed, head-to-toe costume—not just a hat.
Be sure to respect the space of those not participating in the event. "Santa spreads JOY: Not terror. Not vomit. Not trash. Would you want those under YOUR tree?," per the event's website.
SantaCon's organizers break it down like this: "Don't F***" with kids, cops, bar staff, NYC, and SantaCon's charity mission. And "Don't F*** up yourself." Wise words.
History of SantaCon
SantaCon dates back to 1994 in San Francisco with an event called Santarchy, which pointed out the absurdity of America's consumerist holiday traditions. Over the past 24 years, the concept has grown into an annual tradition across the globe, including in New York City. In 2012, the local event became a nonprofit and its annual festivities raise money for charities including City Harvest, The Ali Forney Center, The Secret Sandy Claus Project, Neighbors Together, Dance Parade New York, and Materials for the Arts.
These days, NYC hosts the largest existing SantaCon, which welcomes large crowds year after year.
