Guess Who’s Coming to Town?
Thousands of Santas Head to Manhattan for Annual Bar Crawl
Thousands of Santas are on their way through Manhattan in what has become a time-honored bar crawl in the days leading up to Christmas. The boozy tradition attracts revelers from all around the New York City metro area in an all-day merry celebration, stopping at dozens of bars up and down the borough.
Temperatures Expected to Stay Bitter Cold
Temperatures are expected to stay bitter cold for the 2024 edition of SantaCon. Anyone adorned in head-to-toe Santa wardrobe (as the official rules stipulate) should wear some layers underneath. High temperatures are expected to stick around freezing.
Rules and Regulations
Organizers have posted a long list of dos and don’ts to keep the festivities enjoyable and any costumed Santas out of trouble. The "Santa Code" rules ask participants to treat bar staff well and tip nicely, be nice to any kids, clean up after yourself and be respectful to any NYPD officers. Santa is about peace, the organizers point out: "Should you find yourself in conflict with a drunken Santa, walk away.. Just let it go…"
MTA Bans Alcohol on Trains
The MTA is banning alcohol on all Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road trains for the weekend. Don’t get cute: You can’t drink on any of the platforms, either. The ban starts at 4 a.m. Saturday and lasts until noon Sunday. The MTA Police Department will be deploying extra officers to enforce the ban, as well as deal with potentially rowdy crowds, at hubs like Penn Station, Grand Central Madison and Grand Central Terminal.
What is SantaCon?
The annual SantaCon event is held every December. Droves of 20-somethings dressed up as Santas, Mrs. Clauses, elves and all sorts of holiday favorites celebrate the famed bar crawl that starts in midtown Manhattan and winds its way down to the East Village. The organizers encourage revelers to donate $15 for free entry into participating venues. The website describes the event as "a charitable, non-political, nonsensical Santa Claus convention that happens once a year to spread absurdist joy."
Which Bars are Participating?
The jolly festivities kick off at 10 a.m. at W 40th Street and Broadway, where the cavalcade of Kringles will be on parade before heading to their first bars of the day. For those participating, SantaCon’s map shows that there are several participating bars in midtown and the East Village. More than 50 bars and clubs will be hosting revelers. For those preferring to avoid the event at all costs, steer clear of Midtown East and West as well as the East Village, where most of the bars are.
Conclusion
SantaCon is an annual event that brings joy and cheer to the holiday season. With over 50 bars participating, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Just remember to follow the rules and be respectful to others. For those who prefer to avoid the event, there are plenty of other holiday activities to enjoy in the city.
FAQs
Q: What is SantaCon?
A: SantaCon is an annual holiday event where thousands of people dress up as Santas and celebrate with a bar crawl in Manhattan.
Q: Where does the event take place?
A: The event starts in midtown Manhattan and winds its way down to the East Village.
Q: What are the rules for participating in SantaCon?
A: Participants are asked to treat bar staff well, be nice to kids, clean up after themselves, and be respectful to NYPD officers.
Q: Can I drink on the MTA trains?
A: No, the MTA has banned alcohol on all Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road trains for the weekend.
Q: How much does it cost to participate in SantaCon?
A: The event is free, but organizers encourage revelers to donate $15 for free entry into participating venues.
