You better watch out, you better not drive, we’re telling you why: SantaCon is coming to town.
It’s that time of year when thousands of drunk Santas take on Manhattan’s bars in an epic, joyous — and sometimes literal crawl.
A $15 ticket gains Kris Kringle impersonators access to 64 bars on Saturday. The festivities are set to kick off at 10 a.m. at Broadway and 40th Street.
Costumes are required to partake in the event, whether that be a classic Santa suit, an elf getup, or anything that projects Christmas.
“So don your gay apparel, bake all your cookies, and practice sliding down the chimney a few times, because SantaCon will be here before you know it!” organizers enthused on the SantaCon site.
Ticket proceeds are said to be split among various charities.
Last year’s SantaCon was a welcome return of the tradition, as the COVID-19 pandemic stopped wannabe wasted elves from getting into the holiday spirit in 2020.
The 2021 event required proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the doors in order to enter, but that doesn’t seem to be the case this year.
Past SantaCons have gotten rowdy, with two arrests made in 2018 and five in 2015, including a woman who threw a beer mug at an East Village bartender.
When is SantaCon?
SantaCon happens on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. It kicks off at 10 a.m. and is an all-day event — so either join ’em or plan accordingly.
Where is SantaCon?
There are 64 clubs/bars on the map for SantaCon 2022. The event kicks off on Broadway at 40th Street, where Santas can then venture to Midtown East, Midtown West and East Village bars.
How much is SantaCon?
A ticket is $15.
Will there be food?
Participating Santas can get one free cookie with any in-store purchase at three Insomnia Cookie locations, two in Murray Hill and one in Hell’s Kitchen.
How can I follow along to join the fun, or avoid the Claus-trophobia?
Festivities will play out @santacon on Twitter.
