SantaCon is one of those events you either love or go out of your way to avoid. Thousands of people dress as Santas, elves and other holiday characters and make their way through New York, hopping from bar to bar.
What to expect
This isn’t a Christmas parade with floats, and it isn’t a family holiday event. SantaCon is about costumes and partying. You’ll see groups in holiday outfits out on the streets while others are already inside the next bar. Expect noise, crowds and plenty of drinking.
You don’t have to join the bar crawl to see some of it. Watching the costumes and crowds from public streets is free. That’s different from getting into participating bars: previous editions have offered paid tickets or wristbands for venue access. Drinks cost extra.
Much of the activity has centered on Midtown Manhattan in recent years. The meeting point is usually Broadway at West 39th Street.
Good to know
- SantaCon is geared toward adults, not children.
- Bring valid photo ID if you plan to enter bars, and follow each venue’s age and admission requirements.
- Wear warm layers under your costume. You’ll be outside between venues.
- If you’d rather avoid crowds and drunken groups, plan to visit the affected neighborhoods on another day.
