SantaCon is once again jingling its way back to NYC. Whether you like it or really, really don’t, Midtown will soon be swarmed with tipsy Santas, rogue elves, and candy-cane-clad bar crawlers turning the streets into one giant, boozy North Pole. For some, it’s the most festive day of the year; for others (🙋♀️), it’s a red and white nightmare that clogs the sidewalks and subway cars.
Wherever you land on the SantaCon spectrum–eager participant or eye-rolling avoider–we’ve rounded up everything you need to know this year, from where the crowds will be to how to steer completely clear.
What is SantaCon?
SantaCon bar crawl is described as a “charitable, non-political, nonsensical Santa Claus convention that happens once a year to spread absurdist joy.”
Each year, masses of revelers dressed as Saint Nick galavant from bar to bar across NYC in an all-day drinking spectacle. Being it’s the largest SantaCon event in the nation the festivities are known to get rowdy, though there is a strict “6 F’s” Santa Code to remember–don’t f*ck with:
- Kids
- Cops
- Bar Staff
- Yourself
- NYC
- Santas Charity Mission
How long has SantaCon been around?
Originating in San Francisco, SantaCon was brought to New York City in 1998. The event quickly grew from its origins as a performance art-style event into an international phenomenon, and somehow manages to get bigger and bigger each year.
When is SantaCon 2025?
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025 beginning at 10 am.
Where is SantaCon?
SantaCon typically takes place across various bars in Midtown–each offering some sort of festive drink deals, speciality cocktails, and of course holiday decor–though last year’s participating bars and venues stretched all the way down to the East Village.
The start location and participating bars and venues will be released online and on SantaCon’s Instagram the week before.
How much does SantaCon cost?
With dozens of venues and special performances each year, organizers ask for a $17 donation to gain access to all the official SantaCon venues. Profits go to a combination of local charities, including:
- City Parks Foundation
- The Children’s Heart Foundation
- Materials for the Arts
- City Harvest
Nearly $1 million dollars have been donated over the past 10 years.