SantaCon in NYC 2024, New York

SantaCon is a charitable, non-political, nonsensical convention that takes place annually to spread absurdist joy. In this beloved New York tradition, locals and tourists alike dress up as Santa Claus or other Christmas characters for a lively pub crawl known as SantaCon, short for Santa Convention. Participants join in to celebrate the holiday spirit while enjoying drinks, live music, and nightlife in a fun, festive atmosphere.

As the largest SantaCon in the world, New York attracts around 30,000 participants each year. While some revelers may indulge a bit too much, the overall vibe remains friendly and upbeat. Most attendees see it as an opportunity to party in creative Christmas costumes and enjoy the festive cheer. Additionally, about 15% of the bar bills from participating venues are donated to charity, adding a charitable element to the fun.

Location

The start location for SantaCon is always announced on this site and the social channels a week prior to the event. It is typically situated somewhere within the five boroughs of NYC.

Tickets & Schedule

SantaCon NYC starts at 10 am and runs until 8 pm. A $15 donation is required for entry.

Santa Code

At SantaCon in NYC, participants must follow the "Santa Code" to keep the festivities joyful and responsible. This includes wearing a full holiday-themed costume—no "just a hat" nonsense allowed. Santa is respectful to bar staff, pays with cash, and tips well. He's of legal drinking age, spreads joy, and leaves no trace, ensuring all trash goes in the bins.

Santa promotes peace, so if conflicts arise, participants should walk away. He’s kind to children, respectful of the city and its laws, and shows appreciation for the NYPD. Santa also moves promptly between stops, comes prepared for the weather, and knows his limits when it comes to drinking. Most importantly, everyone addresses each other as “Santa,” enhancing the festive spirit!