Santacon NYC 2021 is Sat., Dec. 11

SantaCon NYC returns this year to the streets and bars of NYC after a Pandemic Pause in 2020.

The annual pub crawl generates funds for local charities, for toys and other gifts to the needy, along with generating some rowdy behavior in the streets and on the subways by participants dressed up in Santa suits.

The yearly “nonsensical Santa Claus convention” is one of more than 300 similar events in more than 40 countries around the world during the holiday season, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities. The NYC, hosted by SantaCon NYC, is the largest of all.

SantaCon 2021 is Saturday, Dec. 11, starting at 10 am. Participants get merrily intoxicated over a drink (or more) at various venues across New York City.

How to Participate in SantaCon

Participants pay $13 to register ((plus $0.93 fee), which allows them to access all participating drinking venues.

It’s easier to register and pay online, but you can also opt to donate in cash at the venues.

Once you’ve donated, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite explaining where and when you can pick up your Santa Badge, which “gets you into all venues all day,” the charity says.

This year, SantaCon NYC has partnered with The Secret Sandy Claus Project.

The charity will deploy its “Santas and Elves” with bags of toys to make deliveries at children’s homes across Brooklyn, Queens and Lower Manhattan from money raised during the SantaCon day of partying.

Where SantaCon NYC Begins

According to the SantaCon NYC website, the exact start location is disclosed after you register.

It is always somewhere within the five boroughs - which means it can be anywhere in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island. But - usually - it starts in Manhattan.

SantaCon NYC Costume Requirement

A full Santa suit is required, according to the “Santa’s Code” info on the website.

Wearing only a Santa hat as a costume is considered below standard and a cop-out.

What to Bring to SantaCon NYC

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The website says: “Santa respects NYC vaccination rules and venues staff trying to enforce them. Please make this trying time less of a clusterf***.”
Proof of your online donation or cash to make donations at the door of venues.
Additional cash for bar stops and snacks.
A MetroCard for traveling on the subway.
Gifts, games, props and performances “to entertain Santas and strangers alike.”
Comfortable walking shoes and layers to keep you warm. “Leave the stilettos at home,” the charity says, “or you’ll be Sad Santa by the end of the day.”

Other SantaCon NYC Rules & Warnings

The website explains:

“There is no excuse for inappropriate behavior. Public drunkenness, urination or rude behavior is not only prohibited by the stated rules of the event, but actively discouraged by the crowds of Santas themselves.”

“Police will be at every one of our stops. Respect them and do not break laws,” such as by urinating in public and jaywalking.

Participants who bring open containers of alcohol to the event will be arrested.

Participants are also advised to follow the charity’s prompts on Twitter while moving along the pub crawl route.

“When you get the Tweet to move, head to the next destination and don’t linger and don’t litter,” the charity says.