Santacon 2012 -- This Saturday, Dec. 15, They Are Coming

They were everywhere. MK Metz, Santacon 2011

We hesitate to mention this as it's been out of control for a number of years already, but Santacon 2012 is just around the corner.

This means you'll either get out of town on Saturday, or dress up like Santa, an elf or a reindeer and join the red swarm.

There have been some changes this year. The route used to be a big, fat secret until the night before, since the whole thing was basically illegal.

But last year's crowds -- roughly 20,00 Santas in various stages of dress and drunkenness -- "resulted in overcrowding, traffic problems, trash problems, and traumatized New Yorkers," according to Santa Central.

So this year the route is posted in advance. The rumble of the Santas starts at Pier 84 in Manhattan, then swings through vast swaths of midtown bars and strip joints -- the "green zone."

After that the red masses bring holiday cheer to tavern-owners in the East Village, before winding up in Williamsburg.

UPDATE: A Manhattan bartender told the Brooklyn Eagle yesterday, “It’s loads of fun. There’s going to be lots of candy canes and lots of costumes."  Oh oh.

The grownups-only New York City Santacon website will prepare you for the stroll.

And don't be a grinch: Bring at least 2 non-perishable food items for Santa's food drive.

The Brooklyn Cacophony Society was the original sponsor of Santacon in 1998.



- Santacon 2011
- You Better Watch Out: SantaCon Is Coming to Town
- SantaCon 2010




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