Love it or hate it, it is one of the most surreal spectacles on the NYC calendar — entire subway cars and avenues full of Santas is a sight you only get one day a year. For participants it is the city's biggest costumed social event, with a route built for bar-hopping with thousands of strangers. Even as a spectator, Midtown on SantaCon Saturday is unforgettable people-watching.
What to expect
Costumed crowds from late morning onward, long bar lines, and a rowdier atmosphere as the day progresses. The start location and bar route are published on the official site shortly before the event. Non-participants may want to route around Midtown entirely that afternoon.
Good to know
- Date is expected (second Saturday of December pattern), not yet officially confirmed for 2026
- Participants should check santacon.nyc for the route, start location, and whether the event is officially on before making plans
- A costume is effectively mandatory to participate; organizers ask for a donation badge that supports charity
- Many bars and restaurants opt out or add door policies that day — don't assume every venue participates
- Metro-North and LIRR have historically banned alcohol on trains during SantaCon weekend
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Common questions
Is SantaCon 2026 confirmed for December 12?
Not officially — December 12 follows the event's long-standing second-Saturday-of-December pattern. Check santacon.nyc for the confirmed date, start point, and route, which are typically announced close to the event.
Do I need a ticket?
There's no ticket — it's a free, open crawl. Organizers sell charity donation badges and participating bars may charge covers or minimums. A Santa or holiday costume is the price of admission.
