Revelers gather in Times Square for the start of SantaCon in New York City on Saturday.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
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Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
Revelers gather in Times Square for the start of SantaCon in New York City on Saturday.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
People are carrying red hats, coats and lots of beer on Saturday as the annual SantaCon celebrations return in New York City.
The holiday-themed pub emerged after attendees dressed in Santa Claus costumes first gathered in a performance art form in the 1990s and started going to bars in the early 2000s. Now it’s a full-blown operation with organisers, drink specials and philanthropy.
SantaCon participants celebrate at the start of the crawl in a pub in Times Square.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
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Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
SantaCon participants celebrate at the start of the crawl in a pub in Times Square.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
The festivities begin at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and West 39th Street and continue at bars throughout downtown Manhattan.
As pub crawlers navigate the city, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is enforcing an alcohol ban from 4 a.m. Saturday until noon Sunday.
SantaCon participants gather in Times Square for the start of SantaCon NYC 2022 on Saturday.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
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Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
SantaCon participants gather in Times Square for the start of SantaCon NYC 2022 on Saturday.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
SantaCon was suspended in 2020 due to COVID but was revived a year ago. This year, the city health authority is warning of a resurgence of COVID cases, as well as flu and RSVand Recommended to wear a mask in crowded outdoor and public indoor environments.
SantaCon pub crawls are also taking place outside of New York City. There are dozens of SantaCons happening on Saturdays and throughout the week, from Los Angeles to Louisville, Ky., according to SantaCon.infoa website that keeps track of all events.
