Originally started in San Francisco in 1994, SantaCon is now an annual event in cities all around the country including Seattle. Every December you’ll see hundreds if not thousands of Santas parading through downtown Seattle for two Saturdays in a row for this festive pub crawl, although according to the organizers: “This is much more than a pub crawl, and every time you call it that, a sugar plum fairy dies!”
The first Seattle SantaCon this month (on December 9) has passed, but you still have time to get tickets and join the second! SantaCon Day 2 starts at noon on Saturday, December 16 in downtown Seattle.
Read on for answers to all your questions about this year’s Seattle SantaCon!
How do I participate in Seattle’s SantaCon?
To participate in SantaCon you’ll need to check in and get a wristband as proof of purchase. Tickets need to be purchased online in advance (see the link below).
Where do I check in?
You’ll find SantaCon staff outside of most of the participating venues. They should be wearing blue hats. You can find the schedule with participating venues at the Facebook and Eventbrite pages linked at the end of this article. This year’s venues include Kells, Trinity Nightclub, and Flatstick Pub Pioneer Square.
What is included?
Your SantaCon ticket grants you free admission to participating venues, food and drink specials, live entertainment, a costume contest, and professional photographers. Many of the participating venues will be offering special SantaCon menus in addition to live music and discounted drinks and food.
What does SantaCon do with the ticket proceeds?
Every year the Seattle SantaCon uses its proceeds towards a charity as well as operational costs. This year’s charity is the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County.
Are costumes required?
According to the event page, “You ought to dress festive. A Santa hat is the bare minimum.” Don’t feel limited to dressing as Santa though. Costume options include Santa’s elves, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, a reindeer, and more. Just aim for festive—and wear comfy shoes!
What are the SantaCon rules?
As with any drinking-centered event, there are some rules the organizers would kindly ask you to keep in mind. Some should be obvious, such as following the laws around public drinking and no drinking and driving. The entire event takes place in walkable downtown Seattle, and public transportation and ride shares will be easily available. Other guidelines include: bring cash, tip at venues, and move on to another venue on the schedule if the line is too long.
Tickets for SantaCon Day 2 can be purchased on Eventbrite. You can also follow the Facebook event page for updates and photos.
Seattle SantaCon 2023
When: Saturday, December 16
Where: Downtown Seattle
Cost: $15+