San Francisco SantaCon Expands to Three-Day Celebration Amidst Tensions Over Commercialization

The 30th anniversary of SantaCon sees new events and a record toy drive, but disputes over for-profit copycats persist.

SantaCon in San Francisco marks its 30th anniversary with an expanded three-day schedule, featuring new Friday and Sunday events alongside the traditional Saturday festivities.
The event, originally founded as an anti-commercialism protest, has grown into a major toy donor for the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program, collecting thousands of toys annually.
Tensions remain between the free, community-driven SantaCon and ticketed copycat events, some of which charge up to $40 for participation while using the SantaCon name.
SantaCon’s organizers emphasize its non-commercial roots, asking attendees to donate toys instead of money, while attempting to curb disruptive behavior associated with the event in past years.
New additions this year include a costume contest, drag brunches, and pop-up holiday bars, as well as a mobile map directing participants to Santa-friendly venues.