SantaCon 2023 Takes Over NYC Streets with 30K Participants

Increased police presence and controversy over charity claims mark the annual festive event.

SantaCon 2023, the annual Santa-themed bar crawl, took place in New York City with an estimated 30,000 participants.
Revelers, many in festive costumes, started the event in Midtown and made their way to the East Village.
Canadian singer Michael Bublé was a special guest, urging attendees to drink responsibly.
Police presence was increased for the event, with officers handing out tickets for open containers and disorderly conduct.
Despite claims that proceeds from the event go to charity, a recent investigation found that only about a fifth of the $1.4 million raised between 2014 and 2022 went to registered nonprofits.