Bixby Knolls’ inaugural Santa Con returns with beer, food, holiday shopping and more

Tickets to Santa Con includes pints and tasters from breweries for adults and festive food and drinks for kids (or non-drinkers). 

The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association (BKBIA) is hosting its inaugural Santa Con event, where people gather for local brews, shopping deals and an array of food options while donning their best Santa, elf or other festive costume. 

Dressing up as Mr. or Mrs. Claus is “mandatory,” but participants will not be kicked out for not dressing up to the theme. 

“Well, you’re not forced to dress up, but we are begging and asking that you do as it’s part of the fun,” the BKBIA wrote in its release for the event, adding that participants are welcome to dress as anything Christmas-themed. 

Residents can traverse up and down Atlantic Avenue and taste the various locally brewed beers, wines and special menu items from eateries, as well as deals from small businesses. The Big Red Bus will be available to take residents around the corridor. 

There is no set route, and residents can visit whatever shops they choose, with deals and items offered at most locations. Between sipping and eating, residents can enjoy live music performances, a 360-degree photo booth, a chance to meet Mr and Mrs. Claus, carolers and other performances. 

Santa Con tickets cost $30 for those who want beer and wine tasters, and $20 for a Santa’s Helper ticket, which includes food and treats for children or those who don’t want alcohol. All proceeds will go to the BKBIA to help it host community events. 

Santa Tickets include: 

• 1 Harp pint at EJs Pub
• 1 Beer pint at Rasselbock 
• 1 Margarita at Lola’s Mexican Cuisine 
• 1 Small wine pour at The Vintage LBC 
• 1 Taster at Ambitious Ales
• 1 Taster at Beachwood Brewing
• 1 Taster at Smog City Brewing Co.
• 1 Square Slice of Sicilian Pizza at Thunderbolt Pizza
• Festive accessories & swag (first come, first served; limited quantities)
• Event bracelet for specials at participating restaurants 

Santa’s Helper tickets include: 

• 1 Mango Green Tea with one-topping OR Thai Tea with one-topping at Ding Tea
• 1 Tamal at Tony’s Kitchen
• 1 Hot Chocolate at Bixby Joe 
• 1 Popcorn bag from Pop’n Flavors
• 1 Hummus & Pita appetizer from Taboon Mediterranean
• Festive accessories & swag (first come, first served; limited quantities)
• Event bracelet for specials at participating restaurants 

Secret menu items and special deals will be offered to residents who have an event bracelet on, including: 

• Dutch’s Brewhouse: One half-off beer (one per ticket holder)

• Thunderbolt Pizza: $5 pint draft beers

• Smog City Brewing Co.: $3 pints (select beers only)

• Wood & Salt Tavern: $5 Holiday Mule and 20% off appetizers and drinks

• The Better Half Boutique: 20% off your purchase

• Pixie Toys: 20% off your purchase

• Long Beach Clothing Co.: 20% off your purchase

Attendees are encouraged to save a mobile ticket on their phone or print their ticket out in order to speed up the process of checking in and receiving bracelets. 

Santa Con will take place on Dec. 10 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Accessories and tickets can be picked up from noon to 2 p.m. at the Expo Arts Center at 4321 Atlantic Ave. Event swag will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. The bus will be running from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and stopping at Beachwood Brewing, Willmore Wine Bar, Rasselbock, Lola’s Mexican Cuisine, Dutch’s Brewhouse, EJ’s Pub, Expo Arts Center, Ambitious Ales and Smog City Brewing.  

This article was updated on Nov. 28 to include to date of the event.