A partying pack of Kris Kringle imitators will roam the streets of Bixby Knolls during the annual SantaCon pub crawl.
Attendees can enjoy food and drink samples at several neighborhood breweries, restaurants, shops and wine bars, plus a range of activities, holiday music and live entertainment on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The proceeds raised from this year’s SantaCon will go towards the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association (BKBIA) and Bixby Knolls Community Foundation to fund their monthly programs.
SantaCon originated in the U.S. during the 1990s with a prank parade thrown by the San Francisco Cacophony Society, and the group’s rowdy antics laid the foundation for the creation of the yuletide pub crawl. The Santa Claus-themed stupor has since become a worldwide phenomenon, with participants in major cities donning the red and white jumpsuit for an afternoon of debauchery.
While the Santas stroll for brews and booze, there will be a variety of live entertainment options in the neighborhood. Attendees can expect appearances from Krampus, the Grinch and Mr. and Mrs. Claus, as well as DJs, carolers, and a strolling holiday band along the crawl route.
The Allery at Atlantic Avenue and Burlinghall Drive will be the site of wintery “Knollsville” photo ops, with a 360 degree video booth from Magic Lens Photobooths and a snow blizzard.
All SantaCon attendees will also receive an event bracelet that comes with access to specials and secret menu items at participating locations. This includes 20% off purchases at Pixie Toys, Long Beach Clothing Co. and The Better Half Boutique, $5 Holiday Mules at Wood & Salt Tavern and free chair massages at Bixby Knolls Wellness Center.
Those who don’t want to explore the crawl on foot can opt for free rides on the Beer Bus, which will be stopping at nine of the event locations, including Lola’s Mexican Cuisine, Thunderbolt Pizza and Beachwood Brewing.
There are two SantaCon ticket options available, with separate goodies included in each:
Santa ticket ($30) – For 21+ attendees only
- One margarita at Lola’s Mexican Cuisine
- One small wine pour at The Vintage LBC
- One beer taster each at Rasselbock, Smog City Brewing Co., Beachwood Brewing and Ambitious Ales
- A single square slice of Sicilian Pizza at Thunderbolt Pizza
- One fried zucchini appetizer at Tony’s Kitchen
- Festive accessories & swag (first-come, first-served; limited quantities)
- Event bracelet for specials at participating businesses
Santa’s Helper ticket ($25) – For Designated Drivers and Kids
- Mango Green Tea with one topping OR Thai Tea with one topping at Ding Tea
- A tea sandwich at Dream Come True Tea & Party Room
- One meatballs in Pomodoro tomato sauce appetizer at Wood & Salt Tavern
- One slice of pizza at Porky’s Pizza
- One hot chocolate at Bixby Joe
- Popcorn taster bag from Pop’n Flavors
- One hummus & pita appetizer from Taboon Mediterranean
- Festive accessories & swag (first-come, first-served; limited quantities)
- Event bracelet for specials at participating restaurants
Ticket holders must pick up their wristband and event card at EXPO Arts Center, located at 4321 Atlantic Ave., on Sunday, Dec. 15 between noon and 2 p.m. Limited ticket quantities will be on sale in-person during this time. If you cannot pick up your wristband and event card between noon and 2 p.m., ticket holders are advised to send a friend with a copy of their ticket to pick up the necessary supplies.
The annual SantaCon in Bixby Knolls will take place on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets, visit bixbyknollsinfo.com/santacon.
