Santa Claus took over the streets of New York City on Saturday as throngs of people dressed as the jolly old man for the annual SantaCon charity pub crawl. The event, which began at 10 a.m. in midtown Manhattan, featured participants donning Christmas-themed costumes and drinking in bars and clubs, with festivities expected to continue until 8 p.m. in the East Village. Organizers encouraged a $15 donation from participants, with proceeds going towards charitable causes.
Similar Christmas-themed events were also scheduled in cities across the U.S. and Europe, including San Francisco, Cincinnati, London, and Berlin. In anticipation of potential chaos, commuter rail lines and the New York Police Department imposed restrictions to ensure a safe and orderly environment. Passengers traveling into Manhattan were banned from drinking on trains, and police reminded revelers about the city’s open container laws. Metropolitan Transit Authority Police Chief John Mueller emphasized the importance of safe and smooth travel during the holiday season.
While SantaCon is a time-honored tradition in New York City, it has also faced criticism for public intoxication and disorderly behavior. However, organizers and participants alike are committed to giving back to the community and spreading holiday cheer. As Santa Claus took over the streets of New York, the city braced itself for a day of festivities and merriment, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the holiday season safely and responsibly.
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