SantaCon is a costumed bar crawl where crowds of people dressed as Santa, elves and other festive characters roam from bar to bar. It’s an adults-only event that has run in cities around the world, including Toronto.
When is SantaCon Toronto?
SantaCon is usually held on a Saturday in early-to-mid December. Toronto’s event is organised informally, so the date, meeting place and bar list are typically announced on social media a few weeks ahead. 2026 details are TBA.
What to expect
- Crowds of Santas on the move, often downtown or in a nightlife area.
- Bars on the route may have cover charges or specials.
- Many events encourage donations to a charity or toy drive.
Costume tips
- A full Santa suit is classic; elves, reindeer, Mrs. Claus and ugly sweaters are also popular.
- Wear layers under the costume and comfortable boots; you’ll be outside between bars.
Etiquette and safety
- Be respectful: it’s a festive event, not an excuse to be rude to staff or passers-by.
- Plan your ride home: take transit, a taxi or ride-share. Never drive impaired. See the TTC holiday schedule.
- Bring ID: you must be 19 to drink in Ontario.
A short history of SantaCon
SantaCon began in San Francisco in the 1990s as a piece of playful street theatre, with groups of people dressed as Santa roaming the city. It has since spread to hundreds of cities around the world, including Toronto. Over time it has become more of a festive bar crawl, and many local events now encourage participants to donate to charities, food banks or toy drives along the way.
How to find the Toronto event
Because SantaCon is informally organised, there’s no single official ticket or venue list. Look for announcements on social media and event listing sites in November and early December. Be cautious of paid “tickets” from unfamiliar sellers; if a listing looks suspicious, avoid it. See how to avoid holiday ticket scams.
Plan your day
- Eat a proper meal first and drink water between stops.
- Pace yourself: bar crawls can last many hours.
- Bring cash and cards for cover charges and drinks.
- Travel light: a small bag with your phone, ID, wallet and a charger.
- Agree on a meeting spot in case your group gets separated.
Be a good Santa
SantaCon events have sometimes been criticised for rowdy behaviour. Help keep it fun for everyone:
- Be polite to bar staff, other customers and people on the street.
- Don’t block sidewalks, transit or traffic.
- Keep it family-friendly in public; there will be children who think you’re the real Santa.
- Leave no trash behind.
- Respect venues’ rules; if a bar says no costumes or is full, move on.
Prefer something calmer?
Try an ugly sweater night with friends, a Christmas trivia night, or a festive cocktail at a pop-up bar. See Christmas pop-up bars and a Christmas night out.
SantaCon Toronto: FAQ
Do I have to dress as Santa? Not exactly. Elves, reindeer, snowmen, Mrs. Claus and other festive costumes are all welcome.
Is SantaCon free? Joining in is usually free, but expect to pay for drinks and any cover charges.
Other adult holiday fun
See Christmas pop-up bars, a Christmas night out and adult Christmas shows.
