The True Origins of SantaCon: A Wild Ride Before the Chaos
In a city known for its revelry and excess, SantaCon stands out as a particularly egregious example of a holiday bash gone wrong. But it wasn't always this way. In fact, the idea behind SantaCon – a month-long December bar crawl where thousands don red suits and descend on Midtown Manhattan – was born from a humble prank party in San Francisco back in 1994.
The brainchild of Rob Schmitt, a member of the Cacophony Society, an alternative-mindset group that also spawned Burning Man, Santarchy (as it was initially called) started as a one-off event. The goal was simple: take the beloved figure of Santa Claus and turn him into an unexpected party crasher in public spaces.
The first SantaCon was more subdued than its modern-day counterpart. Thirty-eight Santas gathered at the San Francisco carnival, leading to a surprise hit when people saw so many Santas together that they created a moment of collective disruption, with onlookers stopping to wonder what all the fuss was about. The novelty of it all didn't last long, and as the event continued, people began to expect more – and eventually, chaos ensued.
Over time, Santarchy evolved into SantaCon, spreading across the globe. While some events have taken a more commercial turn, charging admission and focusing on partying over the original intent, the core spirit of interaction and creativity remains intact. As Seth Porges, director of the documentary featuring the history of SantaCon, notes, "One of the reasons I think SantaCon is so popular today... there's just hunger for opportunities to let loose, for opportunities to anonymously let whatever is inside of you burning to get out."
John Law, one of the original organizers, adds that many societies have events like this as a safety release valve. These communal gatherings allow people to express themselves freely, without fear of repercussions or judgment.
As SantaCon has grown into an international phenomenon, its creators argue that it's essential not to get caught up in replicating past successes but instead embracing change and growth. It's about accepting the inevitable evolution of events like these – and finding new ways to make them meaningful.
Harking back to a bygone era when New Yorkers could freely express themselves without fear or judgment, SantaCon can be seen as a nostalgic throwback to a time of collective abandon. Whether it's a temporary escape from reality or a genuine expression of community, SantaCon remains a symbol of the power of public spaces and anonymous interactions.
In its current form, with tens of thousands of participants descending on Manhattan each year, SantaCon stands out for its ability to bring people together – all while wearing red suits.
In a city known for its revelry and excess, SantaCon stands out as a particularly egregious example of a holiday bash gone wrong. But it wasn't always this way. In fact, the idea behind SantaCon – a month-long December bar crawl where thousands don red suits and descend on Midtown Manhattan – was born from a humble prank party in San Francisco back in 1994.
The brainchild of Rob Schmitt, a member of the Cacophony Society, an alternative-mindset group that also spawned Burning Man, Santarchy (as it was initially called) started as a one-off event. The goal was simple: take the beloved figure of Santa Claus and turn him into an unexpected party crasher in public spaces.
The first SantaCon was more subdued than its modern-day counterpart. Thirty-eight Santas gathered at the San Francisco carnival, leading to a surprise hit when people saw so many Santas together that they created a moment of collective disruption, with onlookers stopping to wonder what all the fuss was about. The novelty of it all didn't last long, and as the event continued, people began to expect more – and eventually, chaos ensued.
Over time, Santarchy evolved into SantaCon, spreading across the globe. While some events have taken a more commercial turn, charging admission and focusing on partying over the original intent, the core spirit of interaction and creativity remains intact. As Seth Porges, director of the documentary featuring the history of SantaCon, notes, "One of the reasons I think SantaCon is so popular today... there's just hunger for opportunities to let loose, for opportunities to anonymously let whatever is inside of you burning to get out."
John Law, one of the original organizers, adds that many societies have events like this as a safety release valve. These communal gatherings allow people to express themselves freely, without fear of repercussions or judgment.
As SantaCon has grown into an international phenomenon, its creators argue that it's essential not to get caught up in replicating past successes but instead embracing change and growth. It's about accepting the inevitable evolution of events like these – and finding new ways to make them meaningful.
Harking back to a bygone era when New Yorkers could freely express themselves without fear or judgment, SantaCon can be seen as a nostalgic throwback to a time of collective abandon. Whether it's a temporary escape from reality or a genuine expression of community, SantaCon remains a symbol of the power of public spaces and anonymous interactions.
In its current form, with tens of thousands of participants descending on Manhattan each year, SantaCon stands out for its ability to bring people together – all while wearing red suits.
back in 2005 when my friends and I would organize these epic holiday parties 
but we never thought it'd get this wild 
. The idea of a whole month-long bar crawl sounds insane 
, but hey who am I to judge right? I mean SantaCon has always been about having fun and bringing people together, even if it means some chaos 
.
. They started this whole thing as a harmless prank party and look what happened 
. But hey at least they're still keeping the spirit of Santarchy alive 
.
. We all need to let loose sometimes, right? And it's awesome that SantaCon has evolved into this international phenomenon 
. Who knows what the future holds for this wild ride 
?
But you know what? I think that's part of the charm. It's like a big ol' release valve for people to let loose and be themselves. And hey, if someone wants to wear a red suit and pretend to be Santa, who am I to judge? 
. Just give me a bunch of people in Santa suits having a good time and not worrying about what anyone else thinks! That's the true meaning of Christmas magic 
.
i mean thinkin bout how far it's come since that humble prank party in sf back in 1994... it was def cool when it first started but nowadays its more about the parties than the actual spirit of santarchy 
I mean, can you believe this SantaCon thing started as a prank party in 1994? It's crazy how it evolved from just a group of Santas crashing carnival parties to an international phenomenon with tens of thousands of people participating each year! Interesting 
. The fact that it started as a way for people to let loose and express themselves freely is still so true today. It's amazing how something that began in San Francisco has become a staple of the holiday season 
.
. It's like a breath of fresh air in a world that can sometimes feel too serious and commercialized. And let's be real, who doesn't want to join in on the fun and anonymously express themselves in a sea of red suits? 
And I love what Seth Porges said about there being a hunger for these kinds of events - let loose, be anonymous, just be yourself! 
It's like, we all need that sometimes, you know? 
Anyway, SantaCon will always hold a special place in my heart as a symbol of wild abandon and community spirit. 
#SantaConForever #PartyLikeItsChristmas
. As an observer, I'm struck by the parallels between this event and the rise of other participatory culture movements – from Burning Man to flash mobs. It's almost as if we're witnessing a global phenomenon where people are seeking out shared experiences that foster connection and creativity.
. As an observer, I'm left pondering the significance of these events in our increasingly curated and controlled world – do they offer a fleeting respite from the pressures of modern life? 
This whole SantaCon thing just got me thinking about how we're always chasing that next thrill. It's like, is the point really to get caught up in a wild ride or is it just to feel seen? Like, what if instead of all the chaos and commercialization, we could have these spontaneous moments where people just come together without a care in the world? 
Plus, I think it's awesome how the organizers are embracing change and growth, rather than just replicating past successes 
. It's like a big ol' dose of nostalgia for the 90s and early 2000s, but with a modern twist