Get in the Holiday ‘Spirits’ with SantaCon

By John Showalter
Contributing Writer

Santa Claus’ rosy cheeks are always one of the defining characteristics in his image. It’s also a fair bet that the crowd of Santas that will be walking the streets of downtown Fargo on December 10 will have that hue on their cheeks as well. However, the causes will be completely different because instead of having to brave the Arctic cold, our local Kris Kringles will be getting in the holiday ‘spirits’ (in multiple senses of the word) during our second annual SantaCon.

What is SantaCon? Well, for no other purpose than to have some fun and get in the holiday spirit, people (of legal age!) can dress as Santa Claus or in any other holiday-themed costume and go on a bar crawl. Hundreds of these events occur across the country, all of them being more or less grassroots events with no corporate sponsors. Our very own was begun by a group of friends who had heard about the SantaCons popping up all around the United States and decided to bring it to our town. Last year 90 people attended, and this year can expect anywhere from 120 to 150, says Brittney Goodman, one of the friendly participants who let HPR know about the event.

Though it’s not a mandatory element of a SantaCon event, many of these events also raise money for charities through freewill donations. Our Fargo SantaCon raised money for the Boys and Girls Club on its first go-around, and this year they’re helping out the Great Plains Food Bank. After all, the event doesn’t just have to be about alcoholic spirits…you can find some room for the spirit of giving as well. And as far as the spirit of giving goes, the bars involved last year really enjoyed the jolly company and appreciated the good tips they gave.

Anyone can take part in the event who is of legal drinking age and wears a holiday-themed costume. In the charitable spirit of this time of year, not only Christmas revelers but celebrators of other holidays can join in as long as they wear a costume. Will we see any costumes to celebrate a Happy Hanukkah or a Kwazy Kwanzaa this year? Who knows? The opportunity is open.

Even when you’re getting in the holiday spirit, you will need to stay safe. There won’t be any shuttle or transportation services available, so the SantaCon organizers advise exercising your good judgment and being careful. Some of the ways they recommend doing so are taking cabs, having a designated driver (who is more than welcome to wear a costume as well), or having a friend pick you up. Since all the bars involved are downtown they should be within walking distance, so attendants should only need to drive when arriving or leaving.

The festivities will begin at Fargo SantaCon’s first stop, SideStreet Grille and Pub, from 3 to 4 p.m. During this time participants will have the opportunity to give their freewill donations to the event organizers and have a group picture taken by Dean Johnson. Other possible stops include (in no particular order): Bismarck, Empire, Dempsey’s, Pickled Parrot, VFW, Rooters, and the HoDo. Each location will have drink specials that can be found listed on the Fargo SantaCon Facebook page. If your night is free on December 10 and you want to give to a good cause, get in the Christmas spirit, or just have a good reason to drink and be merry, then consider SantaCon for getting your holiday ‘spirits’.

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