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SantaCon SF: Details for the 2023 Event in San Francisco
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: November 8, 2023
This year's SantaCon SF is on Saturday, December 9, 2023. You will find this annual event in almost every large city in the US and around the world.
SantaCon is when thousands of people dressed in Santa costumes walk through the streets spreading good cheer.
It's a non-political, non-violent, non-controversial day fueled by fun-loving people, revised Christmas carols and, of course, a few holiday drinks.
It's free to participate--just put on your Santa costume, follow the walking routes and sing along for fun.
You will also want to bring cash if you plan on enjoying a few holiday cocktails or a bite to eat along the way.
You must be 21+ to participate.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
SantaCon Event Details
The Santas behind SantaCon like to keep the details under lock and key until the last minute. They plan to follow a similar schedule as they have in past years. The event will once again start in Union Square at 11:30am. They will also have a toy drive again this year.
- 11:30am: Drop off your toy for this year's toy drive. Open until 1:30pm.
- 12pm: Everyone meets at Union Square at noon on Saturday. Mingle with other Santas and then head out on one of the routes.
Toy Drive
This year, they are also asking that you bring along a new (not used, please) toy for the SFFD toy drive. Please make sure it's unwrapped, so they can see the toy and provide it to the right child.
A truck is set up to gather the donations. The location of this truck is at Union Square.
Please drop your toy off here before heading to Union Square. The fire truck will collect toys from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Here are a few tips for picking up a toy for the drive:
- Toys for kids 12 years and younger
- Most requested items for girls are dolls and arts & crafts kits
- Most requested items for boys are sports equipment
More Tips to Enjoy SantaCon SF
This event gets a little crazy and I request that you please, please, please be kind and respectful to those around you. This is meant to be a fun way to meet new people and spread some holiday cheer.
Also be aware that not all bars welcome Santas, so look out for any "No Santas" signs before you enter. It's important to follow this rule, so that this event is allowed to come back next year.
This Year's Participating Bars
You will find dozens of bars with drink specials all day long. You can visit their Facebook page for a list of who is all participating. They will continue to update their list as the date draws near.
You will find a large concentration in Union Square, Nob Hill, and North Beach. There are also quite a few participating in the Castro and the Marina. Most bars are open all day long so you will have plenty of time to hang out and/or catch up with your friends if you want to join in on the fun later.
Where to Stay in Union Square Near SantaCon
If you want to stay near the start of the SantaCon event, then I recommend staying in Union Square. You'll be right in the heart of the action and there are tons of great places to stay.
The Westin St. Francis: This is a wonderful, historic 4-star hotel just across from the square. You'll be steps away from the event with a lot of wonderful other things to do near by. Find out more.
Handlery Union Square Hotel: This is another popular option that is highly rated by recent guests. This 3-star hotel is about a 10 minute walk away from the square. Find out more.
Grant Hotel: If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the 2-star Grant Hotel is an awesome choice. It's also just a few minutes walk away from the square. Find out more.
More Fun Things to Do the Night Before
Here are some fun ideas for the night before SantaCon, Friday, December 8th.
- A Christmas Carol at the Toni Rembe Theatre, 7 pm
- The Lion King at the Orpheum Theatre, 7:30 pm
- Mamma Mia! at the Golden Gate Theatre, 7:30 pm
- Trevor Noah at The Masonic, 8 pm
- mxmtoon at Cafe du Nord, 8 pm
- Living Legends and Brother Ali at The Regency Ballroom, 8 pm
- Double Decker Night Bus Tour, leaves from Fisherman's Wharf at 6:30 pm
- California Sunset Boat Cruise, leaves from Fisherman's Wharf at 5:30 pm
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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