You’d better watch out, you’d better not cry, you’d better not pout, I’m telling you why, SantaCon is coming to town — again.
That’s right: Mark your calendars because Riverhead’s second annual SantaCon Pub Crawl is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5.
SantaCon is a holiday-themed pub crawl in which participants dress up in Santa attire, then travel from bar to bar in a particular area. Over the years, the event has traditionally been held in larger cities like New York City, San Francisco and London. Now, smaller towns are embracing the event.
Last year, Riverhead held its first SantaCon pub crawl, with nearly a thousand revelers taking to the streets. The event raised more than $8,500 for The Brendan House Project, a long-term care facility for people suffering from cognitive disabilities.
This year, the festivities will take place Dec. 5 beginning at 1 p.m. Bracelets for the event, which cost $10 and are already on sale, give each reveler access to participating bar and restaurant specials and activities. Bracelets can be purchased online in advance from the Suffolk Theater. Santa Claus costumes are encouraged but not required. Bracelets will also be sold at participating bars and restaurants the day of the event.
Participating businesses include Cliff’s Rendezvous, Crooked Ladder Brewing Company, Digger’s Ales and Eats, Hyatt Place East End, Joe’s Garage & Grill, Long Ireland Brewing Company, PeraBell Food Bar, Sonoma Grill, Uncle Joe’s Pizza and Vine & Hops.
All proceeds from bracelet sales will go toward Bread and More Soup Kitchen in Riverhead, as well as restoration of the First Congregational Church, according to Nicole Evers, director of events at the Suffolk Theater.
Brew Crew Cycles will also hold a coat drive that same day. People can drop off their lightly used coats at either the Brew Crew bicycle, which will be on Main Street that day, or at the Suffolk Theater.
For more information or to purchase bracelets for this year’s SantaCon, visit suffolktheater.com.
Top photo: Revelers at last year’s first-ever Santacon in downtown Riverhead. (Credit: Paul Squire)
