Infamous SantaCon Comes To Chicago's River North

CHICAGO, IL — Many Santas are expected to gather in the River North area this Saturday for Chicago's official SantaCon event. The festivities kick off at El Hefe, 15 W. Hubbard St. at 7 p.m. The annual Santa convention takes place in many cities around the world in December.

The SantaCon website states that unless the event venue specifically states that it's "family friendly," people should assume that it isn't suited for children.

SantaCon began in San Francisco in 1994, and was picked up by Portland, Los Angeles and New York in the following years. The event has since spread to more than 40 countries worldwide. New York's SantaCon is the largest event, with thousands of participants each year.

SantaCon has been trying to rein in its reputation over the past few years after mischievous, drunken Santas roamed around vandalizing many cities and brawling.

Authorities in New York and New Jersey have established an annual 24-hour alcohol ban during SantaCon starting this Saturday at noon. The ban is being enacted to "maintain orderly travel and safe station and terminal operations," according to an Metropolitan Transit Authority press release.

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