SantaCon Is Coming To Seaside Heights

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — What's red and white and fills the boardwalk with Christmas cheer?

Santa Con, of course.

The annual "nondenominational, noncommercial, nonpolitical and nonsensical Santa Claus convention" is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17 on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights.

The goals? Frivolity and fundraising, organizers say.

SantaCon "occurs once a year for absolutely no reason ... except charity ... yes, we donate thousands upon thousands of dollars, truckloads of toys, and enough food to feed an army!" organizers said on the event page on Facebook.

Organizers are serious about their toy-driving, fundraising, food-collecting goals. But they definitely take a tongue-in-cheek approach to explaining the event.

Here are the frequently asked questions about Santa Con, according to the organizers:

SantaCon is not a bar crawl. "Every time you call it that, a sugarplum fairy dies," they said.

Yes, you need to dress as Santa. "Santa only gets jolly with those in full, head-to-toe costume. Just wearing a Santa hat doesn’t cut it – you will be jeered off the sleigh."

Don't want to go full-Santa-suit? Dress as another holiday character, like "an elf or a dreidel. Ho-ho-hell yes. Santa loves creativity."

What to bring ... and not bring:

BRING: St least two nonperishable food items for Santa’s food drive and one unwrapped toy for local charity. Gifts, games, props, and performances to entertain Santas and strangers alike, and don't forget your jolly elfin' Christmas spirit.

DON'T BRING: Open containers of alcohol. "You will be arrested, and Santa won’t feel sorry for you," or your "naughty friends; (cool friends who drink responsibly and respect others are fine)."

SantaCon begins early and goes late into the day, organizers said, and they offer these tips for those planning to participate:

Make a costume

Get a good night’s sleep and eat a big breakfast

Wear comfortable footwear

Bring cash for food and drinks; stops will be too crowded to use a credit card.

Tip bartenders and waitstaff well for putting up with Santa!)

Know your limits and pace yourself. If you plan to drink, do so responsibly. Plan to keep an eye on your friends and fellow Santas!

They also offer these guidelines for participants (the full list can be found here):

"Santa does not make children cry. Really, if you see kids, don't do anything to freak them out. Give them a nice smile and possibly a gift of some kind (toys, candy etc)."

"Santa doesn't whine! We will be outside a lot and commuting mainly on foot - bring enough "snacks" to keep your candy-hole filled until we get indoors."

"Bring gifts: NAUGHTY gifts to give grown ups; NICE stuff to give kids. Throwing coal at people is discouraged no matter who they are. YES THAT INCLUDES POLITICIANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS. But giving out coal might actually be appreciated."

"Watching Santa get drunk and rowdy is fun. Babysitting Santa while he vomits in an alley is not. Don't be that Santa."

SantaCon begins at noon at Captain Hooks Bar, 1320 Boulevard, in Seaside Heights.

Want more? Watch the SantaCon True or False below:

Sign up for SantaCon in Seaside Heights by going to the donation page by clicking here.

"DON'T BE A GRINCH (it's Christmas for elfin' sake)!" organizers said.

Photo via SantaCon Seaside Heights Facebook page. Used with permission