Imagine thousands of Santa-clad revelers flooding the streets of San Francisco, turning a quaint holiday tradition into a city-wide spectacle. This is SantaCon, and it’s as chaotic as it is festive. What began in 1994 as a quirky prank by the Cacophony Society—with just 30 Santas causing a stir—has morphed into an annual pub crawl that takes over the city. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some see it as a joyful celebration of the season, others label it a boisterous travesty that tests the limits of public spaces. Love it or hate it, SantaCon is here to stay, and the 2025 edition did not disappoint.
Kicking off midday on a crisp Saturday in Union Square, the event started with a heartwarming twist: participants donated toys to the SF Firefighters Toy Program before gathering around the Great Tree. Sponsored this year by Ripple, a crypto and blockchain company, alongside Macy’s, the tree served as a festive backdrop for the sea of red and white. From there, the Santas—some in full suits, others sporting just a hat paired with an ugly Christmas or Hanukkah sweater—spread across the city. SFGATE spotted them everywhere, from Polk Street bars to Muni trains and the streets of the Fillmore.
By 5 p.m., the frenzy had reached its peak. Waymo ride prices surged to a staggering $70 for a trip from the westside to North Beach’s Savoy Tivoli, a SantaCon staple that’s seen both the highs (triple the usual business) and lows (like a patron relieving themselves on their water heater) of the event. Traffic was predictably chaotic, likely amplified by the final weekend of Let’s Glow, the downtown video projection festival that’s been a holiday staple for five years. Thankfully, Uber and Lyft rates remained relatively sane, hovering between $25 and $35 for the same journey.
And this is the part most people miss: SantaCon’s roots are far from tame. The original 1994 event saw Santas crashing a debutante ball and attending a peep show, among other antics. While this year’s festivities were decidedly more low-key—perhaps thanks to the clear, cold, and dry weather—the spirit of mischief still lingered. Scroll down to see the wildest photos from this year’s celebration, and ask yourself: is SantaCon a holiday miracle or a seasonal headache?
Controversy Alert: Is SantaCon a harmless holiday tradition or a disruptive spectacle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this divisive event!
Dec 14, 2025
Kendra Smith, Deputy Managing Editor
Kendra Smith is a Bay Area native and a two-time San Francisco resident of nearly 15 years. Her perfect day in the city includes dim sum and an urban hike. As deputy managing editor, she oversees SFGATE’s food, culture, travel, and local editorial teams. Reach her at kendra.smith@sfgate.com.
