The 2012 Boston SantaCon
has not yet been planned

What an absolutely fabulous event!

FOLLOW US @SantaRunBOSTON for the rest of the schedule ... ONCE AGAIN 200 SANTAS STARTING AT THE HARP 3:00 PM TODAY!

RUNNING OF THE SANTAS STARTS @ 3:00PM @ THE HARP!!!!!

RUNNING THROUGH THE STREETS OF BOSTON HITTING UP PLENTY OF BARS ON THE WAY.

This Santa thinks that Santa the Organizer did an excellent job with planning the route. Ending the parade in Central Square, Cambridge is perfect; there are plenty of venues for us Santas to get our end-of-day groove on. So, to all you trolls: go suck St. Nick’s peppermint stick.

Fresh batteries slipped in our bullhorns with care,
With one day 'til Santacon, we all did prepare!

1) Flannels were tested against Winter's chill.
2) Bottles of hydrating fluids were filled.
3) Lists, and the Route, were checked and checked twice.
4) Mental notes taken: "To Bar staff be nice!"
5) The Four F's were gladly committed to heart.
6) "Mittens! A scarf! Now THAT would be smart!"
7) Twitters were Tweeted so the Mob could be found.
8) Trash bags were stashed to keep crap off the ground.

Everyone practiced their Hos and Good Cheer.
At noon time tomorrow: Santacon will be here!

* * *
Heads up, all you Red-Flanneled Fruitcakes! This is probably Santa's final update before he sees you tomorrow!

Quick recap of critical info:
a) Read ALL relevant details (times, locations, route & rules) posted here: santaconboston.blogspot.com
b) Google map of Santas route (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) here: goo.gl/UMdJC
c) @SSH8LES ARE UNWELCOME.
d) CASH: Bring it. That green paper stuff - you need it. Santa can't tell you how much because Santa doesn't know how much cab fare is from Central Square to your bed and Santa doesn't know how many drinks you plan to buy. But here's how to use your green backs:
--> Drinks: Takes a long time to close 200 tabs on 200 debit cards. Santas get impatient quickly so pleeease plan to pay in CASH.
--> Cover charges: If you plan to go to Middlesex Lounge, Phoenix Landing or Zuzus, there will be a cover. You don't have to go to those bars. Other bars in Central (Asgard, Tavern in The Square, Miracle of Science, Cantab) also have bands/DJs and won't be charging a cover.
--> Subway fare & Cab fare: Santa never drives home. Never. Ever.

* * *
1) Stay warm!
It's tempting to assume our collective hotness will keep us roasty-toasty in this weather, but will that be true at temperatures under 30 degrees? Pleeeaaase prepare accordingly. If you want to know how warm you'll be outside on Saturday, I strongly urge you to put on your costume and go stand outside for five minutes.

Seriously.

* * * * *
2) Consider bringing a water bottle
If you've got a water bottle that fits in your bag or your coat pocket, you may want to bring it. You can expect cocktailers and bartenders to have their hands full fetching boozy goodness. And no one should go out drinking for 13 hours without eating and hydrating along the way.

* * * * *
3) Double check!
You've got lists. Check them.
You've got the route map and the list of bars. Look at them again and pack it.

If you think you've missed something, check the blog posts (http://santaconboston.blogspot.com/). All the info is there somewhere. And if you can't find it, send me an email.

* * * * *
4) Part of the greatness of Santacon is bringing a surprise bonus of liquor sales, tips, fun and good cheer to bar staff on an otherwise slow Saturday afternoon. Be patient with and gracious to the bar staff. Show your appreciation with a few extra bucks on their tip. This is what keeps Santa welcomed back year after year. The bar staff are Santa's hosts. 200 unruly Santas are difficult to deal with - disrespecting our hosts is the swiftest way to get Santa unapologetically ejected.

If you get to a bar that's already packed full of Santas, merrily Ho Ho Ho your way to a spill over bar or to the next stop. If you get the sense that Santa isn't welcomed by the bar staff, please encourage Santa to move along. Santa much prefers to hop down to the next closest bar than to piss off an entire establishment's staff and management.

* * * * *
5) Four F's
Do NOT forget the Four F's!
--> Don't f@ck with kids!
--> Don't f@ck with cops!
--> Don't f@ck with security!
--> Don't f@ck with Santa!

And remember: If you catch any Poser Santas breaking the rules, tell them to knock it the off immediately or they’ll get their furry fannies paddled ‘til they fudge their flannels!

* * * * *
6) Warm! You wants it!
Saying it twice.
A stick of chapstick, a pair of mittens and a scarf can make it a lot easier to keep merry.

* * * * *
7) Twitter!
Are you following BostonSanta on Twitter? It's the best ways to find Santa!

* * * * *
8) Keep it clean!
500+ drunken Santas can leave quite a scar on the sidewalk. Please stick a small trash bag in one of your pockets and use it when you see someone "accidentally" drop any trash. Better yet would be if we all picked up after ourselves, or just didn't leave crap behind. But I'm just trying to be realistic here.

* * * * *
Things To Ponder
Closing this update with a reprint of the Santacon Guidelines

SANTACON GUIDELINES:
1) Santa does not make children cry. If you see kids, don't freak them out. Give them a nice smile and a gift (candy etc). Adults are a different matter altogether - adjust based on their attitude.
2) Santa dresses for all occasions. Smart Santas wear multiple costume layers. Dress to maximize merriment at the North Pole or on a stripper pole.
3) Santa doesn't whine! We will be outside and walking - bring what you need to keep your pie-hole filled until we get indoors.
4) Don't be that santa. Drinking with Santa is fun. Babysitting Pukey McAlcoholPoisoning is lame.
5) Always pay for your drinks and tip the bar staff. We want to be able to do this again. Be polite and cultivate the goodwill of the local community.
6) Pay for your drinks as soon as you get them. Santas get tired of waiting for santas to clear their tabs before moving on.
7) No santa's left behind! Santa is considerate of his fellow santas. Pick a few people you know and keep an eye out for them. Look for them when it's time to move. If you don't see them, speak up so santa knows to wait a moment.
8) Stay with the Crimson Tide! It's not just "the more, the merrier" - Santa is safer with large numbers of fellow santas. And waiting for stragglers gets boring awfully quick.
9) Remember: this is about fun! Most santas take their fun with a little alcohol. However, Santas will be unapologetically ejected for any kind of violent, harassing or intimidating behavior. There is no "Bail Fund" for Incarcerated Santas. If you cross the fun line into @ssh8le land, you'll be on your own.
10) Santa doesn't drink & drive. If you're going to drink, you must make sure that you can get safely home without driving yourself.
11) You must address everyone as "Santa".
12) You should "Ho! Ho! Ho!" like Santa.
13) You're encouraged to drink like Santa
14) You may want to give out gifts like Santa. Maybe naughty gifts to give grown ups; nice gifts to give kids. Throwing coal at people is discouraged, no matter who they are. Yes: that includes politicians, investment bankers, the 1%, etc. But giving out coal might actually be appreciated.
15) Santa doesn't talk to the press. Even "Ho! Ho! Ho!" is too dangerous these days.
16) Read Santa's Four F's and then read these guidelines one more time.
17) Have a great time!!

merry as hell,
Santa Boston

Alright, kiddies:
Trolling the comments makes some Santas EXTRA cranky.

So, if you've got beef with Santa's MO, there are a couple appropriate and effective ways to get that message to Santa:

1) Write Santa an email or send him a personal message. The address is in the just a mouse-click away on the right side of this page, Flannel Fudge.
2) Write out your thoughts in detail on the back of a $100 bill and mail the bill to this address:

S.Claus
1 Snowflake Lane
Christmas Town, North Pole
037 G F Y

Santa honestly IS super-excited to hear what YOU have to say, how YOU think this can be better, and what he's doing wrong. But if you're just posting passive aggressive comments, then i invite you to please retire your Red Flannel.

Shouldn't Whiny McLame-O the Elf go make their own event instead of trolling the comments and complaining about this one?

Shouldn't this just be called Cambridge SantaCon?

Fewer and than 2 days and counting down 'til Santa presses the Big Red Button and the Red Felt Rampage is released! Here's the latest from Santa:
1) Be ready for LOTS of SANTAS
2) Make a list and check it!
3) Last minute costume?
4) Keep your fuzzy flannel-clad fanny from freezing!
5) Four Fs!

* * *
1) SO MUCH SANTA
This year is shaping up a lot like last year - so be ready for lots and lots and LOTS of Santa! If you get to a bar that's WAAAAAY full of Santas, merrily Ho Ho Ho your way to a spill over bar or to the next stop.

* * *
2) Quick review of what you wanna bring:
--> Costume: Wear a costume or get left behind! Doesn't have to be a Santa costume. But you gotta wear a costume. Come as Santa, or an upside down Christmas tree, or Rudolph the Russian Mobster Reindeer, or Santa, or a Ginger Bread Cookie, or an Elf, or Frosty, or Santa, or Charles Dickens, or ...
--> Cash: Bring some cash to pay for your drinks as you get them. Bring some cash for the subway ride or a cab ride home at the end of the night. And bring some cash to leave nice fat Christmas tips for all the friendly bartenders and cocktailers that keep all the Santas merry!
--> Flask: I'm not saying Santas are scofflaws, but this Santa might carry a Private Stash in his Santa Sack just to keep spirits high between bars. Waiting behind 200 other Santas to order a beer can take a little while!
--> Cell phone: If you're joining the Yule Tide later in the day and you want to find Santa, you better be following BostonSanta on Twitter. Cuz the chances are pretty freakin slim that Santa will hear his phone ring over the noise of your MOM screaming, "Oh SANTA! Oh SANTA!".
--> Route map: ( goo.gl/sUQye ) Santa will try to stick with this schedule, but no guarantees!

* * *
3) Last-minute Santacon Costumes:
This is when cheap Santa suits can often be found at places like Wallgreens and big box-stores. If you haven't found a costume yet, GO FIND ONE!!

* * *
4) Forecast: goo.gl/k3ieO & goo.gl/vlMhG

Next weekend's weather looks clear and cold, so make sure you're prepared for the walk between bars! If Santa's fingers get too cold to open his flask, or if the weather really sucks, Santa will say "Screw it!" and raze h@ll wherever he's at, then jump on the subway and go to Harvard or Central.

None of this will be decided before we start at noon on Saturday. If anyone starts turning blue, Santa can stop anyplace close to warm up.

To be clear: Santa rides from 12:00 noon 'til he falls over no matter what the weather looks like. I don't want any bellyaching from Wimpy the Elf about SNOW. Santa lives at the NORTH FREAKIN POLE. Santa drives a SLEIGH.

* * *
5) Four F's
Do NOT forget the Four F's!

Don't f@ck with kids!
Don't f@ck with cops!
Don't f@ck with security!
Don't f@ck with Santa!

Please feel welcome to bring your prankster presence! Megaphones and merry mischief are cordially invited! Santacon is hardly an event for the socially squeamish.

And please keep in mind: There is no "Bail Fund". Anyone that cross the fun line into @ssh8le land is unwelcome. Santa's gracious attitude and good spirit keep him welcome at these bars. If you see any Poser Santas breaking the rules, tell them to knock it the f@ck off immediately or they’ll get their furry fannies paddled ‘til they fudge their flannels!

The clock is counting down! Santa's coming to town!!

Merry as hell,
Santa Boston

Check out our Google Map for all the details!

You’ve heard the whispers. You’ve seen the signs. Black Friday is come and gone. The festive lights are appearing. The elevator’s muzak is a constant maniacal loop of season's greetings. And that red flannel suit in the back of your closet stirs a deep mischievous longing in your --- um --- liver?

You know it’s coming. You’ve marked your calendar, invited your friends, scoured the tubes for information. And you’ve wondered. Oh, how you’ve wondered. Over and over again, you’ve wondered “Where will Santa go this year?”

Now, your patience is rewarded:
Boston Santacon 2011 is planned. Let the madness ensue! Let the merry pranks begin! Let the Yule Tide rise!

Cry havoc! and let slip the -- um --- Santas of --- erm --- Con!

* * *
Boston Santacon 2011:
12:00 noon Saturday 12/17 - 2:00 AM Sunday 12/18

The Committee of Cacophonous Clauses has finally hammered out a route! Last year was epic chaos so the Santas have lined up EXTRA Spill-Over bars at every stop (you're welcome! Santa loves you too!).

Here are the highlights:
12:00 Porter Square - Christopher's & Tavern in The Square Porter
2:00 - Cambridge Common (Spill-over at Temple Bar, West Side Lounge, O'Sullivan's)
3:30 Harvard Square - Grafton Street & John Harvard's (Spill-over at Whitney's, Grendel's, Charlie's)
Mini-jump - People's Republik, Plough & Stars
5:00 dinner in Central Square - Tavern in The Square & The Asgard (Spill-over at Cantab Lounge, Miracle of Science)
9:30 Santa Dance Parties - Middlesex Lounge, Zuzu, Phoenix Landing

There's just no freakin way that all the Santas can fit into one bar. If this year looks anything like last year, it'll be tough for all the Santas to fit into two bars. So be prepared to go with the flow - if it looks like one stop is full, merrily make your way to a Spill-Over bar, or head over to the next destination, or mini-jump to someplace in between.

Check out our Google Map for all the details. goo.gl/UMdJC

And just as a reminder: Be Extra Nice to Bar Staff!!
Part of the greatness of Santacon is bringing a surprise bonus of sales, tips, fun and good cheer to bar staff on an otherwise slow Saturday afternoon. Be patient with and gracious to the bar staff. Show your appreciation with a few extra bucks on their tip. This is what keeps Santa welcomed back year after year. The bar staff are Santa's hosts. 200 unruly Santas are difficult to deal with - disrespecting our hosts is the swiftest way to get Santa unapologetically ejected.

If you get the sense that Santa isn't welcomed by the bar staff, please encourage Santa to head out to the next stop. Santa much prefers to hop down to the next closest bar than to piss off an entire establishment's staff and management.

The Media Elves have finished our flier / poster for Boston Santacon 2011!

Click the link on the right to check it out, download, print, post 5,000 full-color copies all over the city, hang it on your fridge, your door, your wall, your cube, your monitor, or your ceiling over your bed, or mail it inconspicuously to 300 of your closest friends ...

Listen up, all Ye Merry Santas and Elves!
We're 2 weeks away from Go Time. Here's some info from Santa to all you Krazy Kringles:
* * *
I'm sure a lot of you Snowflakes remember the Four F's from past Santacons, but Santa's gonna remind you anyway. If you're new to the Red Felt Rampage, the Four Fs keep Santas safe and out of trouble, so you better drill this 'til it comes outta your mouth faster than Ho-Ho-Hos or last night's Nog!

What are the Four F's?

1. Don't f@@k with kids!
2. Don't f@@k with cops!
3. Don't f@@k with security!
4. Don't f@@k with Santa!

And remember: There's no "Bail Fund" for Incarcerated Santas. Any Santas that cross the fun line into @ssh@le land will be told to leave immediately. It's our gracious attitude and good spirit that keeps Santa welcome at these bars. So if you see any Poser Santas breaking the rules, tell them to knock it the off immediately or they’ll get their furry fannies paddled!
* * *
Big day is only 2 weeks away! If you haven't got a costume, you'd best figure that out ASAP!
Links to online sites for ordering costumes will likely get posted on the SantaCon.Info site soon. If you email Boston Santa directly, he'll send you some costume making tips. And if you'd like some tips on making your own cheap and dirty santa suit, go to bit.ly/5i0xco

You don't have to come as Santa, but YOU MUST WEAR A COSTUME. So come as Santa, or an upside down Christmas tree, or Rudolph the Russian Mobster Reindeer, or Santa, or a Ginger Bread Cookie, or an Elf, or Frosty, or Santa, or Charles Dickens, or ...

* * *
This the first of the Updates for all you Naughty & Nicey St. Nicks: as the days count down, more updates will follow just to make sure you've screwed your Santa Pants on right!

This year's route is nearly completed, just awaiting confirmation from a couple bars. Once the route is set, an update will go out with a link to the Google Map. Like last year, we're trying to find a route with plenty of spill-over bars, which gets kinda tricky. There are TONS of great bars, but the past couple years have been too much Santa for any one bar to hold. It's not easy to find multiple neighborhoods with multiple bars all linked by a route for a few hundred Santas to stumble.

Our flier/poster will be sent out and posted in a couple days. In the upcoming week, updates will also get posted around to a bunch of sites. No one should have any trouble finding details. But if you know somebody who wants to attend and can't figure out how to search the Tubes, feel free to email Santa Boston directly!

The clock is counting down! so you'd better watch out! you'd better not cry!
Merry as hell,
Santa Boston

Sooooooo, what's the lineup?

I’m sure it will be OK if your clown friend has red and white stripes and tastes like mint.

Hey, I gotta question... What's the deal with Clowns??? Persona non grata, or welcome partiers??? Question was raised by a friend that is a clown and wants to party with us...