On December 7th, a mob of Santas are set to continue their annual pilgrimage of costumed debauchery, endearingly known as the Running of the Santas! For those who aren't familiar with the event, the "Running of the Santas" is an opportunity for thousands of New Orleanians to dawn their holiday best (best Santa costume that is) and make the brisk run from the South Pole, held at Apres Lounge, to the North Pole, held at Generation Hall! Enjoy high-energy stage antics and holiday entertainment by Category 6 and compete in costume contests where attendees will be judged on Best Santa, Cutest Santa and other naughty and nice categories!
Known as one of the "Top 50 Events Every New Orleanian Should Experience", "Running of the Santas" is scheduled to kick off at Apres Lounge at 608 Fulton Street, with specialty drinks and holiday food available for purchase. At 6 pm, the 5-block run will commence as the Santas make their way to Generation Hall at 310 Andrew Higgins Drive, followed by the costume contest at 8 pm. Past costumes have included Scrooges, Grinches, Jack Frosts, Elves, Rudolphs and more! Get creative with this once-a-year opportunity to dazzle local media celebrities with your most festive attire!
"Running of the Santas" began in 1998 in the streets of Philadelphia when 40 friends decided to suit up in their Santa costumes and hit the town for a night of seasonally appropriate bar-hopping. Over 15 years later, "Running of the Santas" is going strong in more than 20 cities from New Orleans to New Zealand!
This event is in collaboration with That Others May Live Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2002 that works to provide scholarships, family counseling, and aid to families of United States Air Force (USAF) Rescue Heroes who lost their lives during rescue missions. With the goal of providing support for these families, this foundation enables the children of these fallen soldiers to have the same opportunities for success as others. A portion of all proceeds from "Running of the Santas" will be donated to the cause.
Attendees may register in person at Apres Lounge on the day of the event beginning at 11 am. Otherwise, registration is available online now at purchase.ticketleap.com/2019. For an extra-special experience, opt for the VIP package which includes FREE draft beer at Apres Lounge between 3-6 pm and a FREE open bar at Generation Hall from 6-10 pm! You can even avoid ticket fees by purchasing your tickets with cash-only at The Corporation on 932 S. Peters street.
Grab your rowdiest group of Santas, suit up, and hit the streets for the can't-miss event of the Holiday season!
