Santa thought he would be celebrating his 10th annual Running of the Santas in New Orleans last year, but COVID-19 had other holiday plans in store for him. The postponed event has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 11, 2021. The streets of the Warehouse District will be filled with Santas galore once more.
Every local New Orleanian should experience the city's wildest holiday tradition, which is also listed in the city's "Top 50" events not to be missed. Great food and specialty cocktails are always part of the traditional fun, along with live music. The event will kick off from 3 to 6 p.m. at the "South Pole" at Manning's, located at 519 Fulton St. The "Fun Run" from the "South Pole" to the "North Pole" at Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Dr., will begin at 6 p.m. The Running of the Santas culminates with live entertainment and a huge holiday costume contest at 8 p.m. on the main stage at Generations Hall. First and second place prizes will be awarded by local media. This year's event is expected to attract more than 3000 costumed participants from New Orleans and across the Gulf Coast.
Online registration will be available soon. Tickets purchased in advance are $15. VIP tickets are $75 and include an open bar at Generations Hall. The "Running of the Santas" event started in 1988 when a group of 40 friends in Philadelphia decided to bar hop dressed in holiday attire. The event has spread to more than 20 countries, and the Santa runs now help raise money for local and national non-profits. A portion of the profits from the New Orleans Santa run will be donated to the That Others May Live Foundation, which offers scholarships, counseling, and additional help to surviving children of the United States Air Force Rescue Heroes who perished during rescue missions.
Kick off your 2021 holiday season, put on your favorite Christmastime costume, and go bar-hopping with thousands of Santas for some wacky holiday fun.
