The most outrageous snapshots from SantaCon 2025 in San Francisco
Imagine a sea of festive red and white, with merrymakers dressed as Santa taking over the streets of downtown San Francisco! This year’s SantaCon kicked off on a Saturday at noon in Union Square, continuing what some might see as a beloved tradition and others as a chaotic spectacle. Originating in 1994 as a playful prank by the Cacophony Society, which started with just about 30 participants, this event has transformed into an enormous pub crawl that attracts thousands, all donning holiday-themed outfits. While a complete Santa suit is the typical attire, many attendees opt for a simple Santa hat paired with either a gaudy Christmas or Hanukkah sweater.
The festivities began with a charitable spirit, as participants donated toys to the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program. They gathered around the Great Tree, this year's installation proudly brought to life by the crypto and blockchain company Ripple and Macy's. After enjoying the holiday ambiance, the Santas dispersed throughout the city. Observers reported spotting groups lining up at various bars on Polk Street, cramming into Muni trains, and casually strolling the vibrant streets of the Fillmore.
By late afternoon, around 5 p.m., the large influx of Santa-clad revelers led to a significant surge in ride-sharing prices, with Waymo fares skyrocketing to over $70 for a trip from the western neighborhoods to the Savoy Tivoli in North Beach—a traditional stop on the SantaCon route. This bar has witnessed the event's highs, like a threefold increase in patrons, and its lows, including an unfortunate incident involving a guest and their water heater. The surge in ride prices was exacerbated by heavy traffic, likely influenced by the coinciding final weekend of the "Let’s Glow" video projections that have been driving business to downtown hotspots for five consecutive years. Thankfully, Uber and Lyft maintained more reasonable pricing, with rides averaging between $25 and $35.
The inaugural SantaCon was known for its rowdy antics, such as crashing a debutante ball and visiting a peep show, as highlighted in a documentary celebrating 31 years of the event. However, this year's gathering adopted a more subdued tone, perhaps thanks to the crisp, clear weather. As you scroll down, prepare to enjoy some of the most striking images capturing the essence of this annual celebration.
Published on December 14, 2025
Kendra Smith, a Deputy Managing Editor, is a lifelong resident of the Bay Area who has called San Francisco home for nearly 15 years across two separate periods. Her perfect day in the city would likely involve indulging in dim sum followed by an urban hike. In her role, she contributes to SFGATE’s editorial teams focusing on food, culture, travel, and local news. You can reach her at kendra.smith@sfgate.com.
