Revellers collect in Times Square for the beginning SantaCon in New York City on Saturday.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP through Getty Images

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Timothy A. Clary/AFP through Getty Images

Revellers collect in Times Square for the beginning SantaCon in New York City on Saturday.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP through Getty Images

People are bringing crimson hats, coats and room for loads of beer on Saturday because the annual SantaCon celebration returns in New York City.

The holiday-themed pub crawl emerged after Santa Claus-dressed attendees first gathered in a type of efficiency artwork within the Nineteen Nineties and began frequenting bars in the early 2000s. It’s now a full-scale operation with organizers, drink specials and a charity drive.

SantaCon contributors rejoice the start of the pub crawl in Times Square.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP through Getty Images

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Timothy A. Clary/AFP through Getty Images

SantaCon contributors rejoice the start of the pub crawl in Times Square.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP through Getty Images

The festivities started at 10 a.m. on the intersection of Broadway Ave. and West thirty ninth St. and continued at bars throughout midtown Manhattan.

As pubcrawlers navigate town, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is implementing an alcohol ban from 4 a.m. Saturday till midday on Sunday.

SantaCon contributors collect in Times Square for the beginning of the 2022 SantaCon NYC on Saturday.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP through Getty Images

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Timothy A. Clary/AFP through Getty Images

SantaCon contributors collect in Times Square for the beginning of the 2022 SantaCon NYC on Saturday.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP through Getty Images

SantaCon was suspended in 2020 as a consequence of COVID however revived a yr in the past. This yr, metropolis well being authorities are warning of a resurgence of COVID cases, as well as flu and RSV, and advised mask-wearing in crowded outside settings and public indoor settings.

SantaCon pub crawls are additionally happening outdoors of New York City. There are dozens of SantaCons happening on Saturday and all through the week, from Los Angeles to Louisville, Ky., according to SantaCon.info, a website monitoring all of the occasions.