by Jaz Bowens
It’s that time of year again! The days are shorter and nights are colder and Santa is getting prepared for the big day. Fortunately if things go awry for him there will be thousands ready to take his place right here in Philadelphia because “Running of the Santas Mega Festival” will be in the city Dec. 7, 2013 from 9 am until late in the night. The tradition that started in the City of Brotherly Love comes back for its 16th year. Bar hopping, running, concerts, and charity all while in your best holiday costume sounds like a good time to me so come on out and have a blast.
Running of the Santas started right here in Philly over a decade ago after about 40 friends decided to don holiday decor and go bar hopping. The bar hopping Santas quickly caught on around the globe as over 20 cities in America and even in New Zealand hold their very own “Running of The Santas” event.
The festivities start at 9 am at “The South Pole” aka Finnigan’s Wake. There, Santas can prepare whichever way they see fit by possibly having $5 Pinnacle bombs and other drinks or $3 select beers. They can also check out the multiple venders who will be out or do a little bar hopping before the three block run of the Santas to the “North Pole” at the Electric Factory at 4pm sharp. The Electric Factory is where it all goes down. There will be musical performances by Go Go Gadjet, Split Decisions, LeCompt, Gypsy Wisdom, and other acts, too. Of course an event like this wouldn’t be completed without a costume contest. Look for “Coolest Santa” and “Hottest Mrs. Claus” among others!
The night goes on and on as official after parties at Club Risque, Finnigans, and McFaddens will be having the party continue well into the morning. For out of towners or people who don’t feel like the drive home, there will also be hotel specials thanks to Loews Hotel.
There will be so much to do and organizers of “Running of the Santas Mega Festival” are expecting about 10,000 party goers this year so hurry and buy your tickets! General admissions tickets are only $15 and VIP Tickets are $40. VIP Ticket holders get entry to ALL participating venues, VIP line access, early building access at The Electric Factory (11am), 2 hours of select beer before the run to The Electric Factory, and a exclusive performance by Tonic.
A portion of the proceeds will go towards benefiting the Ellie Koerner Leukemia Foundation and the FOP Lodge #5 Survivors Fund. Ellie Koerner Leukemia Foundation assist families struggling to care for a loved one with Leukemia and the FOP Lodge #5 Survivors Fund provides financial and emotional Philadelphia police officers’ family who lost their lives in the line of duty family members.
This will a fun-filled event is perfect for the holiday season so I suggest anyone 21 years and over to lace up their running sneakers and get ready for the 2013 Running of The Santas. For more information about the event check out the Running of The Santa’s website. See you there!
