‘Running of the Santas’ debuts in N.O.

One of the largest Christmas events in the country will debut in New Orleans on Saturday, Dec. 17, from noon to midnight in the city’s Warehouse District. Billing itself as “The world’s naughtiest festival and pub crawl,” the “Running of the Santas” originally started in Philadelphia 13 years ago and is now held in 22 cities across the country. The event features a daylong festival and fun run, in which participants dress in full Santa Claus regalia to fill the streets and bars. Along with Santas, there’s sure to be plenty of Mrs. Clauses—there is, after all, a “Hottest Santa Contest”—and the occasional elf. New Orleans’ version of “Running of the Santas” will include three stages of entertainment and involve promotions from several restaurants and bars in the Warehouse District. The “South Pole” stage will be set up at Ernst Café for pre-run entertainment beginning at 3 p.m., with the fun run starting at South Peters and Lafayette streets at 6 p.m. The “North Pole” stage at Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Dr., will feature live music until midnight following the run. Advance general admission tickets are $15. VIP tickets are $35, and they’ll get you some free beer and a few drinks on the house, as well as access to VIP areas. Tickets and more info are available at the event website here. After visiting the site, you’ll likely be left with just one question: Why did it take 13 years for someone to realize this would be a good fit for New Orleans?