Hundreds of Santas hit NYC streets, bars

NEW YORK (AP) — Several hundred red-suited Santas have braved the blustery snow for New York City’s annual SantaCon pub crawl.

The New York Post reports police officers were out in full force Saturday to monitor the hordes of drunken revellers dressed as Santa Claus. New Yorkers have complained about public drunkenness and unruly behaviour during the event in previous years.

Santacon participants outside a lower eastside bar filled on Saturday in New York. Thousands of red-suited revellers spread out through the city’s bars and snowy streets amid criticism that the event has become too rowdy. (Photo:AP)

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Police officers handed out fliers at subway stations and parks warning the Santas to remove their fake beards before entering bars.

Police told the newspaper that one Santa was treated for injuries at Bellevue Hospital and later released. They say at least 10 summonses were issued.

On its website, SantaCon describes itself as a “nonsensical Santa Claus convention” that donates cash to the Food Bank for NYC and other local charities.