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The Santa-inspired pub and restaurant crawl downtown Livermore is set to return to the city this month with 20 participating businesses.
The annual event dubbed SantaCon, alongside similar events nationwide, sees attendees don outfits inspired by elves and the Claus family.
As an open crawl, there is no established order for attendees to visit participating restaurants and bars such as Polomoni’s Bar & Lounge, Rebel Kitchen & Libations, Sons of Liberty Alehouse, Azotea, Casa Orozco and Demitris Taverna.
The free event is restricted to those ages 21 and above, with the majority of venues closed to minors, according to event creator and organizer RJ Hernandez. However, a few participating restaurants are set to offer dining for all ages.
Attendees can expect food, music, a strong sense of community and “some of the most creative costumes you’ll find anywhere”, Hernandez told Livermore Vine. “The best comparison I can make is that it feels like Halloween — but with a Christmas twist.”
“Whether you want to go all-out and celebrate or simply enjoy a great meal and a glass of wine with friends, there’s a venue that fits your vibe,” Hernandez added.
The Livermore-based SantaCon was born out of a collaboration between Hernandez and Rebel Kitchen & Libations owner Gianni Schell, the gastropub proprietor explained.
Despite fun experiences DJ-ing at the San Francisco SantaCon — a role Hernandez has taken on for the past 15 years — he noticed the event’s lack of unity.
“It’s more like hundreds of individual parties happening at once,” he said of the event in San Francisco. “Livermore, on the other hand, offers something unique.”
Given the concentration of businesses downtown Livermore, the area provides a tight-knit, community-driven atmosphere, Hernandez added.
Revenue from the event also benefits local businesses, Hernandez said.
“The big picture is for Livermore restaurants and bars to thrive,” Sons of Liberty Alehouse co-owner Tom Lawrie said of participating in SantaCon.
Sons of Liberty Alehouse visitors can expect to see seasonal beverages such as peppermint hot chocolate with crème de menthe and Bailey’s-spiked whipped cream, hot toddies and a few surprise choices.
To guarantee a spot at Sons of Liberty Alehouse, Lawrie recommends booking reservations ahead of the event.
The restaurant industry is experiencing a tough period and everyone’s support is needed, according to Lawrie.
Across McLeod Street, Rebel Kitchen & Libations is also taking part in SantaCon with a holiday cocktail menu set to drop this week.
Reflecting on previous years, Schell said he was impressed by the first year’s attendance. Year two attracted even more attendees, he added.
“I think this year is definitely going to be the biggest and best year yet,” Schell said.
SantaCon is scheduled to kick off with a soft opening at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday (Dec. 20) with a meet-up near the Bankhead Theater and The Syndicate Bar. Officially, the event is set to run from 2-8 p.m.
