- Event Overview
About
Chicago, IL
Santa Pub Crawls
Welcome to Chicago SantaCon, the ultimate holiday-themed bar crawl this 2026! Taking place on Saturday, December 19, 2026, this exciting Christmas event brings together thousands of Santas, elves, reindeer, and holiday enthusiasts for a festive day of bar hopping, drink specials, live entertainment, and holiday fun throughout Chicago.
Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the area, Chicago SantaCon is one of the most anticipated holiday events in the city. Gather your friends, put on your favorite holiday costume, and experience one of the best Christmas bar crawls in Chicago.
From 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, participants will enjoy access to participating venues, exclusive drink specials, holiday-themed entertainment, professional event photography, and a vibrant crowd celebrating the holiday season. This Chicago bar crawl is the perfect opportunity to explore local nightlife while enjoying a festive Christmas experience.
If you’re searching for things to do in Chicago, Christmas events in Chicago, holiday bar crawls in Chicago, SantaCon tickets in Chicago, or festive nightlife events near Chicago, Chicago SantaCon 2026 is an event you won’t want to miss!
Event Details
Everything you need to know about the largest SantaCon pub crawl in Chicago.
Largest Pub Crawl Event
Top SantaCon Bar Crawl in Chicago.
5,000+ Attendees
Thousands join the annual SantaCon pub crawl
15+ Participating Bars
Organized Event
- What's Included
What You Get With a Pub Crawl Ticket
Pub crawls for the biggest party holidays. Choose your event and join the party in 100+ cities across the USA.
Bar Access
Access to multiple participating Chicago bars
Drink Specials
Exclusive SantaCon Drink Specials and themed cocktails at select venues!
| Party Vibes All Night |
Live DJs at select venues
| Event Wristband |
Official event branded PubCrawls.com wristband
| Crawl Map |
Digital 3D Bar Crawl Map
Photo Ops
Professional Photographer / Videographer
Squad-Friendly Fun
Group-friendly SantaCon nightlife experience!
After-Party Access
Participating Venues on the Pub Crawl Route
Explore the most popular bars and nightlife venues in Chicago during the SantaCon pub crawl. Each participating venue features exclusive drink specials, music, and a unique atmosphere.
How the Pub Crawl Works
Four simple steps to join the SantaCon pub crawl and start bar hopping.
Choose your city and event, then purchase your pub crawl ticket online.
Meet event staff at the check-in spot to receive your event wristband and digital venue map.
Hop between participating bars, enjoy drink specials, and experience the nightlife with fellow pub crawl guests.
End the night at the final venue with music, dancing, and the full pub crawl group celebration.
Event Agendas
Your complete SantaCon pub crawl timeline from check-in to after-party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Chicago SantaCon Bar Crawl 2026
What is the Chicago SantaCon Bar Crawl?
Chicago runs one of the biggest December crawl crowds in the country, and this is the ticketed version of it: participating bars, a set route, and a few thousand people in Santa suits. The ticket covers a wristband, a digital 3D map, drink specials, DJs, and after-party entry.
When does Chicago SantaCon take place?
Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Mid-December in Chicago means the sun is down before the crawl even starts, so treat this as an evening event rather than the daytime version SantaCon runs elsewhere.
How is this different from the free SantaCon that roams the city?
Chicago's unticketed SantaCon has no fixed route and no venue arrangements, which means door lines and whatever the bar decides that day. This one is organized around a confirmed lineup, wristband entry, and drink specials held for ticket holders.
Which neighborhood does the route use?
Chicago's bar density runs through River North, Old Town, the Division Street corridor, and Wrigleyville, and each is a very different night. Your confirmed check-in venue and participating lineup come with your ticket.
Should I take the CTA?
Yes. The Red and Brown lines cover most of the relevant neighborhoods, and in December that beats scraping a car and paying event rates for a garage. Check the last train for your line before the night gets away from you.
How cold will it actually be?
Cold enough to plan for. Mid-December evenings in Chicago run in the 20s and 30s, and the wind off the lake makes it worse. A Santa suit over a base layer is the practical build, and the bars on the route are all indoors.
What is the age requirement in Chicago?
21 and over. A valid government-issued photo ID is required at every venue, checked independently of your wristband. Chicago door staff card carefully, and a photo of your license will not get you in.
Can I book this for a work party?
It is a common use for the December crawls. Groups of 20 or more may qualify for discounts, VIP perks, reserved check-in, and private party packages through the group booking form on the event page.
