- Event Overview
About
Riverside, CA
Santa Pub Crawls
Riverside’s SantaCon brings the Inland Empire’s bar culture and Southern California holiday spirit to one of the most Mission Inn-adjacent December celebrations in California. The Mission Inn Avenue and the downtown Riverside bar district are the heart of Inland Empire nightlife and when SantaCon arrives the combination of the Mission Inn Festival of Lights that draws visitors from across Southern California, the UC Riverside academic community, and the excellent local bars creates a holiday celebration with a Riverside character that is warm, festive, and completely Inland Empire.
Riverside is famous for the Mission Inn Festival of Lights, one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in California, and the SantaCon in December benefits from that extraordinary festive atmosphere. The Santa costume competition draws on the UC Riverside community and the Inland Empire arts scene and the entries have a Southern California warmth and creativity that is specific to a city known for spectacular December celebrations.
December in Riverside is mild, typically ranging from 42 to 60 degrees at night. The Inland Empire winter is comfortable and doing SantaCon in the shadow of the Mission Inn Festival of Lights creates one of the most visually spectacular holiday pub crawl settings in California.
Our hosts manage the Riverside route through Mission Inn Avenue and the downtown bar district. Specials confirmed at every stop, wristbands handle entry, and the Santa competition celebrates Inland Empire creativity.
Event Details
Everything you need to know about the largest SantaCon pub crawl in Riverside.
Largest Pub Crawl Event
Top SantaCon Bar Crawl in Riverside.
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.
Santa Costume Award
Top Santa of the night takes home the prize. Judging runs all evening.
Arrival Drink
One complimentary drink poured when you check in.
Stop-by-Stop Specials
Drink specials negotiated with every bar on the SantaCon route.
Wristband Entry
One wristband covers every venue from first stop to last call.
Route Management Team
Hosts coordinate movement, timing, and costume scoring throughout the night.
Priority Access
Express entry at participating bars means less waiting, more celebrating.
SantaCon Accessories
Holiday gear included in your check-in package.
Vetted Bar Selection
Every stop hand-selected for vibe, space, and Santa-season drink quality.
Participating Venues on the Pub Crawl Route
Explore the most popular bars and nightlife venues in Riverside 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.
Secure your spot at pubcrawls.com. Tickets sell out in popular cities.
Check-in address is in your confirmation email. Don't be late for the welcome drink.
Get your drink, gear, and wristband at the first stop. The route starts moving at 7:30 PM.
Our hosts keep the energy high and the route on schedule all night.
Event Agendas
Your complete SantaCon pub crawl timeline from check-in to after-party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Riverside SantaCon Bar Crawl 2026
What do I wear?
A Santa costume is the theme. Full suit, Santa hat, or creative Santa spin all work.
Where does it start?
Riverside CA. Exact address in your ticket confirmation email.
What's the weather like in December?
Riverside CA in December averages 42 to 60 degrees. Mild Inland Empire Southern California winter. Santa suit alone is comfortable.
What is included?
Welcome drink, wristband, drink specials at every stop, holiday accessories, and the costume contest.
Is there a group option?
Groups of ten or more receive priority entry. Contact pubcrawls.com for group packages.
Age requirement?
21 and over. Valid photo ID required at check-in.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Subject to availability. Advance purchase strongly recommended.
How many bars are on the route?
Typically four to six stops. Full route details in your confirmation.
