Dates Set For SantaCon 2025 In Downtown Tuscaloosa

TUSCALOOSA, AL — SantaCon is returning to Tuscaloosa this December with two nights of holiday celebrations to support Turning Point of Tuscaloosa.

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Organizers said the annual event will take place earlier than usual, beginning with an opening ceremony at Druid City Brewing Co. on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., followed by the widely popular SantaCon Bar Crawl on Dec. 5.

Participants traditionally dress as holiday characters, with Santa suits being the most common.

Previous installments of the popular event have featured costumes ranging from elves and reindeer to Mrs. Claus and Father Christmas.

The bar crawl will start at 7 p.m. at Houndstooth Bar, although organizers said guests are encouraged to arrive earlier.

SantaCon is free to attend and donations are encouraged.

Event organizer Alaina Sasser told Patch the date change was necessary due to the possibility of a home football playoff game during SantaCon’s traditional mid-December weekend.

“We are confident there will be a home playoff game in our usual window this year,” Sasser said. “Therefore, we moved the event back to the first Friday of the month. It’ll be different because most students are still in town and it’s the last day of Dead Week. We think it’ll be a good opportunity to maximize giving from students as well as residents in town.”

SantaCon attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys or toiletries, which will be collected at both Druid City Brewing Co. on Thursday and Houndstooth Bar on Friday.

All donations will benefit Turning Point — a nonprofit that provides services and advocacy for individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.

Co-organizer Daniel Dibona also said the bar crawl remains one of the most anticipated parts of the busy weekend.

“The bar crawl is a highlight of SantaCon,” Dibona said. “It’s a festive way to connect with friends, enjoy Tuscaloosa nightlife and make a difference by donating to Turning Point.”

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