Santa Claus(es) are Coming to Town

Neither Beijing's winter temperatures nor those gusty Siberian winds nor freaked out public security officials can stop the annual drunken onslaught of people dressed as Santa toasting their way across town known as Santacon.

With origins in San Francisco in 1994, the Santacon bar crawl phenomenon has spread to 44 countries around the world. This year's Beijing Santacon will take place December 13 and all you need to do to participate is a set of Santa duds and a rather durable liver.

Keep in tune to the bjsantacon.com website for updates on the itinerary. Meanwhile, here's what organizers have to say about the event so far:

"Its that time of year again, Beijing! Time to dust off your Holly Jolly and start getting your Joy an Ode-ing. Santa has sent word to his elves, SantaCon will happen on Saturday, December 13!

SantaCon is the global non-denominational, non-religious and totally non-sensical celebration of all things Santa! Beijing Ren will join fellow revelers all across the world in donning their finest Santa suits and walking around the city, spreading good cheer and partaking in the milk, cookies and libations that will abound the route.

Follow this space for updates, as in the coming days Santa will be giving out sage advice on how to best prepare for the party, tips on ways to have the most fun and, most importantly, where to go.

There will be multiple starting points in varous locations around Beijing, with a central meeting point for all Santas to converge on. There will also be a final celebration with a legendary local band that everybody will love."

Photo: bjsantacon