Guidelines
Get answers to all your queries about our festive themed activities. Learn how SantaCon has become a beloved tradition and what to expect at our events.
Join us in a series of playful holiday challenges inspired by the Olympics! Join us in spreading cheer, playing silly games, and celebrating the season.
Space is limited to the first 100 participants.
December 7, 2024
3:00 PM
At Leon The Giraffe Statue
At Santa Mateo, our misson is to spread cheer through playful absurdity, friendly competition, and a touch of mischief. We come together to celebrate the holiday season with quirky challenges, festive fun, and community spirit—all while partying for a good cause.
SantaCon began in 1994 in San Francisco as a satirical, creative critique of holiday commercialization. Over time, it became a global, commercialized bar-crawl event. In 2015, a group of San Franciscans revived its playful roots by adding games, art, and humor to celebrate creativity and community.
Participants embraced Buddy the Elf’s antics with challenges inspired by the movie, spreading cheer and laughter.
Santa took a rain check as storms brought a quiet, reflective year for all.
Santacon became a race to find the real Santa through thrilling challenges and puzzles.
Teams performed 12 holiday film-inspired acts to bring Christmas magic back to SantaCon.
This playful spirit thrived, even through the challenges of the pandemic. The event adapted with inventive games and antics, blending creativity with safety while keeping the holiday mischief alive. As themes and activities evolved, the community continued to grow, proving that the joy of SantaCon can endure anything.
The 12 Random Acts of SantaCon tested skills in creativity, mindfulness, and holiday spirit.
The pandemic paused SantaCon, leaving streets quiet but spirits hopeful for brighter days.
SantaCon returned with pandemic-themed challenges, blending creativity, caution, and cheer.
SanTACO(n) turned SantaCon into a festive, taco-themed competition full of flavor and fun.
In 2023, SantaCon took a techy twist with HollyAI, a quirky AI, relocating the event to San Mateo and crafting 10 whimsical challenges. Participants navigated Holly’s holiday hijinks with teamwork and cheer to teach her the true spirit of SantaCon.
Get answers to all your queries about our festive themed activities. Learn how SantaCon has become a beloved tradition and what to expect at our events.
A Santa hat isn’t enough! Get creative with you Santa Suit or embrace the red theme; elves, reindeer, and trees are appreciated.
Have fun, but keep it together. Public intoxication could ruin Santa’s good reputation.
If you see children, give them a smile. Santa brings joy, not tears!
If a spot isn’t Santa-friendly, move on politely. Tip generously to spread the holiday cheer.
Look out for fellow Santas, especially when moving to new stops. Santa doesn’t leave Santa behind!
Don’t drink and drive. Arrange for safe transportation to make it home jolly and safe.
Santa Mateo is a SantaCon in Santa Mateo involving is a festive event that brings the community together for a night of holiday-themed fun and games. This year our theme is Santalympics inspired by the 2024 Olympics.
Because it’s all about fun! It’s a chance to be silly, celebrate the season, and connect with others.
Santa Mateo takes place around popular landmarks and establishments in downtown San Mateo. RSVP to stay in the loop on the details and plans.
No tickets are needed. Avoid ticket scams—only trust official event info. Bring money for drinks though to support your local establishments.
Yes, but we’ll be stopping at some bars, so families with kiddos may need to wait outside at those locations.
Have fun but keep it responsible. Public intoxication is discouraged, as we want to keep the event joyful and safe for everyone!
Participation in Santalympics has a $20 suggested donation, though any amount is welcome. 100% of your contribution will go to the Salvation Army and Marine Corps Toys for Tots