Tips for enjoying SantaCon NYC!

SantaCon NYC is swiftly approaching again!  You & your elves are excited and gathering your costumes for the upcoming festivities. Here are some tips for getting even more fun out of your day!

Arrive early.

The best part of the day is when Santa first gathers and everyone is full of cheer. Things are not sloppy yet and everyone is ready to play reindeer games!

Bring a Game.
A hula hoop, chalk for drawing sidewalk hop scotch or a beach ball for bouncing. Participate in some reindeer games and you are sure to make new friends and your inner child will thank you.  Just be sure you are willing to carry what you bring out of the park. This is a leave no trace event.

Make a Santa Choir/Band.
You and your friends could perform a few carols that will surely delight the other subway riders or tourists!

Do a group costume.
This is fun for everyone. You'll get great photos and make lots of memories as a nativity scene or the 12 days of Christmas. More ideas on my other SantaCon group costume post.

Dress appropriately.
Check the weather. Wear layers if its chilly. This year it looks like its going to be unseasonably warm. Either way wear comfortable shoes. Theres lots of traveling between venues.

BRING A METROCARD.
You don't want to be waiting in a crazy line for a new Metrocard and get left in the dust by the other Santas. Load up that Metrocard ahead of time. You will be happy you did.

Donate to charity.
SantaCon NYC donates funds collected through their website to selected charities each year. Its a great way to join together and give a BIG monetary gift to one of our local charities.

For Santa's location throughout the day follow @santacon on Twitter or Text "Follow Santa" to 40404 to receive text alerts. Send "OFF" to turn notifications off.

I'm going to SantaCon but what do I wear?

SANTACON:
A raucous celebration of all things holiday, specifically Santa which typically occurs the second weekend of December in cities around the globe. Participants dress as Santa, Snowmen, Reindeer, Gifts, Christmas Trees, Elves, Gingerbread Men, Snowflakes and any other Holiday thing you can think of.

What do I wear? I don't want to be lame!

The answer to not being lame on SantaCon is to make your own costume. While this sounds like a daunting task to some I am here to guide you on your way to an amazing costume which will set you apart from the people who think that just a Santa hat is enough to get by.

Step 1:
Get thee to a dollar store. The #1 supplier of Christmas crap that can be turned into sweet SantaCon costumes.

Step 2: Pick a color scheme.

All red evil Santa! All white Snow Queen! All Green Jealous Elf! White and Red Candy Cane! All Silver Snow Fox! All Blue Jack Frost!

A color scheme will make a statement and make it look like you know what you are doing.

Step 3: Get a cheap outfit then UPGRADE it.

Buy a base outfit. Example a sweater or dress at Strawberry's or a cheap Santa suit at Party City. Then hot glue & safety pin on all the treasures that you got at the Dollar Store!

Step 4: Pick a Statement Piece:

Such as a BIG bow, a BIG snowflake, a BIG candy cane, a BIG present. SantaCon is a big event. Don't be afraid of really going for it! A note on props however. While they are awesome, it is a long day and carrying around a big lawn ornament can get annoying. Don't just leave it on some poor guys stoop when you are done with it, put it in the garbage! Remember Santa hates littering. 

Step 5 (Optional): Add lights. I like these battery operated tear drop LED lights on a wire. They are the brightest and are extremely versatile. Wrap them around your Santa Hat and hide the battery pack underneath. Safety pin them to your coat and hide the battery pack in your pocket. Better yet, do like I do and light up your wig!

Save-on-crafts.com

I hope you have been inspired and you are ready to create your latest and greatest SantaCon costume.

SantaCon NYC 2014 is Saturday December 2014.

Love and Christmas Cookies,

KostumeGirl