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Donning the traditional red suit and hat, Santas numbering in the hundreds [if not thousands] are expected to descend on Asbury Park Saturday.

First up will be the Annual Santa Run, when 1,500 opt to start the day with a 5K run or walk in support of Lunch Break, a Red Bank-based nonprofit that works to feed, clothe and support those in need.

The race begins at 10am at Bradley Park, located in front of Convention Hall on Ocean Avenue. All runners will be given a free Santa suit, included in their walk or run registration packet.

A portion of the proceeds from the race and money raised from participants will go directly to Lunch Break.

There will also be a collection for the AP Toy Drive, which donates gifts, clothing and other holiday needs to local families and children.

Brian Kirk and the Jirks headlines the 11 a.m. afterparty at the Wonder Bar, located at 1213 Ocean Avenue. Admission is free for participants, $5 for others.

At 1 p.m. join the Sixth Annual Santacon Bar Crawl in support of the AP Toy Drive, kicking off at the Asbury Ale House, located at 531 Cookman Ave.

The nation-wide phenomenon began in the 1990’s as street theater, a performance art critique of holiday consumerism. As SantaCons spread across the globe, some events have drawn criticism for rowdiness, violence, or vandalization.

Locally, the Asbury Park Police Department has seen increases in disorderly conduct, public intoxication, noise complaints, and vandalism. In response, organizers have asked participants to respect local businesses and residents.

The department issued the following advisory:

SantaCon returns to the City of Asbury Park on December 9, 2017.  The holiday-themed bar crawl begins with attendees registering at several bars in the Central Business District at 11 am, and continues throughout the day and night. The Police Department welcomes everyone to Asbury Park, to enjoy our bars and restaurants and all that the City has to offer.  We ask everyone to drink and act responsible. In past years the event has drawn criticism for rowdiness, violence, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, noise complaints, and vandalism. The police department is taking a zero-tolerance approach to all such violations of the law and City ordinances.
As we have in past years the department has increased the number of police for the day of SantaCon, along with assigning off-duty police officers to a special detail to concentrate on the Central Business District and establishments with liquor licenses.

Event registration is $15.95. Wristbands and maps will be distributed, and the first 500 SantaCon crawlers to register will receive a complimentary official Santa Hat.

The event also supports the AP Toy Drive.

Participating venues also include Capitoline, Bond Street Complex, The Bonney Read, with others to be announced.

Participants must be 21 years old and have a valid State issued ID.

Those in need of a ride can use promo code SANTACON2017 for $5 off 2 rides for passengers new to Lyft.

For more information or to register for the Santa Run, visit click here.

For tickets, participating venues, and more SantaCon information, visit AsburyParkSantaCon.com.

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