SantaCon and Maovember Team Up for Eighth Year of Cheer

SantaCon, the annual non-traditional, non-denominational, nonsensical celebration of the Christmas season that happens in hundreds of cities around the world, is scheduled to arrive in Beijing this Saturday, Dec 2. It's a rollicking party that weaves its way through the hutongs, stopping at some of the city’s finest watering holes, bringing together avid drinkers dressed up as Santa Claus or in other holiday-themed costumes.

By most counts, this will be the eighth year that Santas, reindeers, elves, and snowpeople will descend on Beijing for the all-day extravaganza. The notoriously jolly old saint at the center of it all sat down for an exclusive interview with the Beijinger to talk about what’s on tap for this year.

Who are you?
I’m Santa!

No, really. Who are you?
Everybody who attends SantaCon does so as Santa. SantaCon is about having fun and spreading good cheer. It’s not about roles and titles. There is no organization running it; it’s a spontaneous, magical holiday happening. If anybody ever asks who is “in charge” of the event, one can always truthfully answer, “Santa!”

OK, “Santa.” Where is SantaCon being held this year?
First, I’d like it to be noted for the record that Santa did not appreciate your use of air quotes just then. You might find yourself moving from the “Nice” list to the “Naughty” list. Second, the yuletide magic only manifests itself at the last minute, so exact locations are not known until just before we visit them. People should check the event’s website, BJSantaCon.com, on Friday for an announcement of the starting points, where we’ll hold our “Santa Suit-up” events, plus a special surprise. On Saturday, Santa’s helpers will shout out each new venue to all the good little boys and girls, as well as those who don’t conform to a binary gender system, as we proceed, and will also spread the word through WeChat.

You seem pretty woke for a millennia-old urban legend that is based on a 4th century Greek bishop and the Germanic deity Wodan.
Thank you.

Is it true that you’re supporting Maovember this year?
Yes! Santa loves nothing more than to do good while having fun! Over the years, Santa’s helpers have sold Santa suits at the gathering points to late Santas who couldn’t get one on their own. All suits are provided at no cost by elves and all money collected has been donated to charity. Since Santa is famous for his non-ironic beard, Maovember is a perfect fit for this year’s event. In addition to money from suit sales, there will be Maovember pins for sale, and elves have been working to make sure that there will be drink specials on offer at several locations, with proceeds from their purchases going to the Maovember charities. Both Bread of Life Bakery and The Library Project do incredible, life-changing work. It’s a thrill and an honor to be able to be a part of the community that is helping to support them.

What advice do you have for people who are attending SantaCon this year?
The first rule of SantaCon is, “Santa looks like Santa.” A hat and some tinsel doesn’t cut it. SantaCon is about getting into the holly and jolly of the season and dressing the part is an essential element of the experience. Also, dress in layers. Winter has come to Beijing and it’s mighty chilly out there!

Thanks for your time, Santa!
You’re welcome. Good job losing the air quotes. See you on Saturday!

To read all of Santa’s messages, including the announcement of the Santa Suit-Up locations, and to learn about the rules of SantaCon, visit BJSantaCon.com. If you'd rather eat Indian food and watch contestants burn their mouths with unfathomably hot chilies, our annual Hot Chili Pepper Eating Competition also happens to fall on Dec 2 and is in aid of Maovember as well.

Photos courtesy of the organizers

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