Benjamin Leatherman
Audio By Carbonatix
Santa Claus has a posse and they were out in force on Saturday in Scottsdale. Costumed drinkers invaded the nightspots along Craftsman Court and throughout the city’s entertainment district during two competing holiday bar crawls.
Phoenix Santarchy, the long-running annual event put on by countercultural group the Arizona Cacophony Society since 2007, drew more than 200 people dressed as Kris Kringle and holiday characters like Viking Claus and Jack Frost. Participants hit bars like Pour Decisions, Hi Fi and Casa Amigos, spreading holiday mischief and cheer.
Meanwhile, the inaugural Santapalooza bar crawl had its own crowd of revelers decked out in Santa suits, onesies and other holiday-themed outfits. The event featured stops at popular Scottsdale spots like Goodwood Tavern and 50 Shades of Rosé and entertainers performing on street corners.
Here’s a look back at the festive fun.
Sweet costumes at Santarchy.
Benjamin Leatherman
Santarchy participants first gathered at Craftsman Court spots Rockbar and Pour Decisions.
Benjamin Leatherman
These costumes are in a league of their own.
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Santarchy participants at Pour Decisions in Scottsdale.
Benjamin Leatherman
Viking Claus is coming to town.
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Their holiday costuming game is on point.
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They branched out to make these amazing Christmas tree costumes.
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A Santapalooza entertainer flings LED poi on the corner of Saddlebag Trail and Indian Plaza in Scottsdale.
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A Santapalooza entertainer performs on the corner of Saddlebag Trail and Indian Plaza in Scottsdale.
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Santa’s eccentric cousin, Kooky Claus.
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Santarchy’s final stop was at Casa Amigos.
Benjamin Leatherman
Spotted at Casa Amigos in Scottsdale.
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His heart grew three sizes after participating in Santapalooza.
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Having a cowgirl Christmas at Casa Amigos.
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Phoenix Santarchy co-founder Christopher Lykins, left, with some friends.
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Phoenix Santarchy participants at Casa Amigos in Scottsdale.
Benjamin Leatherman
Feeling festive during Phoenix Santarchy 2024 in Scottsdale.
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Some Santapalooza participants wore holiday pullovers.
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Rocking red and white at Phoenix Santarchy in Scottsdale.
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They brought the whole crew to Santarchy.
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Pause for the Claus.
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Jack Frost always keeps it cool.
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Santarchy participants posing for a photo outside of Casa Amigos in Scottsdale.
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Santapalooza participants wore onesies, costumes and other festive get-ups.
Benjamin Leatherman
Feeling merry and bright during Phoenix Santarchy 2024.
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The staff of Santapalooza gave out red and green glowsticks to participants.
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You didn’t have to dress as Santa to participate in Phoenix Santarchy 2024.
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Santapalooza participants outside of Hi Fi in Scottsdale.
Benjamin Leatherman
Having a knight out on the town.
Benjamin Leatherman
Santapalooza participants along Saddlebag Trail in Scottsdale.
Benjamin Leatherman
