Santarchy holiday bar crawl invades Scottsdale on Saturday. What to know

Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend, but he won’t be alone. Thousands of people dressed as Kris Kringle and other holiday characters will roam the streets, sidewalks and bars of Scottsdale on Saturday, Dec. 14.

This massive crowd of red-suited revelers and costumed merrymakers will be on the hunt for drinks, fun and a mix of naughty and nice moments.

It’s part of Phoenix Santarchy, the Valley’s original holiday bar crawl, which returns to the Scottsdale entertainment district for the first time since 2016.

Organized by the Arizona Cacophony Society, this free event is part bar crawl, flash mob and urban prank wrapped into one chaotic and colorful package. It’s essentially a roaming holiday party where everyone is dressed as reindeer, elves, snowmen or other festive characters.
Phoenix Santarchy organizer Christopher Lykins says it’s unlike other holiday events in the Valley.

“It’s fun, it’s wild and it's a little subversive,” Lykins says. “It’s the highlight of the holidays for a lot of people.”

Phoenix Santarchy also benefits a worthy cause, as participants bring hundreds of new, unwrapped toys to donate to local charities. This year, the event is partnering with the Phoenix Foster Alliance.

While a wealth of competing Santa-themed bar crawls in other parts of the Valley in recent years, many charging admission or participation fees. Lykins says that Phoenix Santarchy is a completely free event.

"Our event is, and always has been, free," Lykins says. "It's never been a corporate event that's about profit. It's just about having fun."

If you'd like to join the ho-ho-horde participating in Phoenix Santarchy 2024 on Saturday night, here's everything you'll need to know.

Does Phoenix have a holiday bar crawl?

Yes. The Santarchy bar crawl has taken place in Scottsdale and Phoenix since 2007.

When is the Santa bar crawl in Scottsdale?

Phoenix Santarchy is on Saturday, Dec. 14 in the Scottsdale entertainment district.

What time is the Santa bar crawl in Scottsdale?

Santarchy starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Participants will gather at Rockbar, 4245 N. Craftsman Court before heading to other bars nearby.

Santarchy 2024 schedule and bar list

Here’s the complete Santarchy schedule and list of participating bars:

• 6 to 8 p.m., Rockbar, 4245 N. Craftsman Court., Scottsdale
• 8 to 9 p.m., Pour Decisions, 4209 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale
• 9 to 11 p.m., Hi Fi Kitchen & Cocktails, 4420 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale
• 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., Casa Amigos, 7320 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale

How much is Santarchy 2024?

It’s free to participate in the Santarchy bar crawl, but organizers encourage participants to reserve complimentary tickets through Eventbrite. Bars won’t have cover charges. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own drinks.

Is there an age limit for Santarchy?

Yes. It's a bar crawl, so participants must be 21 or older.

Parking in the Scottsdale entertainment district

Free parking is available at the following public parking structures and lots on a first-come basis:

• Third Avenue Parking Garage, 7143 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale
• Craftsman North Parking Lot, 4252 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale
• Craftsman South Parking Lot, 4212 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale
• Southbridge Underground Parking Garage, 7106 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale
• Galleria Parking Garage, 4394 N. Wells Fargo Ave., Scottsdale

Do I have to wear a costume for Santarchy?

Yes. Costumes are mandatory for Santarchy.

What should I wear to Santarchy?

Participants are encouraged to wear any holiday-inspired costume, whether it’s themed around Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice or even Festivus. “You don’t necessarily have to dress as Santa,” Lykins says.

Participants can even cosplay characters from “Die Hard,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” or other holiday movies. “That’s my favorite part about Santarchy,” Lykins says. “I love all the great costumes and people get really creative.”

Can I wear an ugly Christmas sweater?

Organizers strongly discourage holiday sweaters as they’re considered to be “low-effort” costuming.

What else should I bring?

Santarchy organizers request participants bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Phoenix Foster Alliance. Collection boxes will be at Rockbar and Pour Decisions.

Are drink specials available?

Yes. Holiday-themed cocktails and drink specials will be offered at each bar.

Will there be entertainment?

Local DJs will perform at each participating bar during Santarchy 2024.

Can I go wild at Santarchy?

No. Like during other bar crawls, any drunken or disorderly behavior won’t be tolerated at Santarchy. While it’s true that the event has its roots in the countercultural scene (and has “anarchy” in its name), organizers are against destructive or disruptive activities. As the Arizona Cacophony Society website states: “We do not condone or encourage any kind of vandalism or violence at a Santarchy event. Our Santas do not destroy property, steal merchandise or do harm to others.”