This year’s Santa parade will take place in downtown Lawrence on Saturday, Dec. 17. You can thank Santa for scheduling around the home KU basketball game on Dec. 10, which is the date Santa originally wanted to have SantaCon.

All are welcome! The only requirement is that you wear a Santa costume, and in order to enter the bars you must be 21. If you’re not of legal age, you’re still welcome to parade around town in a Santa suit.

Santa costumes can be creative. Last year we had Elvis Santa, Carlos Santana, Mrs. Santa and naughty Santas. Or just get a red sweatsuit, stick some cotton balls on it and find a white beard and Santa hat.

And once again, Santa is collecting donations of non-perishable food for those less fortunate. Whether you participate in SantaCon or not, you can drop off food donations at the first bar all day Dec. 17. Donations will be taken to Just Food in Lawrence.

Stay tuned for more information, like the bars that have agreed to participate and a schedule!

See the images on the SantaCon Photos page.

SantaCon 2011 is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 10, in downtown Lawrence.

“SantaCon is a mass gathering of people dressed in Santa Claus costumes parading publicly on streets and in bars in cities around the world. The focus is on spontaneity and creativity, while having a good time and spreading cheer and goodwill.” (from Wikipedia)

“SantaCon is for adults – where guys and girls of legal age dress up like Santa and go cavorting around town for no better reason than it’s huge fun.” (from SantaCon.info)

“SantaCon is a non-denominational, non-commercial, non-political and non-sensical Santa Claus convention that occurs a year for absolutely no reason.” (from SantaCon NYC)

And now,  SantaCon comes to Lawrence!

Grab your hats, stuff your stockings and get your sleigh bells on…SantaCon Lawrence 2010 will be a jolly good time! SantaCon incorporates elements of a flash mob and a pub crawl with cheerful, bawdy and harmless behavior, naughty Christmas carols and random acts of kindness.

Santa has made his list and checked it twice, and he knows who’s been naughty and nice. See the schedule for SantaCon Lawrence, get your costumes ready and check out Santa’s rules.

December 11. Downtown Lawrence. Get ready.