SantaCon
SantaCon returns to downtown Newport today.

SantaCon has announced that it will host its 5th Annual SantaCon in Newport, RI on Saturday, December 5th.

SantaCon is a mass gathering of people dressed in Santa costumes parading publicly on streets and in establishments, held every December in cities around the world.

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The focus is on spontaneity and creativity, while having a good time and spreading cheer and goodwill, and raising funds for local worthwhile charities along the way.

Sometimes known as Naughty Santas, Cheapsuit Santas, and Santapalooza, SantaCon incorporates elements of a flash mob in the context of cheerful bawdy and harmless behavior, the singing of Christmas carols, and the giving of small gifts to strangers.
Want To Participate?

Each person that participates is asked to bring a gift card or toy for their Toys for Tots drive and along the way they’ll be offering raffle tickets to raise funds for a local non-profit organization that provides support to families of children who have Cystic Fibrosis, called Finnz Fundz, based right here in Rhode Island.

Raffle prizes include gift certificates to local restaurants, gift baskets and even a one night stay at the Newport Hyatt!
Want to join in the fun? Santa doesn’t just wear a cool suit and frolic around Thames Street: he also brings GIFTS!  A gift can be a reindeer game, a song, a dance or a joke to entertain Santas and tourists alike. Or you can buy a few dozen trinkets and hand them out to the kids who are sure to come up to you on the street and ask probing questions.  Just remember, you’re Santa – so stock up!

These Are The Organizers Rules

  • You GOTTA wear a full Santa costume.  Not just a lame Santa hat and jeans.  ONLY Santas in full costume will be a part of this event.  Show up in something creative and you could win a prize – Santa Elvis, Santa Hillary, Santa Grinch – use your imagination.  Show up with just a Santa hat and you will be mocked and shamed and considered an outcast, so don’t do it.
  • You have to have a jolly spirit – there’s no room for grumpy Santas!
  • Santa doesn’t make children cry – if a child approaches you on the street, hand him/her a little gift and say Merry Christmas! After all, it IS the holiday season!
  • The answer to every question is Santa.  Who are you people? Santa. Why are you doing this? Because we’re Santa. How do I join the fun? Be Santa. It’s just that simple.

For more information, visit  www.santaconnewport.com

Ryan Belmore

Ryan Belmore is the Owner and Publisher of What'sUpNewp.  He has been involved with What’sUpNewp since shortly after its launch in 2012, proudly leading it to be named Best Local News Blog in Rhode Island by Rhode Island Monthly readers in 2018, 2019, and 2020 and an honorable mention in the Common Good Awards in 2021.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Potter League For Animals. He previously served on the boards of Fort Adams Trust, Lucy's Hearth, and the Arts & Cultural Alliance for Newport County.

In 2020, he was named Member of the Year by LION and won the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County's Dominque Award.

He is a member of Local Independent Online News (LION) Publishers, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the North American Snowsports Journalists Association.

Born and raised in Rhode Island, he spent 39 years living in Rhode Island before recently moving to Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife and two rescue dogs. He still considers Rhode Island home, and visits at least once a month.

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