There are few experiences as enlivening as a festivity where everyone is dressed up in costumes and the city streets are blocked off for everyone to enjoy the infectious holiday mood. Reno’s Santa Crawl is one such event. More thar 20,000 attendees don holiday regalia — Santa and Elf costumes and the like — and meander through downtown Reno to a multitude of local bars, breweries, casinos and clubs.
Taking place on December 9, the Reno Santa Crawl kicks off at 8 pm and continues throughout the night. Cost-wise, it’s a steal: It’s only $12 for a cup, which serves as a ticket. And for those seeking to stay downtown — which is highly advisable if you will be drinking — the Silver Legacy and Circus Circus hotels offer room discounts from as low as $89 on Saturday night. The 40 or so participating bars offer drinks for $4 or less, a very attractive price in these inflationary times.
The iconic event is known for being unpretentious and fun. Santa costumes are the main focus, but be prepared to be dazzled with an endless array of quirky holiday outfits that make the event seem like a Halloween version of Christmas. Fire pits and live music will be available for you to enjoy outside, or you can saunter into any number of bars and casinos and enjoy the holiday spirit in warmer surroundings.
Photos courtesy Crawl Reno Facebook
Costumes are optional at this event, though both for your sake and other attendees’ you should dress up in something, whether in theme or not. What’s not optional is being 21 or older to join, so you may want to book your babysitter well in advance for this one.
The largest concentrations of participating bars are split between the stretch along the Truckee River and Fourth Street’s Brewery District. While all areas will be busy during this bustling event, the bars along the river should be calmer earlier in the evening, making it a great place to start. Then, you can work your way past the Reno arches to stop for a photoshoot before finishing up at the Brewery District in the north.
Participating in the holidays fully is the best way to stave off the winter gloominess that sets in at the end of the year. Whether or not you feel in the holiday mood, jump into the crowd and let the joyful spirit surround you at this year’s Santa Crawl — it’s sure to make for a memorable night.
About the Author Dan Bablinskas
Dan Bablinskas is a relentlessly curious person with a passion for travel, foreign languages, affordable food and lodgings, well-fashioned cappuccinos and refreshing craft brews. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in creative writing, he traveled through Europe and South America while working as an English teacher and travel blogger. After trying a number of different careers, he settled into technical and content writing for his day job. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the Reno-Tahoe area by foot, car, bike and ski. He lives in Reno with his wife and two kids. 
