Santas on Parade, in Washington Square Park

Photo by myself in Washington Square Park, in the Village.

The 2009 SantaCon took place in full force on Saturday afternoon. Hundreds of people in red suits participated.

Part food drive, part costume party, this Santa convention took place in five locations in New York this year. Festivities include caroling and visits to bars in the middle of the day.

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By sheer chance, Mark and I drove to Washington Square Park Saturday afternoon. I wanted to take photos of the arch and Christmas tree.

Within the square there were literally hundreds of Santas. Santas were posing, chatting and milling about. Some waited on line for hot dogs. More Santas kept arriving by the minute. I gave an excited yelp before dashing out of the car.



The tradition has taken place for the past 16 years. SantaCon takes place in other cities too, including London, San Fransisco and Tokyo.



Beginning this Monday, I'll be posting one photo a week on another New York site called Five Outsiders. A relatively new site, Five Outsiders includes interviews with New Yorkers and restaurant reviews and other tidbits about New York.

Related posts: City Portrait - Washington Square Park, Cow Appreciation Day, Fifth Avenue and Greetings from New York.