NEW YORK (AP) — Hundreds of bar-hopping Saint Nicks and costumed sidekicks including elves and reindeer are streaming through the streets of New York for the annual rite known as SantaCon.
Human snow globes, wrapped packages and the occasional Santa Jedi were also part of the festivities Saturday as the group stepped off in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood.
Officers on the ground kept watch and an NYPD helicopter circled overhead.
After several years of defending the massive bar hop, organizers started planning with police over a month ago. They got a permit to assemble in a park and even agreed to tweet police messages about pedestrian safety.
Participants were reminded to avoid naughtiness — and even to stay hydrated.