New Orleans' most unique and craziest Christmastime event takes place in the Warehouse District Saturday.
It's the city's 9th annual Running of the Santas. And, this year's event does double duty because of LSU's SEC Championship Game.
"It happened that the game fell at the same time as the Running of the Santas. So, we decided to hold the 'World's Largest Santa-LSU SEC Championship Game Watch Party' while people participate in the Running of the Santas," says Bob Dauterieve, event organizer and Mayor of the North Pole.
"The Watch Party's going to be on Fulton Street, at the South Pole. The North Pole is Generations Hall. That's where we'll be running to at 6:30, and that's where Category 6 will be performing."
That's also where the city's largest and most extravagant holiday costume contest will be held, with entrants from both the nice and naughty list.
And, you don't necessarily have to dress as Santa to participate. Mrs. Claus, Scrooge, Rudolph or Scrooge are all just fine...anything with a Christmas theme.
"Any type of costume," says Dauterieve. "We have a lot of people show up in ugly Christmas sweaters." He says you can register to run, or just party, at the box office on Fulton Street prior to the event.
"Everybody come out and enjoy the sights and the ball game."
The city's most raucous holiday tradition is listed as one of the 'Top 50 events every New Orleanian should experience,' and kicks off with holiday food and specialty drinks from 3 to 6 p.m. at the South Pole.
A portion of the proceeds benefits the "That Others May Live" Foundation.
Click Here to see their webpage
Earlier in the day, thousands of runners and walkers dressed in holiday costumes and attire will take part in for the Allstate Sugar Bowl 'Celebration in the Oaks Run/Walk' and Costume Contest in City Park.
Race officials expect more than 2,500 costumed runners and walkers to participate in this year's two- mile event.
The festivities open at 1 p.m. on Victory Avenue with a costume contest at 1:30 p.m. The run/walk is scheduled for 2 p.m. Following the race, all runners and walkers will receive early exclusive access to the park's traditional 'Celebration in the Oaks' holiday lighting event with more than a half million decorative bulbs and festive exhibits.
Click Here to sign up for the Celebration in the Oaks event
