Ho Ho Hop to the 25th Annual Santa Bar Crawl: Charlotte’s Ultimate Holiday Bar Adventure!
If you’re scouting for the best things to do in Charlotte, NC this holiday season, the 25th Annual Santa Bar Crawl stands out as a festive must-do. This iconic event transforms Uptown Charlotte into a winter wonderland of cheer, drinks, and camaraderie, perfect for kicking off your list of Charlotte activities.
Event Snapshot
– Event Title: 25th Annual Santa Bar Crawl[3]
– Event Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST[3]
– Event Location: Ink N Ivy, 222 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28202[3]
– Event Price: From $6.38 (tickets started at $5, but sales have ended on Eventbrite)[3]
– Event Organizer: Charlotte Nightlife (https://www.eventbrite.com/o/charlotte-nightlife-821082625[3]
– Event Venue: Ink N Ivy (https://inknivy.com/charlotte – A vibrant Uptown hotspot known for its stylish atmosphere, craft cocktails, and lively social scene in the heart of Charlotte[3]
– Event Tickets: Sales ended on Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/25th-annual-santa-bar-crawl-tickets-1916849210589?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Contact Charlotte Nightlife for any last-minute availability[3]
– Event Duration: Starts at 3:00 PM EST; typically runs into the evening with bar hops (exact end time not specified – plan for 4-6 hours of festivities)[1]
– Age Restrictions: 21+ (nightlife bar crawl format implies adult attendees)[1]
– Dress Code: Santa suits, Grinch outfits, ugly sweaters encouraged for maximum festive fun[1]
– Transportation/Parking: Uptown Charlotte offers street parking, nearby garages, and CATS light rail stops (e.g., Romare Bearden Park station). Rideshares recommended due to drinking[9]
– Food and Drink: Beer and cocktail specials at each bar; light bites available at venues[1]
– Refund Policy: Eventbrite standard – no refunds or exchanges once purchased, but check with organizer for specifics[3]
A Festive Parade Through Uptown: What Makes This Crawl Legendary
Picture this: Hundreds of revelers decked out in Santa hats, Grinch masks, and the tackiest ugly sweaters imaginable, parading through the twinkling lights of Uptown Charlotte. The 25th Annual Santa Bar Crawl, hosted by Charlotte Nightlife, is Charlotte’s longest-running holiday bar crawl, celebrating its silver anniversary in 2025[1]. Kicking off at 3:00 PM on December 13 at Ink N Ivy (222 South Church Street), this event promises a jolly journey with stops at Uptown favorites like Ink-N-Ivy, TILT, Connolly’s, Local, Prohibition, and more (subject to change)[1].
Attendees score big perks: drink specials at every spot, free covers to skip lines, and a vibrant crowd fueled by holiday spirit[1]. The first 200 crawlers snag exclusive koozies, plus surprise festive activities to keep the energy high[1]. Ink N Ivy sets the perfect tone as the check-in venue – think upscale rooftop vibes, seasonal cocktails, and panoramic views of the city skyline, making it an ideal launchpad for events in Charlotte[3].
Whether you’re a local chasing things to do in Charlotte, NC or visiting for the holidays, this crawl delivers unmatched benefits: networking with fun-loving strangers, photo ops in costumes, and a stress-free way to sample Uptown’s bar scene. It’s not just a pub crawl; it’s a holiday tradition that captures Charlotte’s lively nightlife pulse[1][9]. Past events have drawn massive crowds, with pictures showcasing epic parades and merry mayhem – click through previous galleries for a taste[3].
Need-to-Know (FAQs)
Q: When and where does the 25th Annual Santa Bar Crawl start?
A: It begins Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST at Ink N Ivy, 222 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28202[3].
Q: What should I wear to the event?
A: Dress in Santa suits, Grinch outfits, ugly sweaters, or any festive gear to join the parade theme[1].
Q: Are tickets still available?
A: Eventbrite sales have ended; contact Charlotte Nightlife directly for updates or walk-up options[3].
Q: What perks do ticket holders get?
A: Drink specials, free covers, koozies for the first 200, and holiday activities at participating bars[1].
Explore Charlotte Map
Uptown Charlotte, the epicenter of this bar crawl, buzzes with amenities perfect for things to do in Charlotte, NC. Centered around Ink N Ivy on South Church Street, you’ll find walkable access to Romare Bearden Park for pre-crawl strolls, Spectrum Center for sports vibes, and rooftop bars galore[9]. Public transit via CATS Lynx Blue Line drops you nearby, with bike shares and rideshares aplenty. Dining options range from food trucks to upscale spots, and holiday lights illuminate streets like Tryon for that magical glow. Use Uptown’s interactive map at uptowncharlotte.com to plot your route[9].
How the Santa Bar Crawl Fits into Charlotte’s Vibrant Scene
This crawl slots seamlessly into Charlotte’s roster of events in Charlotte, especially holiday-themed nightlife. As a 25-year staple, it complements Uptown’s reputation as a nightlife hub with bars, lounges, and crawls year-round[5]. Pair it with nearby Charlotte activities like rooftop holiday parties or live music for a full weekend itinerary. It’s ideal for groups seeking adult-oriented fun amid family-friendly options elsewhere in the city.
Local Insider Tips
– Arrive early at Ink N Ivy for koozies and prime parade positioning[1].
– Pace yourself with drink specials – hydrate between bars!
– Snap pics at festive stops; tag #SantaBarCrawlCLT for shoutouts.
– Check weather; Uptown’s streets are pedestrian-friendly but bundle up.
– Link it to other things to do in Charlotte, NC like Uptown holiday markets or nightlife guides.
Other Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
Around mid-December 2025, dive into more top things to do in Charlotte, NC and events in Charlotte:
– Queen City Fedora Fest & Day Party (Dec 6 at Blush CLT): Hat-themed festivities with music[1].
– BONNIE X CLYDE at Trio (Dec 27): High-energy DJ set for post-holiday vibes[2].
– CHARLOTTE NEW YEAR’S EVE 2026 BAR CRAWL (Dec 31, TBA): Ring in 2026 with bar hops[1].
– Explore family-friendly events in Charlotte like holiday lights at McIntyre’s Books or markets via Uptown events calendar[9].
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– Trifecta’s listing in 1st Ward Neighborhood (505 E 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202): ~0.3 miles walking (5-minute stroll), ~2-minute drive to Ink N Ivy.
– Trifecta’s listing in 3rd Ward Neighborhood (305 W 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202): ~0.5 miles walking (10-minute walk), ~3-minute drive.
– Trifecta’s listing in 4th Ward Neighborhood (450 Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202): ~0.2 miles walking (4-minute walk), ~1-minute drive.
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Everything You Asked (FAQs)
Q: Is the 25th Annual Santa Bar Crawl still happening if tickets sold out?
A: The event took place on December 13, 2025; with sales ended, it likely proceeded as planned – contact organizer for recaps[3].
Q: What bars are on the crawl route?
A: Ink-N-Ivy, TILT, Connolly’s, Local, Prohibition, and others in Uptown (TBA and subject to change)[1].
Q: Is this a 21+ event?
A: Yes, due to bar specials and nightlife focus[1].
Q: What’s the vibe like?
A: Festive parade with costumes, drinks, and holiday surprises in a jolly crowd[1].
Q: How do I get koozies?
A: First 200 crawlers at check-in receive them[1].
Q: Any food options?
A: Light bites at bars; focus on beer/cocktail specials[1].
Q: Parking tips for Uptown?
A: Use garages near Church St or CATS rail; rideshares best[9].
Q: Can I bring kids?
A: No, it’s 21+ nightlife event, not family-friendly[1].
Q: Refund info?
A: No refunds per Eventbrite policy; check with Charlotte Nightlife[3].
Q: More photos from past crawls?
A: Visit event page for previous event galleries[3].
Q: How does it tie into other Charlotte nightlife?
A: Perfect lead-in to Uptown bars and events in Charlotte[5].
References
– Eventbrite listing for 25th Annual Santa Bar Crawl. Retrieved from https://www.eventbrite.com/e/25th-annual-santa-bar-crawl-tickets-1916849210589?aff=ebdssbdestsearch[3]
– Charlotte Nightlife Eventbrite profile and details. Retrieved from https://www.eventbrite.com/o/charlotte-nightlife-821082625[3]
– Nightlife events in Charlotte, NC. Retrieved from https://www.eventbrite.com/d/nc–charlotte/nightlife[1]
– Uptown Charlotte nightlife guide. Retrieved from https://uptowncharlotte.com/things-to-do/nightlife[9]
– Bar crawl events in Charlotte. Retrieved from https://www.barcrawlnation.com/findevent/charlotte[5]
Event Related Questions
Q: What are the best bars to visit during the Santa Bar Crawl
A: Featured stops typically include popular Uptown spots like Ink N Ivy, TILT, Connolly’s, Local, and Prohibition, along with other nearby bars on the route.[3]
Q: Are there any special activities or surprises planned for the Santa Bar Crawl
A: The crawl usually includes festive holiday activities and surprises in addition to the bar stops, such as themed contests or pop-up fun along the route.[3]
Q: How can I get a koozie at the Santa Bar Crawl
A: Koozies are typically given to the first 200 crawlers to arrive at check-in, so getting there early is the best way to snag one.[3]
Q: What should I wear to fit in with the festive atmosphere
A: Most attendees wear Santa suits, Grinch costumes, or ugly holiday sweaters, so any fun, Christmas-themed outfit will fit right in.[3]
Q: Are there any drink specials that I should be aware of
A: Each participating bar offers beer and cocktail specials for crawlers, and covers are typically waived at the scheduled venues.[3]