Picture Queens Boulevard filled with Santa hats, red suits, and people actually smiling at strangers. That’s the vibe of Sunnyside Santathon—a holiday tradition that turns a simple bar crawl into something bigger: a neighborhood fundraiser that helps bring Christmas gifts to local kids.
This year’s event marks its 15th year and kicks off at 3 PM on Saturday, December 13. If you love community energy, local small businesses, and a reason to get out of the house in December, this is one of those Queens nights worth circling on the calendar.
Quick answer: What is Sunnyside Santathon?
Sunnyside Santathon is a Santa-themed charity crawl in Sunnyside and Woodside where people dress up, walk between neighborhood bars, and fundraise for kids’ holiday gifts.
Here’s the simple version:
You buy a $10 wristband at participating bars.
100% of wristband proceeds go toward buying toys for local children.
The event supports local community partners, including The Floating Hospital, St. Raphael Roman Catholic Church, and Hour Children.
Bars also collect toy donations in drop boxes ahead of the event, so you can give back even if you’re not joining the crawl.
Last year, the fundraiser brought in around $3,000 in cash plus toy donations, which is a great reminder of what a supportive neighborhood can do when people actually show up.
Why this event feels so “Queens”
I’ve always said Queens is at its best when it’s not trying too hard. That’s Sunnyside Santathon.
It’s festive, yes. But it’s also practical. It’s walkable. It supports local bars that keep the neighborhood alive year-round. And it’s built around something that matters: kids having a brighter holiday.
One of the organizers put it plainly: it helps bring the community together. And honestly, that’s precisely what it feels like when you’re in the middle of it.
The vibe: walkable, friendly, and easy to join
This crawl is made for the neighborhood. Most stops run along Queens Boulevard and Skillman Avenue, so you’re not bouncing around in cars or chasing trains. It’s the kind of event where you can move at your own pace.
A few tips from someone who’s seen these nights play out:
Go early if you want a calmer start and shorter lines for wristbands.
Pace yourself. Nobody wins Santathon by sprinting.
Dress warm. Santa suits are fun, but December in Queens is still December.
Wear comfortable shoes. You’re walking, not posing for a holiday card.
And if you’re not into drinking much? You can still show up, donate a toy, and enjoy the neighborhood energy.
Sunnyside Santathon 2025: Date and start time
Full 2025 Sunnyside Santathon route: all stops
You can grab your wristband at any participating venue. The list below has been shared by local organizers and participating bars.
Bar 43 — 43-06 43rd St.
Belo — 48-06 Skillman Ave.
Copper Kettle — 50-24 Skillman Ave.
Courtyard Ale House — 40-18 Queens Blvd.
Flynn’s — 46-08 Skillman Ave.
The Globe Tavern — 49-10 Skillman Ave.
The Goat — 43-17 Queens Blvd.
Ida’s Nearabout — 43-13 Queens Blvd.
Jack’s Fire Dept. — 39-46 Skillman Ave.
Maggie Mae’s Bar — 41-15 Queens Blvd.
McGuinness’s Saloon — 44-23 Queens Blvd.
Sanger Hall — 48-20 Skillman Ave.
Sweet Avenue — 40-05 Queens Blvd. QNS
Wild Goose — 54-20 Roosevelt Ave.
Donation note: Many participating bars place toy drop boxes in advance, so you can donate even if you can’t make the crawl.
How to enjoy it without overdoing it
This is the part nobody tells you, but everyone appreciates:
Pick 4–6 stops max. You’ll have more fun and remember the night.
Eat something early. A good base makes the whole evening smoother.
Make one “home base” bar. Start there and end there. It keeps the night simple.
Bring cash (just in case). Queens bars are friendly, but lines move faster when you’re prepared.
FAQ
Is Sunnyside Santathon only for Sunnyside residents?
No. Anyone can join. It’s a neighborhood event, but it welcomes the whole borough.
Do I need to dress like Santa?
It’s encouraged, not required. People show up in Santa suits, elf outfits, ugly sweaters, and everything in between.
Where does the money go?
Wristband proceeds fund toy purchases for children through community partners, including The Floating Hospital, St. Raphael Roman Catholic Church, and Hour Children.
Can I donate without doing the crawl?
Yes. Many bars collect toy donations ahead of time through drop boxes.
Photo Credit: Angy Altamirano
Event details and availability can change. Confirm directly with the organizers and participating venues before you go.
About Me (Queens Real Estate Broker)
I’m Vasilis Kokoris, a Queens real estate broker, and I help buyers and sellers navigate co-ops, condos, single-family homes, multi-family properties, and commercial buildings. I serve Jackson Heights, Astoria, Astoria Heights, Sunnyside, Woodside, East Elmhurst, and Long Island City, and I bring 25+ years of hands-on Queens real estate experience to every deal.
I’m known for being a strategic negotiator and financing strategist—meaning I don’t just help you find (or sell) a property. I help you structure a smart offer, understand building requirements (especially with co-ops), and avoid surprises during underwriting and closing. When I list a home, I build a custom marketing plan for that specific property, powered by cutting-edge real estate technology and hyper-local neighborhood knowledge.
More than 70% of my business comes from client referrals, and I’m backed by 120+ five-star Google reviews—which I take seriously, because trust and results are everything in this business.
Work with me:
Phone: 347-354-9101
Email: [email protected]
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