Santa Crawl is coming to town on Friday

Tucson is getting its own Santacon this year. Sort of.

While some of the Santa-centric conferences that have sprouted up around the country have drawn rowdy revelers dressed in white beards and cheery red suits, Santa Crawl, the event that debuts Friday at Main Gate Square is family-friendly, and benefits a good cause.

Its just to have fun, says Jane McCollum, general manager of the Marshall Foundation and Main Gate Square.

Its a way for Tucsonans to enjoy an evening of shopping and dining amid holiday decorations and the relative peace that comes with winter break at the University of Arizona, she said. The event gets underway at 7 p.m.

And while its highly suggested that everyone arrive wearing white beard and red suit, its not mandatory. One incentive $200 cash prize for best holiday-themed costume.

Regardless of ones apparel, everyone is encouraged to ho-ho-ho like Santa and to be kind.

Main Gate Square is selling wristbands for $5 not to show proof of being 21 and over but to get deals at restaurants and shops around the block, McCollum said.

Buy a wristband at Gentle Bens, Auld Dubliner, Pasco Kitchen & Lounge, Fuku Sushi, Posners Art Store, Ooo! Outside of Ordinary and all of the proceeds will go to Bens Bells.

There are a variety of deals. For example, one of the shopping districts newest additions, Bear Track U, is offering complimentary mulled cider and cheesecake bites, along with 20 percent off beer or wine.

The holiday entertainment begins at Geronimo Plaza with a Santa Sing- A-Long led by the George Howard Band, which will perform after the singalong in the courtyard until 10 p.m. Pasco Kitchen is hosting a Santas Hot Toddy Station.

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Santa Crawl is coming to town on Friday