Pictures: SantaCon 2012 Hits London

SantaCon revellers in central London

We weren't entirely sure when SantaCon was going to happen until today, when we received these pictures of thousands of Santa Clauses descending on central London. The event is held every year, and this year has been its biggest event, with the globally organised flash mob taking place in a huge 37 countries and 276 towns and cities.  

Trafalgar Square covered in St. Nicks

The event was believed to have started in 1974 when a Danish activist theatre group called Solovgnen brought a small army or Santas into the Danish capital of Copenhagen. Four years later in Austin, USA the first Santa Rampage was held, whilst a big event in 1994 saw Santarchy take place in San Francisco. 

A group of Santa Clauses turning up for the fun

Now the event is a massive event which is co-ordinated to take place in different cities around the world. The aim of it is nothing other than fun and to spread a little Christmas cheer, which in these turbulent times is always greatly appreciated. London's leg of the SantaCon took place on Saturday December 15. The event focused largely around national landmarks Trafalgar Square and the Tate Modern Gallery. Of course, it being the UK it wouldn't be the same without a touch of alcohol involved and many chose to turn the event into something of a festive pub crawl. For more information check out the SantaCon website.

Trafalgar Square indundated