FAIRFIELD, CT — With SantaCon 2025 a few days away, Fairfield police issued another warning to revelers that officers will be out in force at the beach and downtown areas on Saturday to keep the peace.
SantaCon, a drunken celebration marking the holiday season and end of the college semester, has been a problem for Fairfield in past years, and the town’s police and fire departments, in addition to town officials, want to ensure that this year’s event is not overrun by lawless behavior.
This year’s SantaCon, scheduled for Saturday, will not be a public event like in years past, but will be a private, ticketed event exclusively for Fairfield University students and their registered guests. Those attendees will have to provide identification and a ticket to gain entry to the event, and only those students and guests who are 21 years old and older will be allowed to drink alcohol.
Last month, both the police and fire departments, in addition to Fairfield University, issued warnings about this year’s event, and on Wednesday, police issued another warning on X (see below) and Facebook.
Also last month, Fairfield police arrested a Fairfield University student after authorities said he allegedly circulated fake promotions of SantaCon on social media. The student is facing charges of criminal attempt to commit disorderly conduct, and third-degree criminal attempt to commit criminal trespass; he is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Monday.
“Observed violations of law, including trespassing, open containers, alcohol on the beach, disorderly conduct, and pedestrian safety violations, will be addressed,” authorities wrote on Wednesday.
Additionally, Fairfield police will enforce all parking violations and other town ordinances on Saturday during the event.
The 2024 version of SantaCon reportedly devolved into a mess of extreme drunkenness, fights, littering, public urination, vandalism and other violations, with emergency personnel taking several people to area hospitals for over-intoxication.
“Our priority is protecting our residents, our neighborhoods, and everyone’s safety,” said Fairfield Police Chief Micheal Paris in a statement. “If you are not invited to the private event, do not come to Fairfield expecting a public SantaCon celebration. There isn’t one. Our message is simple: If you come to Fairfield to break the law or disrupt this community, you will be held accountable.”
