More than 20 local residents stepped out last Saturday for the annual “The Twelve Bars of Christmas” tour of a dozen local bars.
The holiday spirits were overflowing by early afternoon with the eager participants of this group event. Now in its 13th year, the group meets every holiday season.
From Lehigh to Hoboken
In 1993, some fraternity brothers from Lehigh University wanted to celebrate the holiday in a way they could call their own. Hence the origination of “Santa’s Sinful Schedule,” which details the party plans of the day.
Since the first year of this event, organizers and participants have gone their separate ways, but every year they converge in Hoboken to see their long-time friends.
The head marshal of this year’s parade, George Anne, came all the way from San Diego.
“I just love coming back here and seeing everyone,” said George Anne.
The first leg of the tour
The first stop was at the Green Rock, where all the early birds congregated. Last minute phone calls were made to secure specifics, and the fun began.
The second stop was Scotland Yard. The group grew in size as they started to get into full swing.
By the time they arrived at Hobson’s Choice, many of the merrymakers wore Santa hats or carried past and present “The Twelve Bar’s of Christmas” memorabilia.
This year’s item that they all carried was a “cozy” to keep beverages cold. It contained a Santa and reindeer design.
Onward and upward they headed to Texas Arizona and Oddfellow’s. A strict schedule was upheld, with George Anne delivering a five-minute warning to the crowd before moving on to the next hot spot.
Irish for a day
No bar crawl is complete without a midway slice of pizza, so many took a quick detour over to Imposto’s during the Irish section of the tour.
Then there were off to Irish row and visited the Dubliner, McSwiggan’s, Mulligan’s, and O’Donoghue’s. By this time the group was even larger!
When asked how the pack of partygoers had reached this level, Janis from Manhattan said, “It’s the warmth of the season.”
The idea is so much fun that the group always happens to pick up a few characters who jump in midway for the ride.
Everyone was intent on making it all the way from start to finish, so the festivities moved along to Washington Street.
Near the finish
The last three bars included: the Whiskey Bar, Mile Square, and Bahama Mama’s.
Tom from Union City said that everyone involved always has so much energy.
“[Everyone’s] spirits are always high,” said Tom.
Even business alliances were forged because of the occasion. President of the Brinley Gold Rum company and attendee G. Zachary Brinley provided the ingredients to the specials at many of the participating bars.
As the night crowd started to roll in, “The Twelve Bars of Christmas” started to wind down.
At the last stop, there were hugs all around as the group promised to meet again next year. Comments on this piece can be sent to: current@hudsonreporter.com.