MISSION BEACH – With strings of holiday lights, stockings hung by the palm trees, Christmas trees around every corner, and fake snow flying, Almost Nakey’s annual SantaCon filled Belmont Park with music from five stages on Dec. 13.
At the Santa’s Haus stage, DJ duo Groove Affair kicked things off. Across the park at Santa’s Twerkshop stage, Techno Tupac got the crowd going, and at Candy Cane Lane stage, Psilocientist played alongside APL. At the Club Penguin stage, Mr. Miggle Wiggle began spinning, with crowds trickling in to get the night going.
As the night continued, fans anticipated headliner Souja Boy, alongside sets from electric music duo Flosstradamus and touring DJ Devault.
“I’m excited to see Souja Boy. It’s funny because that is someone I, and a lot of people here, grew up listening to, so it should be full of throwbacks. I bet the crowd will be pretty hyped up,” said Raul Pallares, a SantaCon attendee.
With no shortage of music, drinks were also flowing in abundance. This year, Almost Nakey secured sponsors like Tribe Coffee, Oroma Cocktails, Windansea Coconuts, PNKYS canned wine, Love Potions espresso martinis and more, offering local favorites and keeping spirits high all night.
Accompanying the sipping, the Après Ski Speakeasy hosted a hidden hideaway. Sponsored by Bebemos Tequila, Kettner Exchange, SDCM and Love Potions, the vintage ski-themed booth served as a quiet and equally aesthetic escape from the Christmas chaos.
“I didn’t know this was happening and it’s a cool touch because it feels like a whole separate area, but it’s still right in the middle of everything,” said Pallares about the speakeasy.
With much of the crowd decorated in Christmas-themed clothes, Souja Boy’s iconic white sunglasses also made plenty of appearances. The part-Christmas, part-hip-hop crossover is exactly what makes SantaCon so unique, said attendee Riley Peterson.
“I came because I had friends attend before, and it always looked so fun, so I was curious to see what it was all about. It’s lived up to the hype and I think there is something extravagant about how it mixes Christmas but also classic artists, and so many things to do around the park,” said Peterson.
With all rides running, pop-up tents, booths scattered around and ample photo ops, the six-hour festival offered a chance to do just about anything in Belmont Park.
One attendee, Emma Walsemann, was spotted with a full frosted face.
“Tonight, I am inspired by Jack Frost. I’m a pale girl and wanted to do something a little different than red and green, so icy blue and Jack Frost was my inspiration,” said Walsemann.
The Almost Nakey team had plenty of San Diego brands pitching in leading up to the festival, from SantaCon-themed pajamas from ENZOS Inactive Wear to a SantaCon smoothie at Mad Beet.
“Our greatest Almost Nakey SantaCon yet, thank you to the most loving, caring and beautiful people of San Diego coming together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, togetherness,” said Almost Nakey CEO and founder Liv Johnson.
For more information and to see upcoming festivals, visit almostnakey.com.
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