Fairfield University is hosting a sanctioned SantaCon event on Saturday, December 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jennings Beach for Fairfield University students and their limited number of registered guests. The event will be ticketed and closed to the public. Shuttles will be provided for ticketed attendees.
Over the past few years, due in part to the rising national trend of SantaCon, the beach setting, and social media accounts spreading news of the unsanctioned events, SantaCon has attracted large crowds of non-Fairfield University students from across the region. In response to this, working with the Town of Fairfield, the University is offering University-sponsored SantaCon for the first time, modeled after the success of Clam Jam, an event held each April for seniors at Penfield Beach.
Approval to host the event at Jennings Beach has been granted by the Town of Fairfield Parks & Recreation Commission, along with an approved noise variance. As has been done consistently over past years, the University will cover costs associated with student related events.
“Last year, data indicated that more than 80% of the crowd at the unsanctioned SantaCon gathering was not affiliated with Fairfield University, and the event resulted in neighborhood disruptions, safety concerns, damage to student housing, and significant strain on Town, Police, and University resources,” said Jenn Anderson, vice president of marketing and communications. “While we recognize that the University cannot prevent this national trend, the Town, Police and the University believe that by offering a private, ticketed event for our students, we can provide a managed, University-funded alternative that is intended to support both our students’ experience and the residents’ quality of life. This event will be limited exclusively to students and their registered guests; all others will not be permitted to attend.”
Event details are being shared exclusively through official University communication channels including the University’s verified TikTok account.
The Town of Fairfield, and the Fairfield Police Department strongly encourage anyone without a ticket to SantaCon to avoid travel to the Fairfield beach area. “SantaCon is a private, ticketed event. It is not open to the general public. The Fairfield Police Department supported by multiple law enforcement agencies and the State’s Attorney’s Office will maintain a large, visible presence throughout the beach area and downtown to ensure the safety and security of the community,” said Police Chief Michael Paris. “I want to thank Fairfield University for holding a sanctioned event for their students which has proven successful with Clam Jam. As a reminder, any violations of law or Town ordinances, including alcohol-related offenses, disorderly conduct, trespassing, or public disturbances will be met with immediate enforcement.”