It's time to drag those Santa costumes out of the closet.

The Santa Pub Crawl kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 at The Honey Pot, 1507 E. 7th Avenue in Ybor City.

But the crawl isn't just a chance to sample craft beers and meet locals. It's a charity event for Meals on Wheels, according to Scott Sestak, director of the pub crawl's board.

We recently talked to him about how the event got its start and how crucial it is to dress up for the crawl.

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Patch: How did the Santa Pub Crawl start, and what organization us putting it on?

Sestak: It started in 2001 with four friends who put on the first Santa Pub Crawl in Ybor based on a concept from a friend who did one in Atlanta. One-hundred and fifty people attended, so they made it an annual event, which has grown to over 1,000 attendees each year. The group incorporated a few years later, and we are called "Tampa Charities Inc.," a 501c3 charitable organization. 

All monetary proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels of Tampa Bay, and the toys are distributed to local groups and charities.  To date, we have donated over $140,000 to charity.

Patch: What are the details, and is there a cost?

Sestak: Saturday, Dec. 8, and it's $20 at the door in a holiday themed costume with a new unwrapped toy.  It's $30 at the door with no costume and a toy.

Patch: How many bars participate?

Sestak: Four to five bars are on the route. The biggest ones that can handle 1,000 or more people.

Patch: Do you have to dress up?

Sestak: Yes, almost everyone dresses up, some more than others.  Some go all out as you can see in the pictures on our website, www.santapubcrawl.com.

Do you plan to go? Tell us in the comments.