Revelers in Santa Claus costumes crowd into a Metro stop in Los Angeles on Saturday for SantaCon 2009. Hundreds participated in L.A. as part of an international event that began in San Francisco in 1994 and is intended to spread cheer and goodwill. The Santas assembled at the Empress Pavilion in Chinatown before heading out to various Metro stops. (Christina House / For The Times)
Passengers celebrate with Santas during the SantaCon 2009 holiday spree. (Christina House / For The Times)
Santa checks his cellphone on an L.A. street. (Christina House / For The Times)
Revelers gather in Chinatown for the beginning of SantaCon 2009. (Christina House / For The Times)
Santas dine at Empress Pavilion in Chinatown, part of their SantaCon celebration. (Christina House / For The Times)
Andrew Shubov, left, plays “Sweet Caroline” on his accordion to entertain fellow Santas at a Metro stop. (Christina House / For The Times)
A couple of Santas walk past Las Palomas Bar in Los Angeles during Santacon 2009. (Christina House / For The Times)
Not even a mob of revelers in Santa costumes could interrupt a couple in love at Restaurant El Tarasco in Los Angeles. The Santas were celebrating SantaCon 2009. (Christina House / For The Times)
Accompanied by mariachis, Santas dance at Restaurant El Tarasco in Los Angeles. (Christina House / For The Times)
A sick Santa gets help from fellow Santas near a Metro stop. (Christina House / For The Times)
Ramon Avila, right, enjoys a visit from the Santas at Las Palomas Bar in Los Angeles. (Christina House / For The Times)
