We’re tracking Santa through the gayborhoods. Will he be naughty or nice?
Let’s face it, the Big Man in Red slays everywhere he goes.
As the holidays approach, there’s one big question on everyone’s mind: where is Santa, and how soon will he make it to our favorite LGBTQ+ hotspots? Thanks to the Santa tracker, we can now follow his fabulous flight path around the globe, imagining how he fits into some of the world’s most beloved gayborhoods.
Whether he’s snagging a selfie by a rainbow flag or shaking off chimney soot at a rooftop bar, Santa’s journey has never been this fabulous. So buckle up because this year, he’s spreading holiday cheer with a little extra sparkle! Let’s face it: the Big Man in Red slays everywhere he goes.
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the best LGBTQ+ travel guides, stories, and more.
Subscribe to our Newsletter today
Sydney’s Oxford Street (AEDT, UTC+11)
First up is Sydney, Australia, where Santa starts his sunny adventure Down Under. On Oxford Street, the heart of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ scene, it’s midsummer and hot enough for Santa to swap his heavy red suit for board shorts and flip-flops. While the elves might be sticking to iced lattes, Santa’s likely tempted by the tropical cocktails.
After making his rounds and maybe catching a quick beach view at Bondi, Santa waves goodbye to Australia and heads west.
Bangkok’s Silom Soi 4 (ICT, UTC+7)
Next stop: Bangkok. Santa arrives in Thailand’s most famous LGBTQ+ hotspot, Silom Soi 4, as the bustling nightlife is gearing up. It’s easy to imagine Rudolph getting distracted by the neon lights while Santa dashes through the narrow, vibrant streets.
Santa might pause for a quick glass of Thai iced tea, but he’s on a tight schedule. Before anyone spots him lounging at a rooftop bar, he’s back in his sleigh and heading toward South Asia.
Related
[PHOTOS] Chicago’s Santa Speedo Run brought the heat to the streets
GayCities went to check out the sexy Santas and report back with plenty of photos.
Cape Town’s De Waterkant (SAST, UTC+2)
On the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town’s De Waterkant neighborhood offers Santa a stunning stopover. Known for its charming colorful houses and lively LGBTQ+ community, it’s the perfect summer destination for the big man in red. While the reindeer rest their hooves, Santa might indulge in a sunny rooftop brunch.
With his sack a little lighter and his sleigh ready to roll, Santa soars off, leaving Cape Town buzzing with holiday magic and a wink that says, “Keep it fabulous, darling!”
Berlin’s Schöneberg (CET, UTC+1)
Santa makes his grand entrance in Berlin’s Schöneberg, where the LGBTQ+ community knows how to party—especially around the holidays. With a history of fabulous queer culture, it’s no wonder Santa feels right at home here. Maybe he swaps his usual milk and cookies for a schnapps or two, and who could blame him? After a quick sip, he’s probably eyeing the glittering nightlife, but he can’t stay out too late—he’s got a whole world to conquer.
With a wink and a jolly laugh, he’s back in the sleigh, off to the next destination.
New York City’s West Village (EST, UTC-5)
It’s late night when Santa arrives at New York City’s historic West Village, home to the Stonewall Inn and the birthplace of modern Pride. By the time he touches down, the cobblestone streets are glimmering with holiday lights, and the city’s charm is in full swing.
It’s easy to picture Santa sneaking into a cozy bar for a celebratory martini or soaking in the love and resilience of this iconic gayborhood. And while there’s no official word on it, locals swear they’ve seen Santa joining in for a quick dance before hopping back in his sleigh.
Related
12 LGBTQ+ holiday songs to make your winter travels unforgettable
Whether you’re road-tripping home or escaping for the holidays, this LGBTQ+ holiday playlist will keep the good vibes rolling.
Mexico City’s Zona Rosa (CST, UTC-6)
In the heart of Mexico City, Zona Rosa is abuzz with holiday cheer when Santa and his reindeer land. The LGBTQ+ hub is known for its colorful streets, vibrant nightlife, and warm community. Santa might trade cookies for tacos al pastor or even get a glittery sombrero to match his festive spirit.
After delivering presents and posing for a few selfies, Santa sets his sights on the final stop of his global gayborhood tour.
San Francisco’s Castro District (PST, UTC-8)
Santa wraps up his LGBTQ+ world tour in San Francisco’s Castro District, where the vibrant energy makes it feel like the party never ends. Between the iconic rainbow crosswalks, the giant Pride flag fluttering in the wind, and the glittering nightlife, Santa’s practically doing a happy jig on his sleigh. He takes a moment to breathe in the unapologetically fabulous atmosphere, soaking up the love and the sparkle—because, let’s face it, he’s not just here to drop off presents; he’s here for the full Castro experience.
With a jolly laugh and his mission complete, Santa heads back to the North Pole, his sleigh a little more fabulous than when he left.
Related
Your guide to San Francisco’s holiday season with drag icon Jubilee
San Franciscans know how to celebrate the holiday spirit. So what should you do when you visit?
Join the GayCities newsletter for weekly updates on the best LGBTQ+ destinations and events—nearby and around the world.
What's Your Reaction?