WRIGLEYVILLE — After three decades of festive revelry, Christopher “Mister” Festa announced that the 2026 Twelve Bars of Xmas (TBOX) bar crawl will be his final year leading the event. In a short video posted to social media, the 60‑year‑old founder reflected on the crawl’s growth from a modest gathering in 1996 to one of Chicago’s largest holiday‑season celebrations.
From a Small Party to a City‑wide Tradition
Festa first organized the crawl in 1996 with a handful of friends at Goose Island Brewpub on Clybourn Avenue. By 2003 the event attracted more than 2,000 participants, and by 2010 that number had swelled to over 10,000. Over the years, the crawl has become a December fixture in Wrigleyville, with participating bars transforming into holiday‑themed stops and crowds in Santa suits, elf costumes, pajamas and elaborate outfits filling Clark Street.
Charitable Impact
Beyond the revelry, TBOX has raised more than $370,000 for local charities. Past beneficiaries include the Lakeview Pantry (now Nourishing Hope) and the Lakeview East Community Partnership. A portion of this year’s proceeds will add to that total, continuing the event’s tradition of giving back to the neighborhood.
Details for the Final Crawl
The 2026 crawl kicks off at 10 a.m. on Dec. 12 with opening ceremonies at the Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St. Participants will move among roughly 20 Wrigleyville bars—including Old Crow Smokehouse, Stolen Saddle, Moe’s Cantina, Tin Roof, HVAC, Country Club, Murphy’s Bleachers, Rabbit Hole, Stretch, Roadhouse 66 and Pilot Project Brewing—before returning to the Cubby Bear for closing ceremonies at 7 p.m.
Tickets, priced as low as $5 during a limited‑time promotion, include admission to participating bars, breakfast buffets, gift‑card credits, drink specials, live music, giveaways and other perks. The event is open to anyone 21 and older.
Festa’s Farewell Message
“What started as a little gathering in 1996 has lasted half my life, and it’s become more than I ever could have imagined,” Festa said in the video. “It’s been a beautiful ride, but closing time is almost here.” He added, “Well, first, let’s face it. I am very, very old. While I’ve avoided growing up in many ways, being 60 now feels like the right time to close this chapter of my life.”
Festa encouraged longtime regulars and newcomers alike to join him for “one final trip down Clark Street, wire to wire, baby.” He closed with a nostalgic note, asking, “Didn’t we almost have it all?” and answering, “Well, the answer is no because we did have it all.”
Future of the Crawl
The announcement leaves open the question of whether another organizer will continue the tradition after 2026. Festa could not be reached for comment on succession plans.
For more information on participating bars, charitable partners and ticket purchases, visit the official TBOX website.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
