After three decades of Christmas costumes, crowded bars and early-morning celebrations along Clark Street, TBOX founder Christopher “Mister” Festa says the 2026 holiday bar crawl will be his last at the helm.
The announcement comes as the annual Twelve Bars of Xmas prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary on Saturday, December 12, 2026, in Wrigleyville. While Festa is stepping away, it remains unclear whether the neighborhood tradition will continue under different leadership.
Festa started TBOX in 1996 as a casual holiday outing with friends. Over time, it grew into a major Chicago holiday event known for elaborate costumes, pajamas, collectible stickers, cereal shots and thousands of people visiting neighborhood bars on a December Saturday.
The event has long inspired mixed reactions around Wrigleyville. Supporters see a holiday tradition that brings business to local bars and raises money for charity; some residents have criticized the crowds, noise and disruption that accompany it.
According to the organizers, more than 250,000 people have participated over the years, and TBOX-related events have donated more than $370,000 to local charities.
TBOX 2026: Date, time, bars and tickets
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Start: 10 a.m. opening ceremonies with live music at The Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison Street
Location: Participating bars throughout Wrigleyville
Admission: Ticketed event for ages 21 and older; ticket prices vary by purchase date.
Organizers have listed participating bars including The Cubby Bear, Murphy’s Bleachers, Stolen Saddle, Country Club, Sluggers, Tin Roof, Stretch, Moe’s Cantina, HVAC, Merkle’s, Roadhouse 66, Hacienda D’Suarez, Pilot Project Brewing and Sports Corner. The lineup may change before the event.
The advertised admission package includes access to participating venues, drink coupons, breakfast offerings at select stops, collectible stickers and other TBOX traditions. Check the official ticket listing for the current price and full wristband pickup instructions.
Tickets: 2026 TBOX tickets on Eventbrite or visit TBOX.org.
Will TBOX return in 2027?
For now, there has been no confirmed announcement about a 2027 event. Festa’s departure does not automatically mean TBOX is ending, but it marks a major change for a Wrigleyville holiday institution.
Whether you participated for years or made a point of avoiding Clark Street on TBOX Saturday, the crawl has been a distinctive part of the neighborhood’s holiday season for 30 years.
For more seasonal events and holiday bars in the neighborhood, see our 2026 Wrigleyville Christmas guide.