Santa Stumble

Started by a group of friends in 2009, this holiday-themed pub crawl soon became a Lancaster tradition.  The annual Santa Stumble grew over time and now hosts over 4,000 participants and has raised more than $250,000 for local causes.

Founding friends Pete Ruggieri, Stephanie Horst, John Hockley, and Joe Gebhard started the Lancaster Santa Stumble to support the Lancaster City Police Foundation; specifically, to care for the horses of the mounted patrol and dogs of the K-9 units. 

After the Lancaster mounted horse unit was disbanded in 2023, the Lancaster Santa Stumble shifted its focus to raise donations for other community benefit organizations and reflect founder Pete Ruggieri’s motto: “Have fun.  Do good.”  

The idea is simple. On the second Saturday in December, you make a $10 donation which provides you with a button and free cover at all participating locations.  The $10 is then pooled together to directly support community benefit organizations in Lancaster.  Participants are encouraged to dress in holiday themed costumes, the sillier the better, and barhop around town.  Participants are simultaneously supporting the charitable causes and supporting local small businesses.

Established by Stephanie Horst, John Hockley, and Joe Gebhard, the Santa Stumble Fund helps support the charitable donations and grant making of the annual Lancaster Santa Stumble.