Former Pizzeria Bianco hosting Santa, booze, snacks and puppies

Congress Street is about to become our favorite place to visit during the holiday season.

Starting this Friday, Santa and his elves will camp out at the former Pizzeria Bianco space for the first-ever Miracle on Congress St. Catch them every weekend through Christmas Eve. There will also be crafts, and cocktails ...

Here's a few of the drinks on the "naughty list"

• The Naughty Nog with eggnog and rum

• Nutcracker with Sailor Jerry rum, Maya Chai Tea and almond milk

• Rudolph’s Ruin with carrot-infused vodka, Aperol, ginger beer and fresh citrus

• The Scottish Lullaby, a Kiltlifter beer and a shot of Scotch

*** all cocktails are $7

This free series is being put on by nearby restaurants Hub and Playground, in cooperation with downtown investors Scott Stiteler and Rudy Dabdoub. The team is bringing in Hub employee Raymond Kingman to be Santa. Kingman comes from a seasoned Santa family: his late father-in-law Shane Eden did it for two decades, and even once landed a helicopter on a Tucson Kmart in his Santa suit.

Raymond Kingman's father-in-law Shane Eden was a Tucson Santa for 20 years, and even landed this helicopter on a Kmart.
Miracle on Congress Street

Kids will be able to meet and take photos with Santa, and stay for the crafts, holiday movies and story time.

"I think it'll be more fun than seeing Santa at the mall simply because there'll be other activities," says Sandy Ford. "You can go decorate your cookie or go watch a movie or go have a snack. Or if the line is really long, we're gonna do coupons for Hub ... and maybe you can go get lunch and we'll take your phone number and we can text you when Santa's ready."

The event will be put on Fridays from 4-8 p.m, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (The bar will stay open later.) Expect special holiday hours as Christmas gets closer, follow their Facebook page for updates.

Craft classes happen on December 3, 10 and 17 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Story time is scheduled on Saturday and Sunday, check their page for confirmed times.

Donations from the event will benefit a different Tucson charity each week: Casa de los Niños, Higher Ground, Children's Museum Tucson and Humane Society.