by Fairfield, CT – A TikTok-style social media firestorm has now turned into a criminal case after Fairfield police arrested a college student accused of promoting a fake SantaCon beach party that drew more than 600,000 views online and threatened to bring massive crowds to a private shoreline neighborhood.
Teen Arrested After Promoting Unauthorized SantaCon Event
Fairfield University sophomore Emmet Blaney, 19, was charged after police said he publicized a large SantaCon-style gathering at a private residential beach without permission from homeowners. Authorities emphasized that the town was not hosting any public SantaCon this year, following major crowd-control issues in 2024.
Police charged Blaney with criminal attempt to commit disorderly conduct and third-degree criminal attempt to commit criminal trespass. He is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on December 8.
According to The Fairfield Mirror, Blaney allegedly ran an Instagram account under the handle @fairfieldsantacon, describing the proposed party as “The Mardi Gras of the Northeast.” Posts listed addresses including 445 Fairfield Road and 2 Lighthouse Point, while urging attendees to take the train to save money.
Event Abruptly “Canceled” After Backlash
Days before the arrest, the Instagram account posted:
“Fairfield santacon has been cancelled and moved to jennings beach for students only… you will not be able to make it to the beach.”
This came shortly after Fairfield University announced the only official SantaCon event, a private, ticketed gathering restricted to students and invited guests.
Police: Public SantaCon “Is Not Happening”
The Fairfield Police Department issued strongly worded warnings on Facebook, noting that last year’s unsanctioned SantaCon-like gathering caused:
- Thousands of college-aged visitors to overrun the beach area
- Public safety hazards
- Quality-of-life complaints
- Overwhelmed emergency services
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Police stressed that much of the Fairfield shoreline is privately owned and not open to the public, and that misleading social media posts would be investigated.
FPD Chief Michael Paris stated:
“If you are not invited to the private event, do not come to Fairfield expecting a public SantaCon celebration. There isn’t one.”
Fairfield First Selectman Christine Vitale also urged outsiders to stay away, adding:
“We are putting extensive plans in place so that our neighborhoods or emergency services are not overwhelmed.”
Students Outraged Over Arrest
Reactions from students on the anonymous campus app Fizz were immediate, with some claiming the arrest was unnecessary and calling for the university to defend the student. Comments included:
“Where is freedom of speech? FREE EMMET.”
And:
“Flood the comment sections. This is ridiculous.”
A Look Back: The Chaotic History of SantaCon
SantaCon began in San Francisco in 1994, inspired by a 1970s Danish activist group known for staging satirical “anti-consumerism” Christmas events. While originally conceptualized as a playful, artistic flash-mob, the event quickly grew across the U.S., hitting:
- Portland in 1996
- Seattle in 1997
- Los Angeles and New York in 1998
But over time, SantaCon became synonymous with heavy drinking, vandalism, and public disorder, with The Village Voice famously calling it a “reviled bar crawl” in 2014.
Fairfield Officials Prepare for Possible Pop-Up Crowds
Even with the canceled event and Blaney’s arrest, Fairfield police remain on alert for any large, unsanctioned gatherings. Officials warn that trespassing, alcohol violations, and disorderly behavior will result in arrests.
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