Thousands dress as Santa in London

LONDON, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Organizers of the Santacon gathering in London said thousands of people in Santa Claus suits gathered in Trafalgar Square for the event.

The British website for Santacon, which is loosely affiliated with similar events elsewhere in the world, said thousands of people turned up in Trafalgar Square, most decked out in Santa's traditional red suit and white beard, the London Evening Standard reported Monday.

"There is no particular reason to dress up in Santa suits, run around town, give gifts, sing songs, have strangers sit on our laps, and decide who is naughty or nice -- but it's a lot of fun -- so Santa does it anyway. Everyone loves Santa and Santa loves everyone," the group said on its website.