During the stress and frenzy of finals it can be easy to lose the holiday spirit. But if you want an excuse to put that festive sweater to use before things get too crazy, while also enjoying a few holiday spirits, then clear your Saturday night plans and buy your tickets to Krewe of Kringle.

The Krewe of Kringle is an annual holiday parade with the mission of spreading goodwill and holiday cheer around the French Quarter. For $20 a ticket, participants get free beers and drink specials at bars along the mile-long route.

Festive attire and costumes are highly encouraged, including anything from a simple Santa suit to a snowman to an extravagant Christmas Marie Antoinette with a snow globe for hair, which Peter Smith, Krewe of Kringle board member, says has been the best costume he has seen to date.

“About 20 years ago a few of us dressed like Santa and bar-hopped in the back of a pickup truck, spreading holiday cheer around New Orleans,” Smith said.

After five years that small crew expanded, eventually joining forces with other holiday-minded drinkers, and the Krewe of Kringle was born. Now in its 16th year, the event attracts around 1,000 participants each year and is accompanied by a police escort and a local marching band.

Further spreading goodwill and cheer, each year a portion of the ticket proceeds is donated to a charity. In the past these donations have gone to local charities such as Animal Rescue of New Orleans and Save Our Cemeteries. This year, organizers chose to support Dress for Success, a non-profit organization that provides women with professional attire and knowledge to empower them and help them secure employment.

This year’s Krewe of Kringle definitely won’t disappoint those looking to imbibe while in the holiday spirit and share joy with others.

“It is a lot of fun, and we always love seeing new faces,” Smith said. “The more creative costumes, the better.”

Registration for the Krewe of Kringle is from 7-9 p.m., and the parade begins at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, starting from BB King’s Blues Club and Molly’s on the Market on Decatur Street and ending at Pat O’Brien’s Bar and Boondock Saint on Royal Street.