NEW YORK -- Hundreds of Santas gathered in New York recently to act naughty and nice during a convention called Santacon.

A red sea of Santas paraded across the Brooklyn Bridge, hopped on the subway and stormed the steps of the Federal Building, where the Bill of Rights was signed.

Santacon features Santas of all shapes, sizes and skill levels. They chanted, caroled and caroused.

The tradition began 11 years ago in San Francisco. Since then, it has gone global, with Santacons planned in Boston, Atlanta and London.

There are four unofficial rules of Santacon: Don't mess with police, don't mess with kids, don't mess with store security and don't mess with Santa.

Most of the Santas stay in character. "I was born into this, I will always be doing this," one Santa said. "It's me, the reindeer and my colleagues."

Sometimes the Santas were nice -- and sometimes they were naughty.

"Santa needs at least one day off, and this is that day," another Santa said. "Santa needs a break. Santa needs a drink."