If you're in the CBD tomorrow night, don't be surprised to run into Santa, as hundreds of Santa's will be filling the streets.

The 2012 "Running of the Santas," a national event, began in New Orleans last year to raise money for military families. This year's event will be held Saturday, December 15, 2012, from noon to midnight in the city's historic Warehouse District.

Registration for the race is still available online, and organizers are predicting more than 2,000 revelers will turn out for this year's costumed event. General admission tickets are $15 and VIP tickets are $25.

"Running of the Santas" started in Philadelphia 13 years ago organizers say, and is now held in 22 cities across the country.

Organizer Bob Dautervie says this event combines some of New Orleans favorite things, "Which is music, booze and costumes."

This year the festival begins at several Warehouse District bars with drink specials. The action moves to the "South Pole" located at Lucy's Surfer Bar at 701 Tchoupitoulas Street at 3:00 p.m. followed by a Fun Run at 6:00 p.m. from Lucy's to the "North Pole," set up at Generations Hall at 310 Andrew Higgins Drive. Category 6, a rock band, will provide the entertainment at Generations Hall till midnight.

Last year's local event attracted more than 1,000 participants dressed in full Santa Claus costumes filling the streets and local establishments.

Event sponsors are planning to hold a "Cutest Mrs. Claus" contest and the "Best Holiday Costume" contest, sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow night on stage at Generations Hall. Dautervie says last year's costumes included "Christmas trees, reindeer, snowmen and other Christmas themes."

A portion of the proceeds will benefit "That Others May Live Foundation," which Dautervie says is a non-profit established in 2002. "The foundation provides scholarships, family counseling, and aid to surviving children of United States Air Force (USAF) Rescue Heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice during a rescue mission. The goal of the program is to ensure every child of a fallen personnel recovery service member receives every opportunity for success."