SantaCon, the event of the year that divides communities, is almost upon us. This year, however, Hell’s Kitchen will be skipped (spared?) by the hordes of Santas, as reported by DNAinfo, in response to countless complaints from residents after last year’s event.

If you missed it, here’s an impressive yet frightening taste of the scene last year at Pier 84:

SantaCon has visited the neighborhood throughout the years it’s been running without too much public outcry, but last year started from Pier 84, so Hell’s Kitchen bore the brunt of the event, which lead to a significant amount of complaints, which brings us to this news.

Some people like the event, and a lot of people hate it, so it’s naturally a divisive topic, but at least for this year it’s looking like there won’t be too much to worry about. Of course, this is only an official policy that the area will be skipped – it’s still very likely that some of the Santas (that just sounds ridiculous) will break away and descend. Be warned.