The Elf Party, San Francisco

Dance music. Laser lights. Sexy Santas, reindeers, and elves as far as the eye can see. No, it's not after hours at the North Pole; it's the famed San Francisco holiday event known as The Elf Party.

Every year, men step into their elf costumes and women dress as their favorite holiday characters and head to the dance party The Travel Channel named one of the most Xtreme Xmas celebrations. The party takes place inside The Regency Ballroom, which itself is dressed up in its finest holiday garb. Several cash bars keep revelers feeling merry, and Santa Claus snaps pictures with attendees.

Because the holiday season is about more than just partying, The Elf Party donates all of its proceeds to charity. So far, it has raised more than $125,000 for such organizations as San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center and Women's Community Clinic.