The annual Santa Claus Pub Crawl has exploded in popularity, attracting a record 2000 revellers this year compared to last year's 900.

In addition, about 1500 children's gifts were collected and $3500 in cash donated to the Salvation Army.

Organiser Neil Webster said a Salvos truck was filled to capacity with the gifts.

He said the region's citizens once again excelled in their take on the Christmas ideal.

"There were a few Jesuses this year," Mr Webster said. "There was also a lot of angels; it seemed to be a favourite for the girls."

Mr Hankey the Christmas Poo, a character from the South Park television series, proved a stand-out.

"Mr Hankey is a lump of poo who talks," Mr Webster said.

"Our Mr Hankey was pretty interesting. I don't know how he did it - he wore a brown, rolled-up costume. But I think he got a little hot later on from the poo suit."

The majority of revellers started the charity crawl at 5pm at North Wollongong Hotel, although some started at 11am with a pre-crawl barbecue.

"I got home at 6am, but I just got a text message (11am yesterday) from the barbecue people who were now having a recovery party," Mr Webster said. "So for them it will be a Santa Claus Pub Crawl weekend."

SLIDESHOW

For more pub crawl pictures, go to illawarramercury.com.au