Best Holiday Runs

Holidays are for families, and some of the best traditions allow parents and kids to have fun together. Running, walking and races are as American as apple pie, and taking part in the best holiday races of the season gives you the opportunity to set goals, train together and share your accomplishments.

Many races and fun runs can be found during the holiday season, across the United States. Most offer runs, walks, and races of varying lengths to accommodate any level of health. This makes it fun for the whole family while teaching your children that a fit lifestyle doesn’t have to be put on pause during the holiday season. They offer more ways to share the fun, often while giving back to the community. And with that, here are some of the best holiday runs of the season.

The Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run

If you live near or spend your holidays in Southern California, this is the perfect festival to train and stay fit during the season. This run meanders through the iconic streets of Venice, the famous Venice Boardwalk and ends with a finish line festival where families can enjoy costume contests, vendors, music and more. Kids get a medal and tee-shirt and their own kid’s zone to play in, so take the whole family for fun and fitness this holiday season.

Elf on the Run 5K and 10K

San Francisco knows how to make fitness fun with the Elf on the Run charity race. Take part in a 10K or 5K race and enjoy the scenic San Francisco Bay Trail with views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Participants will be treated to an after-race party with food, drinks, music and even see Santa. Everyone will have a chance to purchase a special, ugly holiday t-shirt to show off to their friends all year long.

Resolution Run 5K and Polar Bear Dive

For this race, we travel over to Seattle, Washington for a 5K with an optional polar plunge into Lake Washington at the end. This run takes you through the beautiful Magnuson Park and will guide you to a finish line where you can choose to divert to the lake and take the plunge. Heated tents await those who let their inner polar bear out, where they can change and then enjoy hot cocoa, coffee and chili to warm and replenish.

Santas on the Loose 5K

This charity event is put on by the Webster Groves, Missouri Chamber of Commerce as a way to help give back to the community. Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to run, with a race for kids 7 to 11 years of age and another for the younger ones. Everyone receives a red shirt and free Santa hat as they are treated to a scenic route through the historic homes of Webster Groves.

Jingle All the Way

Washington D.C. has fun for everyone with a casual and fun 5K, or a 15K for those who prefer more of a challenge. This beautiful course takes runners along the beautiful and scenic Potomac River and even guides you to famous places like the Washington Monument. Wear a costume or you might feel out of place, as participants don Santa costumes and more for the costume party at the end.

Santa's North Pole Dash & Children's Snowman Shuffle

Get the whole family in the holiday spirit with this race in historic St. Charles, Missouri. Registrants receive a theme shirt, Santa’s hat and beard and a pancake breakfast to make sure you have the energy to stay warm. This race features a 5K, 1-mile run/walk and a children’s dash so family members of all ages can join the fun. The twist to this holiday race is the Nightmare Before Christmas theme to entertain kids of all ages.

Holiday Night Lights 5K and Fun Run

Missouri seems to really know how to get in the holiday spirit with this family event. Adults and kids alike can run or walk at their own pace and enjoy the spectacular holiday lights through the famous Rotary Park. Younger ones can participate in the 1-mile run, and there will be plenty of winners and medals were given out, and all participants receive a commemorative tee-shirt.

Run in the New Year and the Hangover Half and 5K

If you’re near Wichita Kansas, this challenge offers go-getters a chance to enter three races that take place in a span of 24 hours. The Resolution Run 5K is for participants 21 and over where they have an option to join a Beer Run. Here they will receive a commemorative stein to fill at stations along the way, but don’t worry, water is also offered. The Run in the New Year event begins 15 minutes before midnight, where you can literally bring in the New Year with your first 5K of the year. The third race is the Hangover Half Marathon and 5K, where participants can enjoy a tour of the city’s famous, historic downtown area and the beautiful Riverside Park.

NYRR Midnight Run

The New York Road Runners would like fitness enthusiasts to join them in their annual NYRR Midnight run. Here you can enjoy a four-mile run that begins just a minute before midnight on New Year’s eve, along with a fireworks extravaganza that will entertain from above during the race. The best part about this race is the warm-up with a dance party that begins at 10 pm, so you’ll be ready to run through Central Park to ring in the New Year.

Chicago’s New Year’s Day 5K Run and Walk

Start the New Year right with a 5K along the beautiful Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. Choose from a 5K chip-timed run, a 5K Fun Run or a 5K walk in beautiful Lincoln Park. You will be rewarded with a long-sleeve, Sport-Tek T-shirt if you’re one of the first 1,500 to enter. Participants can socialize and enjoy a post-event party with raffles and drinks at the end.

If you are not near any of these events, Yes.Fit has a New Year 2020 Virtual Race and The Gingerbread Wonderland. Do it at your pace in as many workouts as you need to complete the challenge. The great part is that your family from all over can do it with you. Above all else have fun and have an amazing holiday.