Say goodbye to turkey trot season and hello to Santa races. We rounded up some of the best jingle bell runs and Santa-themed 5Ks taking place around Washington this month. Take your pick from a variety of holiday-themed races, from the 12K that comes with eggnog at the finish line to the 5K that takes you on a tour of the Bull Run’s Festival of Lights.
Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
December 7, 9 AM
Run or walk a 5K to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. The race begins at the Joyce Star skating rink plaza in Arlington and ends in a party with awards and giveaways. $35 to register until December 4.
2013 YCF Jingle Bell Jog 5K
December 7, 9 AM
Runners 18 years and older can register for the third annual Jingle Bell Jog 5K, which takes places along Bluemont Trail in Arlington. $35 to register.
Snowman Stampede 5K
December 7, 5:30 PM
Check out Bull Run’s Festival of Lights at the Light Up the Night 5K. Following a one-mile Reindeer Run, participants can run another 3.1 miles while getting a tour of the holiday lights. The finish line will feature a North Pole-like holiday village with hot chocolate, cider, gingerbread cookies, and kid-friendly activities. $35 to register.
Run With Santa 5K
December 8, 8:30 AM
Potomac River Running hosts this holiday-themed race at Reston Town Center. Wear your best Santa or elf costume for a chance to win a prize. $35 to register until December 5.
Jingle All the Way 8K
December 8, 9 AM
The ninth annual five-miler hosted by Pacers Running Store kicks off at Pennsylvania Avenue. Don your reindeer antlers and Santa hats while running through the streets of DC and end with a cup of hot coffee and a photo with Santa at the finish line. $35 to register.
Jolly Fat Man Fun Run/Walk
December 14, 8 AM
The Sergeant’s Bootcamp program hosts a fun run and walk along the Capital Crescent Trail in Bethesda to benefit Operation Second Chance, a nonprofit that helps veterans and their families. Choose your own distance and finish with a breakfast buffet provided by American Tap Room. Donate $5 to $30 online to register.
Celtic Christmas 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
December 14, 8:30 AM
Head to Burke Lake Park for the Celtic Christmas race, which is hosted by the Boyle School of Irish Dance. Expect Irish dance performances, live Irish music, and more post-race. $15 to $35 to register.
The 12 Ks of Christmas Holiday Run
December 14, 10:30 AM
The DC Running Club hosts a 12K and 5K Santa run in DC with prizes for the best costumes, long-sleeve T-shirts, eggnog and cider at the finish line, and photos with Santa. Runners are encouraged to bring a $5 wrapped gift to exchange with another runner. $35 to $45 to register.
Jingle Bell 5K at Little Washington
December 21, 8:30 AM
Run through the streets of the historic town of Little Washington for the third annual Jingle Bell 5K run and walk. Jingle bells will be provided, and holiday-themed costumes are encouraged. $15 to $25 to register.
