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Jingle bell, Santa and holiday runs, 2026

Christmas Races in Texas

Texas has 82 upcoming Christmas and holiday races on the RunSignup calendar between Nov 25 and Dec 31, 2026, in 53 cities: jingle bell runs, Santa runs, reindeer dashes, Grinch runs and more. The busiest weekend is Dec 5 with 30 races, and 16 races are on the last weekend before Christmas (Dec 18 to Dec 20). 1 race on Christmas Eve, 1 race on Christmas Day and 8 races on the day after Christmas. San Antonio (8), Fort Worth (5), Houston (5), Temple (5) and Austin (4) host the most. 77 include a 5K, 36 a 10K and 16 a half marathon. Current RunSignup entry fees run $15 to $95. Registration is open for 78.

Last updated Sep 27, 2026. Race data from RunSignup, refreshed every morning. Always confirm details on the official race page.

Races
82
Weekend of Dec 19
16
Registration open
78
Host cities
53

Looking for any race this winter? See every race in Texas in December, or browse 5Ks in Texas. More holiday runs: Halloween races, turkey trots, Veterans Day races, New Year's races, Valentine's Day races, St. Patrick's Day races.

Are there races on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in Texas

Christmas Eve · Thursday, Dec 24

Christmas Day · Friday, Dec 25

The day after Christmas · Saturday, Dec 26

Christmas Races by weekend

Every Texas race on RunSignup with a Christmas or holiday name (jingle, Santa, reindeer, elf, Grinch, candy cane, gingerbread, holiday and more) between Nov 25 and Dec 31, 2026, grouped by weekend and region. Virtual-only listings aren't included. Fees are the current RunSignup price tier for the cheapest adult in-person entry (or the first tier, if registration hasn't opened), before processing fees. "Festive attire" means the organizer's own description mentions costumes, Santa suits, ugly sweaters or festive attire; "Kids' event" means a kids' race is listed on RunSignup, and "Mentions kids" that the description mentions kids or children.

Weekend of Dec 5

30 races

Austin & Hill Country

Dallas–Fort Worth

Houston & Gulf Coast

West Texas & El Paso

East Texas & Piney Woods

Central Texas (Waco, Bryan–College Station)

Coastal Bend & Rio Grande Valley

Weekend of Dec 12

26 races

Austin & Hill Country

Dallas–Fort Worth

Houston & Gulf Coast

San Antonio & South Texas

West Texas & El Paso

Panhandle & Lubbock

East Texas & Piney Woods

Central Texas (Waco, Bryan–College Station)

Coastal Bend & Rio Grande Valley

Weekend of Dec 19

Last weekend before Christmas 16 races

Austin & Hill Country

Dallas–Fort Worth

Houston & Gulf Coast

San Antonio & South Texas

West Texas & El Paso

East Texas & Piney Woods

Central Texas (Waco, Bryan–College Station)

Weekend of Dec 26

10 races

Austin & Hill Country

Dallas–Fort Worth

Houston & Gulf Coast

San Antonio & South Texas

East Texas & Piney Woods

Central Texas (Waco, Bryan–College Station)

Registration links go to RunSignup; Lone Star Strides may earn a referral commission at no cost to you. Races are matched by name, so a December race without a holiday name won't be listed here; see all December races in Texas.

What the organizers say about Santa suits, sweaters and costumes

27 races mention costumes, Santa suits, ugly sweaters or festive attire in their RunSignup description. In the organizers' own words:

Friday, Dec 4 · Keller

Santa Scurry 5K - Keller, TX

“Grab your jingle bells, Santa hats, Rudolph noses, and headlamps, and join us for a great time with your friends!”

Saturday, Dec 5 · Midland

2026 Nighttime Jingle Bell Run

“…holiday experience filled with Christmas cheer, glowing lights, festive music, creative costumes, and jingle bells…”

Saturday, Dec 5 · Kennedale

Hometown Jingle Jog

“Dash through the heart of Kennedale in your most festive holiday gear.”

Saturday, Dec 5 · Murphy

Jingle Jog 5K | Reindeer Dash

“Come dressed in your most festive holiday attire—Santa hats, reindeer antlers, holiday pajamas and plenty of sparkle are encouraged!”

Sunday, Dec 6 · Austin

Austin Jingle Bell 5K

“Experience the family fun with Santa hats, jingle bells, and hanging out with Santa!”

Saturday, Dec 12 · Houston

16th Annual Rudolph Fun Run

“Smile for the camera as we judge to see who has the best Christmas costume and win a great gift card.”

Saturday, Dec 12 · Victoria

Holiday Hustle 5K and Kids 1K Reindeer Dash

“Holiday attire is “optional” in the same way fruitcake is “optional” at Christmas—it’s happening whether you like it or not.”

Saturday, Dec 12 · Grand Prairie

Jingle Jog 5K

“This merry event is perfect for the whole family—whether you’re running, walking, or just showing off your favorite ugly sweater.”

Saturday, Dec 12 · Kingwood

Kingwood Christmas Cookie Dash

“So, lace-up your pikes, put on your best Christmas gear and come join us for the most wonderful time of the year!!”

Saturday, Dec 12 · Rowlett

Rowlett Holiday 5K & Fun Run

“Dress in your favorite holiday gear and hit the course around our high school campus and nearby park.”

Saturday, Dec 12 · El Paso

Santa Run 915

“Santa's 5K Run- Event shirt, Santa Hat, Finisher Medal, Race Bib, Swag Bag.”

Saturday, Dec 12 · Harker Heights

Santa Shuffle & Shop

“Come dressed in your favorite holiday gear, bring your Christmas cheer, and join us for a merry good time filled with festive fun, friendly competition, and plenty of reasons to celebrate the season.”

Types of christmas races in Texas

5Ks and fun runs. 77 of the 82 races include a 5K, and many add a one-mile fun run or kids' dash. See all 5Ks in Texas.

Half marathons and marathons. 16 races include a half marathon or marathon, including Holiday 5K, 10K & 13.1M at Longview, TX (49) (Dec 5, Longview), Holiday 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Beaumont, TX (49) (Dec 5, Beaumont), Holiday 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Temple, TX (49) (Dec 5, Temple) and Holiday 5K, 10K & 13.1M at Katy, TX (50) (Dec 12, Katy). Compare them with every half marathon in Texas.

Night / lights. 2026 Nighttime Jingle Bell Run (Dec 5, Midland) and Carol of Lights Run (Dec 13, Lubbock) run after dark or among holiday lights, going by the race name.

Virtual options. 27 races also offer a virtual entry, handy if you're traveling.

Holiday trail races. A few holiday races run on dirt. More off-road options are on the Texas trail race calendar.

Tips

  • Dress for the start, not the finish. December mornings in Texas range from near freezing in the Panhandle to mild on the coast. Wear a throwaway layer at the start and plan to warm up fast.
  • Test the outfit. Santa beards, tutus and light-up sweaters can itch, chafe or overheat. Do a short run in them first, and wear your usual running shoes.
  • Pin your bib where it shows. Put it on the outside of any costume or layer so volunteers and timers can see it.
  • Register early. Prices rise in tiers, and shirts or medals are often only guaranteed by a cutoff date. Each race page shows the tiers.
  • New to running? A holiday 5K is a friendly first race. The run-walk method gets you to the finish.

By region

Top cities

San Antonio (8)Fort Worth (5)Houston (5)Temple (5)Austin (4)Cypress (2)El Paso (2)Longview (2)Pflugerville (2)Plano (2)Sugar Land (2)Tyler (2)Aubrey (1)Beaumont (1)Boerne (1)Burnet (1)

FAQ

Are there christmas races in Texas?

Texas has 82 upcoming Christmas and holiday races on the RunSignup calendar between Nov 25 and Dec 31, 2026, in 53 cities: jingle bell runs, Santa runs, reindeer dashes, Grinch runs and more. The busiest weekend is Dec 5 with 30 races, and 16 races are on the last weekend before Christmas (Dec 18 to Dec 20). 1 race on Christmas Eve, 1 race on Christmas Day and 8 races on the day after Christmas. San Antonio (8), Fort Worth (5), Houston (5), Temple (5) and Austin (4) host the most. 77 include a 5K, 36 a 10K and 16 a half marathon. Current RunSignup entry fees run $15 to $95. Registration is open for 78.

Are there races on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in Texas?

Christmas Eve (Dec 24): CRC Christmas Eve 5K in Mansfield. Christmas Day (Dec 25): CRC Christmas Day 10K & 5K in Fort Worth. The day after Christmas (Dec 26): A Merry Christmas Run 5K/10K/13.1 AUSTIN/ROUNDROCK in Austin, A Merry Christmas Run 5K/10K/13.1 DALLAS FORT WORTH in Fort Worth, A Merry Christmas Run 5K/10K/13.1 HOUSTON in Houston, A Merry Christmas Run 5K/10K/13.1 SAN ANTONIO in San Antonio, Holiday 5K & 13.1M at Tyler, TX (52) in Tyler, Holiday 5K, 10K & 13.1M at Cypress, TX (52) in Cypress, Holiday 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Temple, TX (52) in Temple and Plano Pacers Holiday Hustle 3K/8K + Free Kids 1K in Plano. Check the race page for start times.

What is a jingle bell run?

A jingle bell run is a holiday fun run, usually a 5K, where runners wear bells on their shoes and often dress in Santa hats, elf ears or ugly sweaters. Many are charity runs, and most welcome walkers and families.

How much does a Christmas and holiday race cost in Texas?

Current RunSignup entry fees for the races on this page run $15 to $95, before processing fees, counting each race's cheapest adult in-person entry. Many raise the price in tiers as race day gets closer, so registering early is cheaper. Each race page shows every tier and when it ends.

Can you wear a Santa suit or ugly sweater to a Christmas race?

27 races on this page mention costumes, Santa suits, ugly sweaters or festive attire in the organizer's own listing, including Santa Scurry 5K - Keller, TX (Dec 4, Keller), ‘A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS 5K/10K’ (Houston, TX) (Dec 5, Houston), 2026 Jingle Bell Run - Austin, TX (Dec 5, Cedar Park), 2026 Nighttime Jingle Bell Run (Dec 5, Midland), Gingerbread Lane 5K & 10K Austin (Dec 5, Pflugerville) and Hometown Jingle Jog (Dec 5, Kennedale). Read each race description for the organizer's details.

Are there Christmas and holiday races for kids in Texas?

29 races list a kids' event on RunSignup. In all, 42 races either list a kids' event or mention kids in the description, including Santa Scurry 5K - Keller, TX (Dec 4, Keller), ‘A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS 5K/10K’ (Houston, TX) (Dec 5, Houston), 2026 Jingle Bell Run - Austin, TX (Dec 5, Cedar Park), 2026 Nighttime Jingle Bell Run (Dec 5, Midland) and ADAC Reindeer Run (Dec 5, Lufkin). Age rules and whether children need a separate entry vary, so check the race page before you register.

Where are the christmas races in Texas?

They're spread across Austin & Hill Country (12), Dallas–Fort Worth (24), Houston & Gulf Coast (13), San Antonio & South Texas (9), West Texas & El Paso (3), Panhandle & Lubbock (1), East Texas & Piney Woods (8), Central Texas (Waco, Bryan–College Station) (10) and Coastal Bend & Rio Grande Valley (2).

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