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Jingle bell, Santa and holiday runs, 2026

Christmas Races in Texas

Texas has 104 upcoming Christmas and holiday races on the RunSignup calendar between Nov 25 and Dec 31, 2026, in 71 cities: jingle bell runs, Santa runs, reindeer dashes, Grinch runs and more. The busiest weekend is Dec 5 with 37 races, and 21 races are on the last weekend before Christmas (Dec 18 to Dec 20). 2 races on Christmas Eve, 1 race on Christmas Day and 8 races on the day after Christmas. San Antonio (8), Fort Worth (6), Houston (5), Temple (5) and Austin (3) host the most. 98 include a 5K, 38 a 10K and 16 a half marathon. Current RunSignup entry fees run $10 to $105. Registration is open for 102.

Last updated Nov 12, 2026. Race data from RunSignup, refreshed every morning. Always confirm details on the official race page.

Races
104
Weekend of Dec 19
21
Registration open
102
Host cities
71

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

37 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)

Coastal Bend & Rio Grande Valley

Weekend of Dec 12

35 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 21 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)

Coastal Bend & Rio Grande Valley

Weekend of Dec 26

11 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

40 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 · Kennedale

Hometown Jingle Jog

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

Saturday, Dec 5 · Midlothian

Jingle Belles 5K and Rubies Fun Run

“Every step you take helps support the Heritage Belles and Rubies Drill Teams with contest fees, costumes, props and more.”

Saturday, Dec 5 · Midland

Nighttime Jingle Bell Run

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

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 · Kilgore

2026 Reindeer Run

“Dress up for a chance to be named Best Dressed—both pets and people can join the fun.”

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 · Amarillo

Randy's Shoes Santa Run 2026

“Dress up in your best Santa gear and sprint or stroll through a festive route packed with holiday spirit.”

Saturday, Dec 12 · Franklin

Reindeer Run at the Ranch, Franklin, TX

“There will be food, music, face-painting, games, photo opportunities, and a holiday-themed costume contest for adults, children and pets*!!”

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 · Comanche

Santa Scuttle

“Entry fee for 5K includes a 2026 Santa Scuttle LONG SLEEVE t-shirt and Santa hat.”

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.”

Saturday, Dec 12 · Porter

The Highlands Reindeer Run

“We'll provide the reindeer antlers*, so be sure to grab your favorite ugly holiday sweater, or jingle bells — costumes encouraged!”

Saturday, Dec 19 · Refugio

JINGLE ALL THE WAY 5K!

“Santa hats and festive Christmas attire are HIGHLY encouraged!”

Saturday, Dec 19 · Fulshear

Run Run Rudolph

“Throw on your Santa hat, Christmas sweater, reindeer antlers, or favorite holiday outfit and get ready for a festive morning of running and holiday cheer!”

Saturday, Dec 19 · Mission

The ELF Run 5k & 1mi

“Lace up, dress up, and help us spread joy to children across the Rio Grande Valley — portion of proceeds, all donations, and sponsorship funds will benefit the 8th Annual 4EVE RGV Toy Drive.”

Thursday, Dec 24 · Laredo

Run Santa Run 5K/10K

“Every registered participant receives a finisher's medal, a Santa hat, and a custom event T-shirt.”

Jingle bell runs in Texas 2026

25 races with "jingle" in the name: jingle bell runs, jingle jogs and jingle dashes, in date order.

Rudolph and reindeer runs 2026

16 races named for Rudolph or reindeer, in date order.

Frosty and snowman 5Ks 2026

5 races named for Frosty or snow, in date order.

Types of christmas races in Texas

5Ks and fun runs. 98 of the 104 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. Nighttime Jingle Bell Run (Dec 5, Midland), Carol of Lights Run (Dec 13, Lubbock) and Jingle Bell Glow Fun Run (Dec 18, Henderson) run after dark or among holiday lights, going by the race name.

Virtual options. 29 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 (6)Houston (5)Temple (5)Austin (3)Cedar Park (3)Cypress (2)El Paso (2)Longview (2)Mission (2)Pflugerville (2)Pharr (2)Plano (2)Sugar Land (2)Tyler (2)Amarillo (1)

FAQ

Are there christmas races in Texas?

Texas has 104 upcoming Christmas and holiday races on the RunSignup calendar between Nov 25 and Dec 31, 2026, in 71 cities: jingle bell runs, Santa runs, reindeer dashes, Grinch runs and more. The busiest weekend is Dec 5 with 37 races, and 21 races are on the last weekend before Christmas (Dec 18 to Dec 20). 2 races on Christmas Eve, 1 race on Christmas Day and 8 races on the day after Christmas. San Antonio (8), Fort Worth (6), Houston (5), Temple (5) and Austin (3) host the most. 98 include a 5K, 38 a 10K and 16 a half marathon. Current RunSignup entry fees run $10 to $105. Registration is open for 102.

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

Christmas Eve (Dec 24): CRC Christmas Eve 5K in Mansfield and Run Santa Run 5K/10K in Laredo. 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 Cedar Park, 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.

When are the jingle bell runs in Texas in 2026?

25 races on the Texas RunSignup calendar this season: 2026 Jingle Bell Run - Austin, TX on Saturday, Dec 5 in Cedar Park, 30th Annual Jingle Bell Run on Saturday, Dec 5 in Nacogdoches, City of Murphy's Jingle Jog 5K & Reindeer Dash on Saturday, Dec 5 in Murphy, Corsicana YMCA Jingle Bell Jog on Saturday, Dec 5 in Corsicana, Hometown Jingle Jog on Saturday, Dec 5 in Kennedale, Jingle Bell Dash on Saturday, Dec 5 in Killeen, Jingle Bell Fun Run 5K and 1K on Saturday, Dec 5 in Sealy, Jingle Bell Jog on Saturday, Dec 5 in Longview, Jingle Belles 5K and Rubies Fun Run on Saturday, Dec 5 in Midlothian, Nighttime Jingle Bell Run on Saturday, Dec 5 in Midland, Tavola Jingle Jog on Saturday, Dec 5 in New Caney, The Resort Jingle Bell Jog 1K and 5K on Saturday, Dec 5 in Fort Worth, Austin Jingle Bell 5K on Sunday, Dec 6 in Austin, Jingle and Jog 5K Run on Sunday, Dec 6 in Pharr, 2026 Jingle All the Way 5/10K and Fun Run on Saturday, Dec 12 in Boerne, 2026 Jingle Bell Run - Houston, TX on Saturday, Dec 12 in Houston, 2026 Jingle Bell Run - San Antonio, TX on Saturday, Dec 12 in San Antonio, Jacksonville Jingle Jog 5K & Fun Run Presented by CHRISTUS Health on Saturday, Dec 12 in Jacksonville, Jingle Jog 5K on Saturday, Dec 12 in Grand Prairie, Jingle Trails on Saturday, Dec 12 in San Antonio, Jingle Bell Glow Fun Run on Friday, Dec 18 in Henderson, 2026 Jingle Bell Run - North Texas on Saturday, Dec 19 in Fort Worth, JINGLE ALL THE WAY 5K! on Saturday, Dec 19 in Refugio, UP AND RUNNING Jingle Bell 5K Run/walk on Saturday, Dec 19 in El Paso and 2nd Annual Jolly Jingle 5k on Sunday, Dec 20 in Pharr.

When are the Rudolph runs in Texas in 2026?

16 races on the Texas RunSignup calendar this season: ADAC Reindeer Run on Saturday, Dec 5 in Lufkin, Christmas on Grand Reindeer Run 2026 on Saturday, Dec 5 in Yoakum, City of Murphy's Jingle Jog 5K & Reindeer Dash on Saturday, Dec 5 in Murphy, CROSS TIMBERS BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S RUN WITH RUDOLPH 5K & 1 MILE FUN RUN on Saturday, Dec 5 in Stephenville, Old Town Rudolph Run on Saturday, Dec 5 in Leander, Reindeer Run and Grinch Sprint on Saturday, Dec 5 in Flower Mound, RUN RUN RUDOLPH 5K & FUN RUN on Saturday, Dec 5 in Sherman, 16th Annual Rudolph Fun Run on Saturday, Dec 12 in Houston, 2026 Reindeer Run on Saturday, Dec 12 in Kilgore, Holiday Hustle 5K and Kids 1K Reindeer Dash on Saturday, Dec 12 in Victoria, Reindeer Run at the Ranch, Franklin, TX on Saturday, Dec 12 in Franklin, Rudolph's Revenge on Saturday, Dec 12 in Aubrey, The Highlands Reindeer Run on Saturday, Dec 12 in Porter, Reindeer Dash on Saturday, Dec 19 in Marble Falls, Run Run Rudolph on Saturday, Dec 19 in Fulshear and Tyler Rudolph Run on Saturday, Dec 19 in Tyler.

When are the Frosty 5Ks in Texas in 2026?

5 races on the Texas RunSignup calendar this season: Frosty 5K on Saturday, Dec 5 in Frisco, Waco Run Tour - Frosty 5K on Saturday, Dec 5 in Waco, Frosty 5k of Mineral Wells on Saturday, Dec 12 in Mineral Wells, Morgan's Snowball Run, Walk, Roll, or Stroll 5K/1K @ Morgan's Wonderland on Saturday, Dec 19 in San Antonio and Frosty Five: 5K Costume Fun Run on Sunday, Dec 20 in San Antonio.

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

Current RunSignup entry fees for the races on this page run $10 to $105, 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?

40 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), City of Murphy's Jingle Jog 5K & Reindeer Dash (Dec 5, Murphy), 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?

32 races list a kids' event on RunSignup. In all, 51 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), ADAC Reindeer Run (Dec 5, Lufkin) and Candy Cane Course - Dallas (Dec 5, Garland). 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 (13), Dallas–Fort Worth (28), Houston & Gulf Coast (17), San Antonio & South Texas (12), West Texas & El Paso (4), Panhandle & Lubbock (2), East Texas & Piney Woods (10), Central Texas (Waco, Bryan–College Station) (11) and Coastal Bend & Rio Grande Valley (7).

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