Houston’s Holiday Fun Runs & Races

Run, run, Rudolph – whether or not you’re going for the best dressed costume while jogging through the streets, check out Houston area fun runs below. In true #ReliantLightsYourHolidays fashion, maximize the fun with flashing Christmas light necklaces and shoelace jingle bells!

 Races are listed in date order and the quick-glance details include distances, start times, and general locations. There are so many fun opportunities throughout the greater Houston area, from family walks to virtual races, half marathons, and beyond. Click a race name to navigate directly to its race page.

November Holiday Fun Runs, Walks & Races in Houston

Giving Thanks 5K & 10K

{November 16 | 10K, 5K, Kids | First race 8:00 am | Sugar Land}

The Giving Thanks race is a fast, fun course, perfect for runners, walkers, and strollers. Bring your family for the Kids K around the beautiful lake at Sugar Land Memorial Park. The After Party will have music, awards, a raffle, snacks, and photo ops. The race entries support Bel Inzio, an organization helping disadvantaged women all over Houston.

Turkey Trails

{November 17 | 10K, 5K, Kids, Virtual | First race 8:55 am | Sugar Land}

Turkey Trails is Thanksgiving-themed event for the whole family at Cullen Park. Race swag includes a designer shirt & custom medal. Stick around at the finish line for live results and awards, free photos, and delicious treats.

The Great Houston Pie Run

{November 23 | Half, 10K, 5K, Kids, Virtual | First race 7:00am | Timbergrove}

Held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Great Houston Pie Run has a timed race with awards, beer, and yes – pie!​ Presented by Houston Running Co., this race is part of the holiday running series.

Houston Turkey Dash

{November 28 | Half, 10K, 5K, 1 Mi, Kids | First race 6:45 am | Timbergrove}

The Houston Turkey Dash invites runners, hand cyclists, and families to Delmar Stadium on Thanksgiving morning. Participants receive a shirt and medal, and awards are presented to winners of the chip-timed races.

Houston Methodist Turkey Trot

{November 28 | 10K, 5K, Kids, Virtual | First race 7:30 am | Galleria/Uptown}

The Houston Methodist Turkey Trot has been a Thanksgiving morning tradition for over 30 years. Experienced and beginning runners, families, and friends can participate in one of the many races, including a 10K Run/Walk, 5K Run/Walk, Virtual, and a Kids Run for ages 12 and under.

L3 Turkey Day 5k & Kids Wishbone 1K

{November 28 | 5K, Kids | First race 8:00 am | Kingwood}

The 10th Annual Thanksgiving morning L3 Turkey Day 5k & Kids Wishbone 1K takes place in Kingwood Town Center Park. By participating in the race, runners are helping a community of pediatric cancer patients, and their families, enjoy the holidays a little bit more.

Lake Jackson Turkey Trot

{November 28 | 10K, 5K, Kids | First race 7:30 am | Lake Jackson}

The 12th Annual Lake Jackson Turkey Trot, held on Thanksgiving morning, benefits the Lake Jackson Intermediate and Rasco Middle School Bands.

Pearland Turkey Trot

{November 28 | 6 Mi, 4 Mi, 1 Mi, Kids | First race 7:30 am | Pearland}

Celebrate Thanksgiving morning with your closest friends and family at the Pearland Turkey Trot. Choose from the 6-mile, 4-mile, 1-mile or Kids K.

Sugarland Turkey Trot

{November 28 | 5 Mi, 2.8 Mi, Kids| First race 7:45 am | Sugarland}

The 39th annual Sugar Land Turkey Trot will be held in the beautiful Sugar Creek neighborhood. This race is a tribute to Coach Andy Stewart, who started the first Houston-area Turkey Trot in 1986. Choose from a 1-mile kids run, a 5-mile timed race and a 2.8-mile family walk or jog.

YMCA Run Thru the Woods

{November 28 | 5 Mi, 3 Mi, Kids | First race 7:30 am | The Woodlands}

The YMCA Run Thru the Woods has supported non-profits local to The Woodlands, Spring and Oak Ridge communities for 35 years. Historically, more than $3.5 million dollars has been raised. Turkey costumes are encouraged but not required!

YMCA Turkey Dash

{November 28 | 10K, 5K, Kids | First race 7:10 am | Katy}

Katy YMCA’s 22nd Annual Turkey Dash offers Adult, Family, and Kids events, including a 1-Mile Family Walk/Run, 1-Mile Kids (age 3-12) Run, 5K Timed Walk/Run, and 10K Timed Run. All proceeds from the race benefit the Katy YMCA community.

Gobble Wobble Turkey Trot

{November 29 | 10K, 5K, Kids, Virtual | First race 4:30 pm | Central Houston – Downtown}

If timed, morning races aren’t your thing, The Gobble Wobble Turkey Trot might be just what you’re looking for. This casual, untimed, sunset event takes place the Friday following Thanksgiving Day. Choose from a 5K, 10K, or Virtual Half, or Family mile. All races begin at Eleanor Tinsley Park.

December Holiday Fun Runs, Walks & Races in Houston

Gingerbread Lane 5K & 10k

{December 1 | 10K, 5K, 1 Mi, Kids, Virtual | First race 8:55 am | South Beltway}

The Gingerbread Lane 5K & 10K holiday race is a festive event amid the beautiful Texas parks and greenbelts. Enjoy holiday music, gingerbread treats, and a costume contest following the races.

A Charlie Brown Christmas 5K/10K

{December 7 | 10K, 5K, Kids | First race 8:00am | Energy Corridor}

A Charlie Brown Christmas 5K/10K returns for its third year and kicks off at 8:00 am at Addicks Park and Ride. All participants will receive an officially licensed Peanuts® finisher medal, participant bib, and performance tech t-shirt. Santa will make an appearance at the post-race party! Bring a toy to donate to the Memorial Ministries “Christmas Share” program for Houston families.

Brazos Bend 100 Trail Run 

{December 7 | 100 Mi, 100K, Marathon, Half, Kids | First race 6:30 am | Fort Bend County}

The Brazos Bend 100 Trail Run is a fast, flat course through Brazos Bend State Park. The race distances and the abundance of wildlife, especially the gators, make this a truly unforgettable December experience for those up to the challenge.

Candy Cane Fun Run 

{December 7 | 5K | 9:00 am | Cypress}

The 13th Annual Candy Cane Fun Run supports local schools – Ault Elementary, Keith Elementary, Swenke Elementary, and Salyards Middle School. It is a festive, fun-filled community fundraiser for Cy-Fair ISD students. All registered runners will receive a medal, and awards will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each age category.

Jingle Bell Run

{December 7 | 5K, Virtual | 9:00 am | Central NW Houston}

The 40th Annual Jingle Bell Run is a charity race by the Arthritis Foundation. Dogs, strollers, and your favorite holiday race-wear are all welcome at this TC Jester Park event.

Kingwood Christmas Cookie Dash

{December 7 | 10K, 5K, Relay, Kids, Virtual | Kingwood}

Rad Racing Company & Dirty Dough of Kingwood present the 1st Annual Kingwood Christmas Cookie Dash. This event is part of the Kingwood Christmas in the Park Festival. Register the whole family, take pictures with Santa, and enjoy Dirty Dough cookies with milk. The event benefits Lily’s Toy Box, Toys for Tots, and Angel Tree Houston.

Run Houston! Sugar Land Santa 5K & 10K 

{December 7 | 10K, 5K, Kids, Virtual | First race 8:30am | Sugar Land}

The 10th Annual Run Houston! Sugar Land Santa 5K & 10K is part of the Run Houston! Fall Haul Series. Runners have two race shirt options to choose from, and receive a finisher medal, delicious cookie, candy cane, and more at the finish line. Costume contest is before the race, at 8:15 am.

Rudolph Fun Run at CityCentre

{December 7 | 10K, 5K, 1K, Virtual | First race 7:40am | Memorial}

The 14th Annual Rudolph 5k Fun Run, Dasher 10k and Cupid 1k start at CITYCENTRE and wind through area neighborhoods. All ages and runner speeds, walkers, joggers, strollers and all those wanting to have fun are welcome. The best Christmas costume will win a gift card. Enjoy pictures with Santa and special treats after the race.

Sealy Jingle Bell Fun Run

{December 7 | 5K, 1K | First race 9:00 am | Sealy}

In partnership with the Sealy Fantasy of Lights Festival, the Sealy Jingle Bell Fun Run benefits Sealy and Selman Elementary PTA. Come dressed in Christmas attire and marvel at the holiday lights displays while running for a great cause.

SnowFest Shuffle Fun Run 

{December 7 | 1 Mi | 8:00am | Missouri City}

If you are looking for snow in South Texas in December, look no further than Missouri City’s SnowFest. Runners of all levels and ages are invited to participate in the SnowFest Shuffle, a one-mile loop at the Missouri City Rec & Tennis Center. Free T-shirts will be given to runners who register by November 21.

Tavola Reindeer Run

{December 7 | 5K, 1K | First race 8:00 am | New Caney}

Tavola Reindeer Run offers a chip-timed 5K race and a 1K family fun run through the beautiful Tavola community. Race participants receive a race t-shirt and finisher medal. There are cash prizes and awards for overall, age group categories, and most festive costume. Everyone can enjoy the After Party activities, including Santa pictures, hot beverages, sweet treats, face painting, a rock wall, bounce house, and more.

Trafigura Run for the House 

{December 7 | 10K, 5K | First race 8:00 am | Central Houston – Downtown}

The Trafigura Run for the House is a family race along Allen Parkway. Competitive runners, fun runners and walkers, families with children, and dogs are all welcome! Registered participants receive a finisher medal, event t-shirt, and other swag. 100% of race proceeds benefit the children and families of Ronald McDonald House Houston. Additionally, Trafigura will match up to $150,000!

Conroe 10 Miler

{December 8 | 10 Mi, 5 Mi, 5K, Virtual | First race 7:30 am | Conroe}

The 12th Annual Conroe 10 Miler – 5 Miler – 5K is a nice run through northern Montgomery County. All race finishers will receive an event shirt and custom finishers medal.

Santa Dash Fun Run

{December 8 | 10K, 5K, Kids, Virtual | First race 8:30 am | Pearland}

The Santa Dash Fun Run has been B.I.G. Love‘s largest annual fundraiser since 2008. Proceeds from the event support over 100,000 cancer kids and their families across the state of Texas. All are welcome! Come enjoy photos with Santa and fun Christmas activities before, during, and after the races at Pearland Town Center.

Houston’s 12K of Christmas 

{December 21 | 12K, 6K, Kids, Virtual | First race 7:30am | Central Houston – Downtown} 

The 11th Annual Houston’s 12K of Christmas continues spreading holiday cheer through running. The whole family can enjoy the race and the festivities to follow, including hot cocoa, Karbach beer, live music, and appearances by jolly old St. Nick and his elves!

Santa Hustle – Kid’s Dash, 5K, 1/2 Marathon 

{December 22 | Half, 5K, Kids | First race 7:30am | Galveston, TX}

Resolution Run Houston 

{December 29 | 12 Mi, 10K, 5K, 1 Mi, Virtual | First race 7:30am | Central Houston – Downtown} 

The Resolution Run Houston takes place right before the New Year at Fish Plaza downtown. With both a mass start and flexible start times for runners and walkers alike, Houston Resolution Run is a great tradition for the whole family.

January Holiday Fun Runs, Walks & Races in Houston

Run Houston! Sam Houston Race Park 5K & 10K 

{January 4 | 10K, 5K, Kids, Virtual | First race 8:30am | Northwest} 

The first race in the 2025 Run Houston! Race Series is at Sam Houston Race Park. With a 5K, 10K and Kids 1K, there is an event for everyone in the family to actively begin their new year. Race participants can choose between an event shirt or performance hoodie.

Bigfoot Classic Houston

{January 5 | 15K, 10K, 5K, 1 Mi, Kids, Virtual | First race 8: 55 am | Sugar Land}

The Bigfoot Classic Houston is a chip-timed race in Brazos River Park. The course itself will be high-energy, complete with a DJ, the Bigfoot hype crew, and participant shout-outs. Distances range from the thrilling 1 mile to 15K. {I don’t personally think of Bigfoot when I think of holidays, but the name intrigues me and I’m here for it!}

If you participate in any of the listed Fun Runs, please tag Houston Moms on social media so we can celebrate the accomplishment with you!