Holiday family fun runs: Jingle Bell Runs, Turkey Trots (plus polar bear plunges)

Holiday family fun runs can be a great way to get everybody outside and moving, especially when cold weather tends to keep us inside.

Here are some family-friendly 5K (about 3 miles) run/walks before and on Thanksgiving (including a kids marathon on the Saturday after Thanksgiving) and a slew of holiday runs in December (plus, polar bear plunges to start the new year)! The theme of the 5K fun runs is FUN – many people walk, and the goal is to enjoy the camaraderie while getting some exercise.

Run registration entry fees vary – sometimes kids can run for free. Most events do allow day-of-event registration but register early for the best entry price and to be most likely to get the swag (usually a t-shirt).

[See also: Holiday events around the Seattle area |

 

Sunday, November 17, 2024

 

Kirkland Turkey Trot

Sunday, November 17

Location: Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plaza, Kirkland, WA 98033

Time: Starts at 9 a.m., Kids Run will start at 10 a.m.

Cost: $45-$50 for 5K adult, $35-$45 for 5K student, $15 for Kids Run

The scenic route will take you and your loved ones down Lake Washington Blvd to Carillon Point and back, finishing at Marina Park. But the fun doesn’t stop there! After crossing the finish line, head over to Moss Bay Hall for a festive celebration filled with holiday cheer. Register here.

Dogs allowed? Not on the course

Strollers allowed? Yes

 

Tacky Turkey Sweater 5K

Sunday, November 17

Location: Green Lake Park, 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115

Time: 10 a.m. Start

Cost: $38-$43 for 5K,  $20-$30 for 5K (kids 14 and under)

Join a pre-turkey run and an ugly sweater run with finish-line goodies, fun photo opportunities, and swag! Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

 

Saturday, November 23, 2024

 

Carnation Turkey Trot 

Saturday, November 23

Location: Remlinger Farms, 32610 NE 32nd St, Carnation, WA 98014

Time: 9 a.m. for Kids Gobble Dash, 9:30 a.m. for 5K

Cost: $10-$15 for Kids Gobble Dash, $30-$40 for 5K

The 5K course will take you all along the country roads and paths on the farm. No cars will be on the course. The Kids Dash is about 100 yards and will be held right before the 5K so everyone can be there to cheer on the little Gobblers. On the day of the event, please bring non-perishable food items to benefit the Tolt UCC Food Pantry in Carnation. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

Thanksgiving Day Runs (November 28, 2024)

 

Auburn Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 28

Location: Sunset Park, Lakeland Hills Way and 69th St SE, Auburn, WA 98092

Time: 9 a.m. start time for 5K

Cost: $20 for 5K (students 18 and under), $40-$50 for 5K (adults)

Join Auburn on Thanksgiving morning for this family-friendly 5K run/walk! The race will begin and end at the park and follow a nearly flat route through the heart of Lakeland Hills. Thanksgiving costumes are encouraged. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

Magnuson Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 28

Location: Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Fundraiser for: Teen Feed

Time: 9:30 a.m. start for 5K, 10K and 15K. 9:15 a.m. for 400-meter Kids Dash

Cost: $30 for the 5K, $35 for the 10K, $40 for the 15K

The course is a 5K loop that they use for all race distances. The 5K is one lap, the 10K is two laps, and the 15K is three laps. The Kids 400-meter Dash is at 9:15 a.m. and costs $5. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

 

Issaquah Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 28

Location: Downtown Issaquah

Fundraiser for: Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank

Time: 9 a.m. for the 5K course. There are shortcuts are available

Cost: $35-$45 for 11 and up, $15 for 10 and under.

Strollers and dogs allowed? Yes

This event is a casual run, jog, or walk over a distance of around 3 miles. If you don’t want to do an entire 5K, this course offers lots of shortcuts. The race welcomes Thanksgiving costumes and accessories for the costume contest. Register here.

 

Mukilteo Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 28

Location: Kamiak High School, 10801 Harbour Pointe Blvd, Mukilteo, WA 98275

Time: 5K and 10K start time TBA

Cost: $50-$55 for 5K ($40 for kids), $60-$65 for 10K ($45 for kids)

Join Snohomish Running Company for the 10th annual Mukilteo Turkey Trot. Complete a 5K or 10K around the Harbour Pointe neighborhood in Mukilteo, WA, before the big feast. PJ pants are included with registration, and you might even take home a pumpkin pie! Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

Norpoint Classic Thanksgiving 5K & 2 Mile Fun Run

Thursday, November 28

Location: Center at Norpoint, 4818 Nassau Ave NE, Tacoma, WA 98422

Time: 9 a.m. start for both races

Cost: $35 – $45 for 5K and 2-mile run

The Norpoint Classic 5k and 2-mile is Tacoma’s original Thanksgiving fun run. Make it your family tradition! The course begins and ends at the center’s parking lot and winds through Northeast Tacoma, providing mountain and sound views for participants. This fun run welcomes ages 6-99 years old. Please bring a food donation to help support their cause! Register here for the 2-mile run. Register here for 5K.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

 

Tacoma City Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 28

Location: Fleet Feet Tacoma, 3812 N 26th St Unit A, Tacoma, WA 98407

Time: 9 a.m. for 5K, 10:15 a.m. for Kids 1K

Cost: $60 for 5K (prices increase after November 14), $10 for Kids 1K Run

The Tacoma City Turkey Trot offers a 5K Run/Walk and a 1K Kids run in Tacoma’s beautiful Proctor District. Every finisher receives a medal! This turkey trot is a fun way to get the kids (12 and under) to participate! Grown-ups can run with their kids and do not have to register for this distance. They encourage Thanksgiving costumes & accessories! Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

 

Thanksgiving Day Apple Cup 5K

Thursday, November 28

Location: Green Lake Park, 7351 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115

Time: 9:30 a.m. for 5K start

Cost: $25-$40 for 5K (18+), $15 for 5K (18 and under)

Celebrate both Thanksgiving AND Apple Cup at the same time! Come run in your Husky or Cougar colors, or if you are not either, sport your own colors or dress up as a turkey! You may also drop off any canned food items if you would like to donate. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

Woodinville Turkey Trot 5K

Thursday, November 28

Location: Wilmot Gateway Park, 17301 131st Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072

Fundraising for: Woodinville HS Boosters Wrestling Team

Time: 8:45 a.m. for Kids Parade, 9 a.m. for Kids Dash, and 9:15 a.m. for 5K

Cost: $35-$45 for 5K, $5 for Kids Dash

This family-friendly Turkey Trot is a unique one, starting the event off with a Kids Parade led by the Woodinville HS Marching band. The race will have a 5K and a Kids Dash for kids six and under and run a short course of about 200 yards on the trail. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

Saturday, November 30, 2024

 

Gobble Wobble Turkey Trot

Saturday, November 30

Location: Lincoln Park (West Seattle), 8011 Fauntleroy Wy SW, Seattle, WA 98136

Fundraising for: 4 core fundraising themes are: Cancer, Water, Education, & Other Causes

Time: 7:30 a.m. for Wave A, 8 a.m. for Wave B, 8:30 a.m. for Wave C

Cost: $37 for 5K, $42 for 10K, $45 for Half Marathon (13.1), $35 for Family Run (1 mile)

Price will increase as waves fill up. They offer a 1-mile family run and welcome all ages. This race will not have timing chips and is meant for a stress-free run, but you can request a coordinator to keep track of your time. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

 

Last Lap of the Seattle Kids Marathon 

Saturday, November 30

Location: Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109

Time: 8 a.m. for pre-race activities, 9 a.m. for the start time, 9:15 a.m. for post-race activities

Cost: Free (must register)

Participation in this annual event includes running, reading books, doing good deeds, and eating right. Watch them take their ‘final lap’ (1.2 miles) in person at the Seattle Center. This event is free for all participants. Register here.

Saturday, December 7, 2024

 

The Electric Cookie Run

Saturday, December 7

Location: Green Lake Park, 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115

Time: 5 p.m. for the one loop (about 5K) and two loops (about 10K)

Cost: $47-$52 for 5K, $57-$62 for 10K

Join this fun run and celebrate your achievement by dining on delicious cookies from Seattle’s bakeries. There is a one-loop run around Greenlake (about 5K) or two loops (about 10K). Register here.

Strollers allowed? No

Dogs allowed? No but can be at the start and finish lines

 

Sunday, December 8, 2024

 

Jingle Bell Run

Sunday, December 8

Location: Gas Works Park, 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103

Fundraiser for: The Arthritis Foundation

Time: 8 a.m. for festivities to begins, 8:30 a.m. for 12K, 8:35 a.m. for 1K kids run, 9 a.m. for 5K

Cost: $55-$70 for 12K, $40-$55 for 5K, $25-$35 for kids fun run.

Get ready for the Jingle Bell Run, the original festive race for charity brought to you by the Arthritis Foundation. Wear your favorite holiday gear! There will be a Kids Fun Run with the Elves at 8:35 a.m. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

 

Saturday, December 14, 2024

 

Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk

Saturday, December 14

Location: Hogan Park (Kent), 24400 Russell Rd, Kent, WA 98032

Time: 10K start, 9:50 a.m.; 5K starts at 10 a.m.

Cost: Day of race registration is $25 starting at 8 a.m. The cost is $20 and $35 with a shirt in mid-September

If you don’t want to buy a shirt, you can check out their “garage sale” and purchase a previous year’s shirt for $5. There will be no shirts available on race day. Registration opens mid-September; register here.

Strollers allowed?: Yes

Dogs allowed? No

Jingle Bell Run at Wright Park (Tacoma)

Saturday, December 14

Location: Wright Park, 501 S I St, Tacoma, WA 98405

Time: 10 a.m. start time

Cost: $30-$45 for 3 miles

Rev up the holiday spirit with the Jingle Bell Run. This 3-mile run/walk is a family favorite and a great way to spend active time outdoors during the busy holiday season. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

 

Sunday, December 15, 2024

 

Chase the Grinch Outa Snohomish Fun Run

Sunday, December 15

Location: Averill Field, 400 2nd St, Snohomish, WA 98290

Fundraiser for: Central Emerson Elementary

Time: 9 a.m. for 5K runners, 9:15 a.m. for 5K walker/jogger 5K, 10:30 a.m. for kids dash

Cost: $45 for 5K, $15 for kids dash

The route takes you along the Centennial Trail. This fun and mostly flat 5K distance is a fully supported out-and-back course. Return to a festive and fun finish line with entertainment and photo ops! The Kids Dash (ages ten and younger) will take place around Averill Field. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

12 Ks of Christmas

Sunday, December 15

Location: Marina Park (Kirkland), 25 Lakeshore Plaza, Kirkland, WA 98033

Time: 12K begins at 9 a.m., 5K begins at 9:25 a.m.

Cost: $40-$55 for 5K ($35 for 5K students), $55-$65 for 12K ($40-$45 for students), $20 for little elf run

Join this fun holiday 12K and 5K run at Marina Park, Kirkland. They also have a Little Elf Run for the kids! Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? No

 

Saturday, December 21, 2024

 

Holiday Fun Run Magnuson Series

Saturday, December 21

Location: Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Time: 10 a.m. start time, Kids Dash will be 15 minutes before main event

Cost: $30 for 5K, $35 for 10K, $40 for 15K, $5 for kids dash

They have their classic 5k, 10k, 15k runs and kids dash. After you cross the finish line, you can treat yourself to our hot chocolate bar. This is also a great event to dress up with your holiday sweaters and hats. Prizes for best dressed, so costumes are encouraged. Register here.

Strollers allowed? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

 

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

 

Christmas Eve Ugly Sweater 5K

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Location: Bradley Lake Park, 531 31st Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98374

Time: 9 a.m. for Elf Dash, 9:15 a.m. for Adult Run/Walk

Cost: $15 for Elf Dash Kids Run, $35 for 5K

Christmas Eve Ugly Sweater 5K Run/Walk and the Elf (Kids’) Dash. Kick off your Christmas Eve with this family-oriented romp. Holiday inflatables, Santa’s house, and the arrival of Jolly Old St. Nick add to the holiday cheer. Register online.

New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025)

 

Polar Bear Plunge City of Renton

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Location: Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N.

Cost: Free. Register for free at rentonwa.gov/register with keyword ‘polar

All ages

Bring in the New Year with an invigorating plunge into Lake Washington. Participants meet at the South Beach of Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. The plunge starts promptly at 10 a.m. Bring your towel and dry clothes!

 

Polar Bear Plunge Point Defiance – Tacoma

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location: Point Defiance Marina, 5912 N Waterfront Dr, Tacoma, WA 98407

Cost: Admission is $10 per person; you can register here.

All ages

Kick off the new year by plunging into Puget Sound. Warm beverages and warming stations will be available at the event! All ages welcome. Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Costumes are welcome but not required. Shoes/foot protection highly recommended. For the safety of participants, life jackets will be available, and lifeguards will be stationed on the docks.

Resolution Run and Polar Bear Dive

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Time: 5K starts at 10:30 a.m., Kids Dash begins at 11:30 a.m.

Location: Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Cost: $35-$45 for 5K Run/Walk (Dry event) & 5K Trip-n-Drip Polar Plunge. Free for kids dash

Celebrating the beginning of the new year, the event consists of a 5K run/walk with an optional Polar Bear Dive into Lake Washington just before the event finish line area. The post-race celebration includes a free kids dash for children 10 & under and a beer garden for those over 21. Free chili, coffee, hot chocolate, and more will be provided. Whether you want to run into Lake Washington or cheer as others do, this is a raucous way to start 2025. Register here.

 

 

Polar Plunge First Day Hikes Lake Sammamish State Park

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Time: Festivities start at 10:30 a.m. Costume judging at 11:30 a.m. The “plunge” will be at noon.

Location: Lake Sammamish State Park, 2010 NW Sammamish Rd, Issaquah, WA 98027

Cost: Requested donation of $10. Registration opens in December; register here.

Polar Plunge returns on New Year’s Day 2025, encouraging everyone to get outside and enjoy the state park. Festivities will begin with registration, music, and merriment on the shores of Sunset Beach. There will be a costume contest, and then the crowd will “plunge” into the chilly waters of Lake Sammamish. The first 300 registered participants will receive a Polar Plunge Swag Bag. Note: You do not need a Discover Pass to enter the park on this day. 

 

Read more:

Fall fun runs for Seattle area families

Guide to FREE Holiday fun around Seattle

Check out our Family Calendar for more family-friendly events