The Arthritis Foundation hosts Jingle Bell Run events across the country, allowing mutts to strut their stuff in festive costumes for charity. You can run as a tandem or bring a team to race and raise money for the fight against arthritis. Meet Santa at Jingle Bell Runs in Kansas City or Orlando, enter the costume contest in Atlanta or Bellingham, and let Fido run in the Doggie Dash in Indianapolis. The entire registration fee is donated to the Arthritis Foundation.

Check out your nearest race for times and dates.

The YMCA Santa Run pays homage to Saint Nick by ensuring every human dresses up in a five-piece Santa suit on race day. This charity event is too laid back to bother with awards or finish times; it’s purely recreational. However, finisher’s medals are handed out. The 5K Fun Run and 1-Mile Walk around Downtown Flint are both pet friendly, and the sea of red suits is truly a sight to behold.

The YMCA Santa Run will be held on December 6, 2025, beginning at the YMCA of Greater Flint. After the race, put your Santa boots up at a pet-friendly vacation rental in rural Flint.

The All Out Fa La La is a pet-friendly race series in Colorado. Located between Denver and Boulder, the race takes athletes along Big Dry Creek Trail with breathtaking views of the Front Range providing a beautiful backdrop for the event. Participants earn themselves an ugly Christmas sweater beanie and swag for signing up. Dogs are welcome to enter the 5K, 10K and half-marathon.

Fa La La will be held on December 6, 2025. Westin Westminster is conveniently located near the park, offering views across the green space and beyond to the mountains. Furry guests are rewarded for all their hard work with a bed and bowls to use during their stay.

North Dakota Santa Run invites leashed "reindogs" to run with their owners. Participants are all provided with a Santa outfit on the day. When it comes time to collect your package, a volunteer will hold Fido’s leash while you head inside. Well-behaved pooches should join the back of the pack to stay out of the way of the hectic main group.

The North Dakota Santa Run will be held on December 13, 2025. Don't end your vacation at the finish line. Instead, discover treats and a good night’s sleep at Staybridge Suites Minot by IHG.

Kick off the festive period with a brisk run at the South Berkeley Christmas Parade 5K. This mostly flat course will follow along the parade route, so spectators will be lining the street to cheer on participants. Runners with pups will start at the back of the pack. Proceeds from the race benefit the Berkeley County Humane Society. After the race, find a spot along the route to watch the parade with Fido!

The South Berkeley Christmas Parade 5K will be held on December 7, 2025, beginning at Musselman High School - Randy Smith Center. Experience a true West Virginia night in this High-Tech Log Cabin, equipped with all the modern comforts of home and all the charm of a traditional cabin.

Bring Rudolph to the Tucson Run Run Rudolph Half Marathon. The race will lead you along dedicated running trails for 13.1 miles. Runners who aren’t quite ready for this distance can race in the quarter-marathon, 5K or Reindeer Dash instead. Participants receive a custom event medal and shirt. Leashed pups are welcome in every race.

The Tucson Run Run Rudolph Half Marathon will take place on December 15, 2025. La Quinta Inn & Suites NW Tucson Marana, located near the starting line, welcomes four-legged runners to put their paws up afterward.

Christmas Village 5K and Reindeer Dash winds through historic downtown Whitehouse, OH. The annual event includes a holiday market full of vendors and festive activities for kids. After shopping for ornaments and indulging in delicious treats, line up for the fun run or walk through the city. The street will be teeming with spectators, but they’re not just there to cheer Fido on. The children’s .5-mile Reindeer Dash will take place immediately following the 5K, and after both races, the vendor market and beer garden will be bustling with patrons. Hang around until 6 p.m. to see the parade and witness the magic of the Christmas tree lighting at 6:30.

Christmas Village 5K and Reindeer Dash will be held on December 6, 2025, beginning at 4:30 p.m. After the race, explore the quaint town of Whitehouse, then stay nearby at Best Western Toledo South Maumee.

Alternate Chili Run is a unique race through the woods on the Wyandotte County Lake Park Trails in Kansas City. The 10-mile trek follows sections of the Psycho Wycho, a pet-friendly 50K woodland romp held in February. The field is limited to 150 two- and four-legged participants to keep the trails clear for passing. Racers receive a T-shirt, a calendar provided by the Mile 90 Photography team, and some delicious chili and beer.

The Alternate Chili Run will be held on January 11, 2026. Trail running is tiring work, but Fido can rest and recuperate at Comfort Suites Speedway. The friendly staff at this affordable hotel loves welcoming canine guests.