
From the Organizer
The Jingle Bell Run returns to downtown Avon Park this year, starting and finishing at our new race headquarters, The Historic Jacaranda Hotel.
For more than 20 years, this cherished holiday tradition has brought our community together for an evening of Christmas lights, festive fun, and giving back.
Join us as we light up the night and run or walk through Avon Park’s beautifully decorated mile-long mall. This year’s event benefits The Who I Am Foundation, supporting local foster care children and special needs children and adults.
For the second year, we are honored to welcome special needs children and adult participants from Ridge Area ARC and the surrounding community. Special pricing is available for special needs and IDD participants, and caregivers walking with them may participate at no charge. Please contact us at info@whoiamfoundation.com for special needs/IDD Discount Code
Race Schedule
Children’s Fun Run: 6:30 p.m.
5K Run/Walk: 7:00 p.m.
Runners will start in front, walkers in the middle, and special needs and IDD children and adults will follow.
Children’s Fun Run
The Children’s Fun Run is a one-block race where kids get to race Santa! Each child will receive a goodie bag at the finish line. Cost is $5.00.
Children must be registered to participate.
Swag Bags & Finish Line Gift
Each participant will receive a swag bag full of goodies at registration and a Christmas ornament at the finish line.
Optional T-Shirt
T-shirts are available for purchase before November 22 to guarantee your size.
Foster Care Pajama Collection
We will also be collecting new pajamas on race night to benefit foster care children through Heartland for Children and Worthy and Known Family Projects.
Register online or mail your paper registration and check payable to:
The Who I Am Foundation
P.O. Box 866
Avon Park, FL 33826
Email: Info@whoiamfoundation.com
Join us for a joyful night of community, Christmas spirit, and running together for a great cause!
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
76°
Typical Low
54°
Chance of Rain
19%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Avon Park 2 W, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
9,879
as of 2023
Elevation
143 ft
Nearest Airport
LAL
Lakeland Linder International Airport · 42 mi
Major Hub
MCO
Orlando International Airport · 59 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Jingle Bell Foster Care Pajama Drive 5K and Kids Santa Fun Run - Avon Park, FL, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
186
Days to train
Coming Up
Annual Firecracker 5K
10 miles away
LRC Distance Program | Lakeland, FL
42 miles away
Warriors For Wellness 5k
31 miles away
AdventHealth Sebring Foundation Pink on Parade 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk Presented by Chen Dental
10 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Jingle Bell Foster Care Pajama Drive 5K and Kids Santa Fun Run - Avon Park, FL
Dec 11, 2026