TCTC Jingle Bell Run
- Date
- December 20, 2026
- Distance
- 5k Run/Walk
From the Organizer
Traverse City Track Club’s Jingle Bell Run: 5:30pm - Sunday, December 20, 2026
The Jingle Bell Run is a nighttime holiday run that tours favorite neighborhood streets bordering downtown Traverse City that are adorned in holiday lights and decorations. The event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities donned in festive holiday costumes. It is a fun and festive, family-friendly event.
The Jingle Bell Run is a non-timed 5k run/walk, followed by complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, holiday cheer, and social time. The event, free to current TCTC members, is a reunion to welcome family and friends over the holiday season and enjoy the downtown Traverse City running scene in the winter season. The Jingle Bell Run typically averages over 600 participants!
Schedule for Sunday, December 21st:
- Packet pickup begins at 4:30 p.m. (Park Place Hotel)
- Run begins at 5:30 p.m. (Park Place Hotel)
Distance: 5K
Course: Neighborhood streets adjacent to downtown Traverse City. Not timed.
Fee: Free to 2026 TCTC members (must become a member or renew your membership by October 31, 2026)
Special Details:
- Wear your favorite holiday attire, including lights! Costume prizes thanks to our friends at Lululemon.
- Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies after the run thanks to the Traverse City Track Club!
- Everyone receives a custom Jingle Bell Run ornament made my our friends at ClaySpaceTC.
- Don't forget to upload your selfies, costumes, and other pictures on our photo page!
- Registrants will have the opportunity to donate during registration to the Traverse City Track Club, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and support programming.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
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
32°
Typical Low
21°
Chance of Rain
59%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Traverse City Munson, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Traverse City, MI
Elevation
581 ft
Nearest Airport
TVC
Cherry Capital Airport · 3 mi
Major Hub
GRR
Gerald R. Ford International Airport · 131 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at TCTC Jingle Bell Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
195
Days to train
- Race
- TCTC Jingle Bell Run
- Date
- December 20, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Traverse City, MI
Rainbow Run
Less than a mile away
Zumba by the Bay
Less than a mile away
Yoga by the Bay
Less than a mile away
Cherry Pie Bike Ride
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Running
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)
- What is the TCTC Jingle Bell Run?
- TCTC Jingle Bell Run is a running race held in Traverse City, Michigan on December 20, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the TCTC Jingle Bell Run?
- Sunday, December 20, 2026 in Traverse City, Michigan at 300 E. State Street, Traverse City, MI. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the TCTC Jingle Bell Run?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
TCTC Jingle Bell Run
Dec 20, 2026