
From the Organizer
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:
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:
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
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
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
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
Coming Up
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
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)
TCTC Jingle Bell Run
Dec 20, 2026