Events
Jingle Bell Run
Price:
$0
Time:
7:00PM EST
- 8:30PM EST
Registration ends November 21, 2026 at 6:59pm EST
Place
135 Monroe Center St NW
Grand Rapids, MI US 49503
Grand Rapids, MI US 49503
Description
Who
All festive runners and walkers who want to come celebrate the start of the holiday season in downtown Grand Rapids!
What
As part of the Grand Rapids Tree Lighting Ceremony, Gazelle Sports will be putting on a free 3-mile Jingle Bell Run. Participants are encouraged to wear their most festive, bright and warm holiday attire for our jolly jaunt. There will be no cost, no official timing, course marshals or swag but their will be holiday vibes a plenty and lots of good cheer!
When
The Gentex Santa Parade will begin at 5 PM with Santa arriving at Rosa Parks Circle at approximately 6:30 PM. The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6:45 PM. The Jingle Bell Run will begin after the tree lighting (approximately 7:00 PM). The start and finish will be in the AC Hotel parking lot across Louis St from the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
Where
We will meet and begin the run/walk at the AC Hotel parking lot (50 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503). The course will be on sidewalks and paths, no roads will be closed, and we will need to obey all intersection crossing rules. The course will end back at the AC Hotel parking lot.
Click the map below to see the route in detail and to follow along on Strava from your phone.
Anyone looking for a shorter route is welcome to turn around early during the portion along Monroe.
PLEASE NOTE: Because this is a free fun run there will not be course marshals and there may not be course markings. Participants can follow the course with live GPS from the Strava app if needed.
How
We encourage singing, frolicking and cheer. Please dress to be seen well by vehicles and others. Lights and jingle bells are strongly encouraged! Dress appropriately for the weather and be aware of potential ice and snow as you go. Make a point to be courteous of other pedestrians downtown. We’re here to bring the cheer!
Find parking details here
What Else?
Can’t get enough holiday fun running? Well, consider The Whoville 5K on Sunday, December 13th at 1 PM in Riverside Park.
