The Best Christmas Corridas to Run in 2025

Running’s growing popularity has made Christmas Corridas a December fixture. Their festive, welcoming spirit brings every kind of runner together in celebration of community, good cheer and solidarity. Before the holiday feasts begin, taking on a sporting challenge might just be the perfect way to avoid overindulging.

A century ago, on December 31, 1925, the world’s first Christmas Corrida took place. Don’t worry, participants aren’t faced with bulls running loose. The idea is simple: put on a festive event to see in the New Year by running, singing and dancing. The Corrida may divide opinion in the bullring, but on the streets in December it brings everyone together. Now a fixture on the calendar, the race has been replicated around the world and attracts thousands of runners ready to celebrate the holiday season in their running shoes. From São Paulo to Issy-les-Moulineaux, Marathons.com has selected the best Christmas Corridas to round off 2024 in France and around the world.

In France

1. Corrida de Houilles (Yvelines)

In 1972, Houilles became the first town in France to host a Christmas Corrida. This 10K is one of the fastest in France, with its “Course des As”, reserved for the fastest runners. Top-level athletes turn up every year to chase records on this 10-kilometre course, regarded as one of the fastest in the world. This year’s race ambassador is none other than Christophe Lemaitre. And of course, no Christmas Corrida is complete without the event’s watchword: a great atmosphere. Alongside the races against the clock, the “Populaire” gives runners a spectacular atmosphere with no pressure to perform. And let’s not forget the real stars of Christmas: the children, who get their own race to impress their friends.

Next edition: December 2025

2. Corrida d’Issy-les-Moulineaux (Hauts-de-Seine)

This race is something of a Christmas Corrida star. Every year, more than 10,000 participants gather in Issy-les-Moulineaux to celebrate the end of the year. Everyone is welcome: children, beginners, experienced runners and Santas all come together for a festive race. The best-known event on the programme is the “10K Santas”, which turns the city’s streets red. The athletes, meanwhile, head to the “10K Performance” to chase a personal best and end the year in style. Issy has welcomed athletes selected for the Olympic Games and the World and European Championships. The organisers also offer the “1.5K Elves”, the “3K Snowmen”, the “5K Reindeer” and the “Christmas Walk”. A Christmas village is even set up for the occasion to keep the festive magic alive.

Next edition: December 2025

3. Corrida du Vieux-Port (Bouches-du-Rhône)

Marseille’s famously friendly spirit is contagious and spreads visibly during the Corrida du Vieux-Port. Every year, more than 700 participants bring their good humour and fancy dress to a 6K around the Vieux-Port. Although the organisers provide every participant with a Santa hat, plenty of runners turn up dressed as a sardine. The reference is historical: according to legend, it was a sardine that blocked the port of Marseille. Attention, runners: the best costume wins a prize at every edition. The refreshments stick to the theme too, with the people of Marseille serving hot chocolate, chocolate treats and mandarins.

Next edition: December 2025

4. Corrida de Toulouse (Haute-Garonne)

The Corrida de Noël de Toulouse raises funds for Purpan Children’s Hospital. Alongside supporting a good cause, participants come together in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the Pink City. Each year, entrants tackle 5 or 10 km running or walking along the Garonne. When it comes to atmosphere, Toulouse runners can always be relied on to get more inventive with their costumes.

Next edition: December 14, 2025

5. Les foulées du Père-Noël (Nord)

The “Foulées du Père Noël” takes place in Malo-les-Bains, 3 km from Dunkirk. The route passes through the town centre and runs alongside the beach. Wearing the Santa hat provided by the organisers, 2,800 runners will cover 5 or 10 km to live music alongside a marching band. There is also a children’s race and a 5K walk, complete with Santa, chocolate and mulled wine at the finish. This family-friendly festive race is led by Santa in a convertible. That’s right!

Next edition: December 2025

International

1. Corrida de São Paulo (Brazil)

The traditional Corrida comes from Spain, but the Christmas version comes straight from Brazil. The “Corrida Internacional de São Silvestre” was created on December 31, 1925, when residents celebrated the New Year... by running! From the Portuguese “corrida”, meaning “run”, the concept was born: on December 31 every year, residents get a head start on their resolutions and cross the city on foot in a spirit of community and sharing. Now iconic, this 15K attracts tens of thousands of runners every year. The event has since been replicated around the world, without losing any of its fame.

Next edition: December 31, 2025

2. Liverpool Santa Dash (United Kingdom)

The “Liverpool Santa Dash” is one of the United Kingdom’s major Christmas Corridas, with more than 8,000 participants in 2024. That year, three legends joined the race: former England footballer Peter Reid, international rugby player Kevin Sinfield and Liverpool footballer John Barnes. This 5K welcomes participants into central Liverpool in an atmosphere straight out of the best Christmas films. From runners and walkers to people with disabilities, everyone can take part in this event.

Next edition: December 2025

3. Run Santa Run Orlando (United States)

The Corrida has also made its way to the United States. The concept is the same in Orlando with “Run Santa Run”. The organisers offer three races: 5, 10 or 21 km with music through Magnolia Park. The good news is that Santa will be there for photos! The same race format is also held in Chattanooga, Nashville, Atlanta, Smokies, Memphis, Augusta and Miami for runners across the States.

Next edition: December 2025

4. Corrida de Madrid (Spain)

If there is one Christmas race that has become historic, this is it! Since 2014, Madrid has held the world record for the most Santas taking part in a running event. The Spanish capital brought together more than 7,000 runners, including 5,173 officially registered runners in costume over 5.5 km. Only participants in full costume were counted in the Guinness World Record. The magic of Christmas is also about helping others and sharing: the funds raised by the race go to the city’s charities.

Next edition: December 2025

5. London Santa Run (United Kingdom)

At the end of December, a famous London park turns red. Festive and charitable, the race provides every entrant with a Santa costume so they can celebrate the end of the year in good spirits. This 5 or 10K brings participants to Victoria Park, one of the largest in London, next to the London Stadium. The event offers plenty of entertainment to delight parents and children during the festivities.

Next edition: December 2025

Mark your calendars! Whether you love fancy dress, festive atmospheres or chasing a fast time, Christmas Corridas should tempt you to take on a challenge before the holidays.