Christmas 2026: winter runs to stay active during the holiday season

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis, Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Photos by Laurent de Sortiraparis · Updated on October 13, 2026 at 10:46 a.m.
Christmas runs are popping up all over Paris and Île-de-France as people gear up for sporty, festive year-end celebrations! Discover all the November and December 2026 races to stay active in the colors of winter.

Bullfights and other Christmas foot races in Paris and the Île-de-France region have become a festive tradition for seasoned runners and amateurs alike. At this time of year, the spirit of Christmas blows through the courses, with illuminated streets, Santa Claus costumes and a convivial atmosphere.Issy-les-Moulineaux is the most famous, but over the years many other towns have joined in the fun!

Hundreds of participants, often dressed in red and white or in amusing costumes, gather to run in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The course is littered with spectators cheering on the runners, who often come together for a good cause at this time of year, for sport under the banner of generosity. Running at Christmas is also a great way to enjoy the many raclettes while staying active!

In short, it's the ideal end-of-year activity, with friends, family or friendly strangers! The distances are varied so that everyone can run at their own pace, to the sound of your favorite Christmas music!

Year-end festive races

La Corrida de Thiais 2024 : une course festive et déguisée, en décembre prochainLa Corrida de Thiais 2024 : une course festive et déguisée, en décembre prochainLa Corrida de Thiais 2024 : une course festive et déguisée, en décembre prochainLa Corrida de Thiais 2024 : une course festive et déguisée, en décembre prochain Corrida de Thiais 2026: 5k and 10k Costume Races on December 6
The Thiais Corrida returns on Sunday, December 6, 2026, in Val-de-Marne, offering 5 km and 10 km races and a 1.5 km kids course. [Read more]

Les Lucioles du Josas : le trail nocturne dans l'ambiance de Noël à Jouy-en-Josas (78)Les Lucioles du Josas : le trail nocturne dans l'ambiance de Noël à Jouy-en-Josas (78)Les Lucioles du Josas : le trail nocturne dans l'ambiance de Noël à Jouy-en-Josas (78)Les Lucioles du Josas : le trail nocturne dans l'ambiance de Noël à Jouy-en-Josas (78) The Josas Fireflies 2026: a festive Christmas-night run in Jouy-en-Josas (78)
On Saturday, December 12, 2026, in Jouy-en-Josas, the Lucioles du Josas race immerses runners in a fairy-tale atmosphere, where a Christmas market meets nature, for a truly offbeat night race. [Read more]

ChocoTrail 2025 : randonnée, nocturne, courses enfants ou trail de 8 à 42km à Hardricourt (78)ChocoTrail 2025 : randonnée, nocturne, courses enfants ou trail de 8 à 42km à Hardricourt (78)ChocoTrail 2025 : randonnée, nocturne, courses enfants ou trail de 8 à 42km à Hardricourt (78)ChocoTrail 2025 : randonnée, nocturne, courses enfants ou trail de 8 à 42km à Hardricourt (78) ChocoTrail 2026 in Hardricourt (78): hikes and trail runs from 8 to 42 km, including a night race
The Hardricourt ChocoTrail is headed back to the Yvelines on December 5–6, 2026, offering trails from 8 to 42 km, a nocturnal race, hikes, and kids’ races, not to mention the famous chocolate medal. [Read more]

Corrida de Noël 2026 à Issy-les-Moulineaux : la course des Pères NoëlCorrida de Noël 2026 à Issy-les-Moulineaux : la course des Pères NoëlCorrida de Noël 2026 à Issy-les-Moulineaux : la course des Pères NoëlCorrida de Noël 2026 à Issy-les-Moulineaux : la course des Pères Noël Christmas Run 2026 in Issy-les-Moulineaux: the Santa Claus Race
The Issy-les-Moulineaux Christmas Run is back for its 48th edition on Sunday, December 13, 2026. In Hauts-de-Seine, thousands of Santa Clauses, elves, and reindeer take part in a festive, community-spirited event that welcomes runners of all ages. [Read more]

Visuels Paris - Tour Eiffel SeineVisuels Paris - Tour Eiffel SeineVisuels Paris - Tour Eiffel SeineVisuels Paris - Tour Eiffel Seine Eiffel Tower 10K 2026: date, course and registrations
The Eiffel Tower 10k returns to Paris's 7th arrondissement on Sunday, December 6, 2026. A fast, rolling race from Les Invalides to the Iron Lady, to end the running season in style. [Read more]

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