Santa Made Me Do It 5K
Held alongside the Bethlehem Christmastown Festival, this holiday event features a 5K road race, a two-mile walk, and a quarter-mile kids' fun run. Participants start in front of Memorial Hall and can enjoy the festival before and after racing. Awards are presented to the top overall finishers as well as leaders across multiple age categories.
What to Expect
Holiday 5K road race, walk, and kids run in Bethlehem.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
The First Mile
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and runners looking for a festive community event
Vibe
Festive and active
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: The description separately gives pre-registration as $30, race-day registration as $35, and kids 12 and under as $15. The Kid's Fun Run is free. – Get tickets
- Hours: The 5K starts at 10:00AM EST; packet pick-up and day-of-race registration start at 8:30 AM. The page also lists the 2 Mile Walk at 10:00AM EST and the Kid's Fun Run at 9:30 AM.
- Parking: Parking is at the Bethlehem Fair Grounds, with continuous shuttle buses to the Town Green starting at 8:30 AM. There is no parking at the Green; runners may be dropped off there.
Tips & Advice
- Park at the Bethlehem Fair Grounds and take the continuous shuttle to the Town Green, since parking is unavailable at the Green.
- Use the shuttle beginning at 8:30 AM, and allow time for the ride before the 10 AM 5K and walk start.
- Arrive early for packet pick-up or day-of-race registration, both available on the Town Green starting at 8:30 AM.
- Register by midnight Sunday, November 29, 2026, and attend on race day to receive a T-shirt.
- Register early if you want a free commemorative ornament, which is limited to the first 200 registrants.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free 2026 Santa Made Me Do It ornaments for the first 200 registered.
- T-shirts for everyone registered by Sunday, November 29 (you must be present to receive one).
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I park?
Park at the Bethlehem Fair Grounds, 384 Main St North. Shuttle buses run to the Town Green all day. There's no parking at the Green, and the road is closed to traffic, but runners can be dropped off there.
Is there something for kids?
Yes. There's a free quarter-mile kids' fun run before the 5K. The 5K is open to ages 1 to 99, and kids 12 and under pay a lower registration fee.
Can I walk instead of run?
Yes. There's a 2-mile walk that starts together with the 5K.
Where is packet pick-up?
Packet pick-up and day-of registration are on the Town Green in front of Memorial Hall on race morning.
What awards are given?
Awards go to the overall male, female and non-binary 5K finishers, and to the top three in each age group, from 6 and under up to 80+.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.