Santa Hustle Galveston
Participants run or walk through holiday-themed half marathon, 10K, 5K, or 1K Kids Dash courses with cheerful volunteers and aid stations along the route. Finishers are rewarded with cookies, candy, and hot cocoa at the finish line. Registered runners receive event apparel, a beanie or Santa hat and beard, and a finisher medal.
What to Expect
Holiday-themed half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids dash along the coast.
Event Details
Duration
The time limit is 2 hours for a 5K/10K course and 3.5 hours for a Half Marathon course.
Ages
All ages (Kids Dash for 12 and under)
Neighborhood
Galveston Island
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Santa Hustle Race Series, LLC
Food & Drink
Water and aid stations are available along the course; cookies, candy, and hot cocoa are served at the finish line.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Holiday-minded runners and families
Vibe
Festive and energetic
Energy Level
High
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Half Marathon: $79.99 until 4/30/2026; $89.99 from 5/01/2026–9/30/2026; $99.99 from 10/01/2026–10/31/2026; $109.99 from 11/01/2026–12/13/2026; $125.00 through Race Day. 10K: $59.99 until 4/30/2026; $69.99 from 5/01/2026–9/30/2026; $74.99 from 10/01/2026–10/31/2026; $79.99 from 11/01/2026–12/13/2026; $95.00 through Race Day. 5K: $49.99 until 4/30/2026; $54.99 from 5/01/2026–9/30/2026; $59.99 from 10/01/2026–10/31/2026; $64.99 from 11/01/2026–12/13/2026; $75.00 through Race Day. Registration fees may have sales tax and additional service and processing fees. Race-day packet pick-up is $15.95 per packet per paid participant if the participant misses pre-race packet pick-up; Kids Dash participants do not pay this fee. Packet shipping is an optional $15.95 add-on. Distance Pins are optional add-ons for the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. Group registrations of 5 or more get $5 off per registrant, excluding Kids Dash registrations. Eligible GOVX members get 20% off one registration; the discount applies only to the race registration fee, not additional fees, taxes, or add-ons. – Get tickets
- Hours: Half Marathon: 8:00 AM; 10K: 8:15 AM; 5K: 8:15 AM. The separate Kids Dash starts at 7:30 AM. Race-day packet pick-up: 6:30 AM – 7:45 AM.
- Parking: Parking is available at Beach Central Parking Garage and on the north side of the Seawall; the south side will be closed off for the race. The page encourages carpooling and arriving early due to possible traffic, heavy congestion, and street closures.
- Accessibility: Adaptive athletes using equipment like wheelers or running with guides can register for distances of 5K or greater and may start a few minutes early.
Tips & Advice
- Register early, because the entry price for each distance goes up in steps as race day gets closer.
- Go to the pre-race packet pick-up on Saturday, December 19, or send a friend with your QR code, so you don't pay the race-day pick-up fee.
- Carpool and get to the start early, because race morning brings heavy traffic and street closures along the Seawall.
- Pin your bib on the front of your torso at all four corners and keep it uncovered so your chip time records correctly.
- If you want to switch distances, do it online at least two weeks before the race, since running a different distance without approval can get you disqualified.
Special Events & Promotions
- Group discount for 5 or more people registering together, not including the Kids Dash.
- GOVX members (military, law enforcement, first responders, medical services, government employees and teachers) get 20% off one registration.
- New beanie design this year for half marathon, 10K and 5K runners.
- Add-on Distance Pin for your finisher medal in the half marathon, 10K and 5K, extra cost.
- Add-on packet shipping to get your shirt, bib and more mailed to you so you skip the pick-up lines.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What distances can I run?
A half marathon, 10K or 5K. There's also a separate 1K Kids Dash for kids up to age 12, and parents can run alongside their child for free.
What do runners get?
A Santa Hustle apparel item by Headsweats, a finisher medal and this year's beanie. Kids Dash runners get a long-sleeve shirt, a Santa hat and beard, a race bib and a finisher medal.
Is there food at the finish?
Yes, cookies, candy and hot cocoa. There are also water and aid stations along the course.
Is there a time limit?
Yes. You have 2 hours for the 5K or 10K and 3.5 hours for the half marathon.
Can I volunteer?
Yes, as an individual or with a group. Volunteers help check in runners, hand out medals at the finish and serve treats. Groups reserve their spots through a separate form.
More Christmas Events Near Galveston
More Christmas Events near Galveston
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.