Santa Claus For A Cause 5K/10K
Participants run along the beach surrounded by falling snow, festive music, and live carolers. Registration includes chip-timed results, a large finisher medal that doubles as an ornament, and a choice of a full Santa suit, beanie, or race shirt. The event also features holiday costume contests, photo ops with Santa, and on-site food vendors serving tacos, tamales, and coffee.
What to Expect
Beachside holiday run with falling snow, Santa suits, and live carolers.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Sunset Beach
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Caren Ware Events
Food & Drink
On-site vendors serve tamales, tacos, specialty coffee, cookies, fresh fruit, and more.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, holiday-costume fans, and recreational runners
Vibe
Festive and energetic
Energy Level
High
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: 5K registration: $42.80 including a $4.80 fee; the price increases after October 28, 2026 at 8:59am PDT. Registration includes the participant's choice of a full Santa suit, Santa beanie, or custom-designed race shirt, a finisher medal, and chip-timed results. – Get tickets
- Hours: Race-day registration and bib pick-up: 6:30–8:15 AM; 5K mass start: 8:30 AM (cross the start arch by 8:40 AM to be officially timed); 5K awards ceremony: 9:20 AM; expo festivities end: 11:00 AM. The 5K listing gives a time of 8:30AM PST–9:35AM PST.
- Parking: Bolsa Chica State Beach Lot 25 parking costs $15 per vehicle; cash or a state park pass is recommended. The main gate opens at 6:00 AM and visitors should use the main entrance only. Drop-off is available at Warner & PCH. Free public parking is also available in Sunset Beach behind Jack in the Box, with a walk to the event.
- Accessibility: Strollers are welcome on the course if they stay to the right; restrooms are at each end of Lot 25.
- Pets: Friendly pets are allowed if leashed at all times and accompanied by a Run/Walk participant. Leashes must be 5 feet or shorter; pet handlers should line up toward the back and stay to the side of the race field.
Tips & Advice
- Bring cash or a state park pass for Lot 25 parking, and use the main entrance only when you pull in.
- Be at the start line on time, because you must cross under the start arch within ten minutes of the mass start to get an official time.
- Pin your bib on the front where finish-line staff can see it, because only registered runners with a bib get a finisher medal.
- Come in costume for the Holiday Costume Contest, where prizes go to Best Costume, Best Christmas Spirit and even Best Dressed Doggie.
- Bring a new or gently used book to packet pick-up or on race day and drop it in the gift box next to Santa.
Special Events & Promotions
- Holiday Costume Contest with prizes for Best Costume, Best Christmas Spirit and Best Dressed Doggie
- Penguin Macarena group warm-up before the mass start, open to everyone
- Ho Ho Ho Kid's Dashes (200m, 400m, ½ mile and 1 mile), separate registration
- Book signings of Finding Fit at the Caren Ware booth on race day
- Book drive: bring a new or gently used book for the gift box next to Santa
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes with registration?
You get chip-timed results and your choice of a full Santa suit, a Santa beanie or a custom race shirt. At the finish line you get a large Santa medal that also works as a Christmas ornament.
Is there a race for kids?
Yes. Kids have their own Ho Ho Ho Dashes of 200m, 400m, a half mile and 1 mile, with separate registration. Age-group awards start with the 1–10 group.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Friendly pets can join if they stay on a leash of 5 feet or shorter and come with a registered runner or walker. Line up near the back and keep to the side of the course. There's even a Best Dressed Doggie prize.
What food is there?
Food vendors on site sell tamales, tacos, specialty coffee, cookies, fresh fruit and more. Stay for breakfast by the beach after your run.
Where do I park?
Parking at Bolsa Chica State Beach Lot 25 costs extra, so bring cash or a state park pass, and use the main entrance only. You can be dropped off at Warner & PCH. There's also free public parking in Sunset Beach behind Jack in the Box, and you walk in from there.
More Christmas Events Near Huntington Beach
More Christmas Events near Huntington Beach
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.