The Elf Dash
Participants dress in elf costumes and jingling attire for a festive run of just under one mile through downtown Venice. At the finish line, runners receive a commemorative hot cocoa mug and enjoy a cookie and cocoa topping bar. Attendees can also settle in to watch the Venice Holiday Parade and spot special appearances by Santa and The Grinch.
What to Expect
Spirited under-one-mile fun run kicking off the Venice Holiday Parade.
Event Details
Food & Drink
Finishing participants can enjoy hot cocoa with toppings including marshmallows, candy cane crunch and whipped cream, plus a selection of cookies.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Holiday-loving families and casual runners
Vibe
Festive and playful
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Registration: $25. – Get tickets
- Hours: Dash: 5:45PM EST–6:30PM EST; VIE parking opens at 4:30pm; packet pickup Friday 11/27, 3pm–6:30pm.
- Parking: VIE parking for elves is in the south lot of the Venice Community Center, closest to Turin Street. Each family of elves receives a VIE Parking Pass. The pass and race bib must be shown together to enter; without the pass, the car is directed to drive-up check-in/packet pickup. Parking opens at 4:30pm. From the parking lot, it is about a three-block walk to the start. The page also recommends arriving early enough to walk to the start and be ready for the 5:45pm start.
Tips & Advice
- Register by November 27, since registration closes that day; collect your packet at Gulf Breeze Apparel before the dash.
- Bring your VIE parking pass and race bib together, as both are required to enter the reserved lot.
- Allow for the walk of about three blocks from the parking lot to the start, and arrive with time to get ready.
- Bring a chair if you plan to watch the parade, since the reserved elf viewing area will not hold everyone.
- Wear an official race bib and festive elf attire; participants without bibs will be asked to leave the course.
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa will watch the dash and appear at the end of the Venice Holiday Parade.
- The Grinch will make a special appearance.
- Each family of elves receives a VIE parking pass; the pass and race bib are required to use VIE parking.
- After the dash, registered elves receive a hot cocoa mug and access to the Hot Cocoa and Cookie Bar.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is allowed to take part in the dash?
The event is for elves only; participants should wear an official race bib, and anyone without one will be asked to leave the course.
How long is the dash, and is it timed?
The route is just under one mile and is not timed. Participants must cross the finish line within twenty minutes.
What should participants wear?
Pointy shoes, jingling bells and jolly holiday attire are encouraged.
What happens after the dash?
Finishers receive a hot cocoa mug and access to the cocoa and cookie bars, then can watch the Venice Holiday Parade.
How does VIE parking work?
Each family receives a parking pass at packet pickup. Show it with the matching race bib to enter the south lot; the walk to the start is about three blocks.
More Christmas Events near Venice
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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