On 14 December 2025, the French town of Puteaux will be organising a Santa Claus race for the seventh time in a row. Young and old are welcome to join, but places for the race are limited.
While most running races are rather serious and competitive in tone, there are exceptions to be found. The annual Santa Claus race in Puteaux, located close to the French capital, is the perfect example of such a diverting event.
For the seventh time in a row, the municipality is inviting young and old to don their most convincing Santa costume for an unforgettable experience. Participants will be able to choose between two different routes, depending on their fitness level and motivation.
- The 3-kilometre parcours is oriented especially towards families, children, and walkers.
- The 5-kilometre parcours is better suited to more experienced runners looking to take the Santa Claus race to another level.
@romain.run.7 Et toi c’était quoi la dernière course que tu as fait ? ✅ Un vrai spectacle de Noël sur le bitume ! 🎄 Une course magique où l’esprit des fêtes prend le dessus : des centaines de Pères Noël, des costumes incroyables, et une ambiance tout simplement folle. Aucun chrono, juste du plaisir et de la bonne humeur ! 🏃♂️✨ Je me suis régalé à courir au cœur des illuminations, à profiter de l’ambiance festive de la ville. Une expérience inoubliable, à refaire chaque année ! 🎅❄️ #coursefestive #runningplaisir #espritdenoel #runningmotivation #runningcommunity ♬ All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
While all participants are, of course, free to do as they please, Puteaux officials are clear about the fact that the main goal of the event is for everyone to have fun. Children of all ages are invited to join the race, and first and foremost, everyone should pick their best Santa Claus uniform – and their comfiest sneakers.
Tickets must be purchased online before 11 December and are likely to sell fast. Children are allowed to participate in the race free of charge until the age of three. Inhabitants of Puteaux will have to pay €5 in order to participate, while those who live outside the town can buy a ticket for €10.
Back numbers can be picked up on 13 December at the Palais des Sports in Puteaux between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm or on 14 December between 9:30 and 10:30 am at the start of the race on the Parvis de la Mairie in Puteaux.
@lucauffret Plusieurs milliers de Père-Noël à Issy-les-Moulineaux pour la course Corrida de Noël. (15/12/2024) #Noel #christmas #Paris #issylesmoulineaux ♬ All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
A festive season to remember
The French city is not the only one to organise a festive event in the lead-up to Christmas. All around the world, cities are putting on their jolliest decorations and organising the cosiest events now that the end of the year is getting closer. From light festivals in Belgium to Christmas decorations in Hong Kong and special pop-ups: Christmas season 2025 promises to be a festive one.
