EVENT DESCRIPTION

Run or walk through a dazzling display of over a million twinkling lights along Chandler Blvd in Ahwatukee. This chip-timed race welcomes runners and walkers of all levels to enjoy a festive evening under the lights. Along the course, recharge at our water and peppermint station, then celebrate at the finish line with hot chocolate, holiday cookies, chocolate treats, and a commemorative finisher mug for every participant. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!

 

Limited to 750 participants! (The event sold out in 2022 & 2023 so don't miss your chance)

 

EVENT DATE
December 20, 2025

Kids Fun Run - 6:30 pm

5k - 7:00 pm

 

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EVENT LOCATION

Desert Foothills Park

1010 E Marketplace Way SW

Phoenix, AZ 85048

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NEW FOR 2025!

• Kid's Fun Run

• Live music by Chris Lawrie

• Pizza food truck

• Local vendors

• More lights!

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PACKET PICK-UP

EARLY PACKET PICK-UP

December 18, 2025

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Wrenhouse Brewing Co. Südhalle Taphouse

4025 East Chandler Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85044

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RACE DAY

December 20, 2025

4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Desert Foothills Park

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WHAT DO 5K RUNNERS GET?

• Chip Timing by Mangled Momentum with live results posted online

• Event Bib Number

• Event Finisher Coffee Mug

• Cookies, Hot Chocolate & Chocolate at the finish

• Water & Peppermint Cookie Station on the run course

• Sponsor Goodies

• Live Entertainment

*Shirts may be added to a registration for an additional $30. Cut off for shirts is December 5, 2025.

 

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WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

Everyone is welcome but please leave the furry friends at home. You are more than welcome to walk or run the event. Go at your own pace but please be aware that the roads need to be reopened as quickly as possible so participants are asked to keep their walk to a max of 1.5 hours. There will be a sweep vehicle in case you feel you need a ride back to the finish line if you can't finish before 1.5 hours. Cookies and hot chocolate will still be waiting for you!

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NOTE ABOUT STROLLERS:

There is a short gravel section at the start and end of the run that will make it difficult for a traditional stroller to navigate. Please ensure you are using a running stroller or an off-road stroller with large wheels for the run. 

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Children who are in strollers do not need to register for the event unless you would like them to have the finisher goodies like the other runners. 

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START LINE CLOSURE

Please be aware: the start line will close exactly 5 minutes after the official race start. For safety reasons, no participants will be permitted to begin the race after this time. The police have planned road closures based on a single start time and a quick course clearance. Allowing late starters creates a serious safety hazard, as roads may begin reopening while participants are still on the course. This puts both runners and motorists at risk and makes it difficult for race organizers and law enforcement to ensure everyone's safety. 

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KIDS FUN RUN - *New for 2025!*

This untimed ¾-mile run/walk is perfect for all ages looking to join the fun with a shorter course option. The route stays entirely within the park on a clearly marked path. Everyone who participates will receive a Kids Fun Run finisher medal, plus cookies and hot chocolate at the finish line.

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AWARDS

Everyone is the winner here. The event will be chip timed but there will not be any age group or overall awards given. This is your personal challenge.

 

 

COURSE

Starts at Desert Foothills Park - See 5k and Kids Fun Run Course Maps Here

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Themed Aid Stations on the Course*

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• Station #1: Water

• Station #2: Peppermint

• Finish Line: Hot Chocolate

• Finish Line: Cookies

• Finish Line: Chocolate

* Items are handed to participants on the run course during the run. Please help keep the streets clean by dropping trash in boxes provided. Water is also provided at each station. 

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2025 REGISTRATION FEES

July 1 - August 31 (Early Registration)

• $25  Adults

• $20  Kids 5k (17 and Under)

• $15  3/4 Mile Kids Fun Run (Includes Kids Finisher Medal)

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September 1 - September 30

• $35  Adults

• $25  Kids 5k (17 and Under)

• $15  3/4 Mile Kids Fun Run (Includes Kids Finisher Medal)

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October 1 - October 31

• $40  Adults 5k

• $30  Kids 5k (17 and Under)

• $20  3/4 Mile Kids Fun Run (Includes Kids Finisher Medal)

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November 1 - November 30

• $45  Adults 5k

• $35  Kids 5k (17 and Under)

• $20  3/4 Mile Kids Fun Run (Includes Kids Finisher Medal)

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December 1 - December 18

• $50  Adults 5k

• $40  Kids 5k (17 and Under)

• $20  3/4 Mile Kids Fun Run (Includes Kids Finisher Medal)

*Shirts may be added to a registration for an additional $30.

Cut off for shirts is December 5, 2025.

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December 19-20

• $60  Adults 5k

• $50  Kids 5k (17 and Under)

• $25  3/4 Mile Kids Fun Run (Includes Kids Finisher Medal)

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RACE DAY REGISTRATION

If the event is not sold out, online registration stays open until 30 min before race start so if you plan to attend, please register on your phone or computer before heading to the venue. It will make your check-in experience much quicker. If there is an absolute need to register on-site, there will be laptops available for use. All event registration and check-in is done online digitally. 

 

 

OPTIONAL a la CARTE ADD-ONS

• 5K Finisher Medal - $15

• Cactus Pin - $5

• Event T-shirt - $30

• *Shirts may be added to a registration for an additional $30. Cut off for shirts is December 5, 2025.

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