Illustration of felt Santas jogging along a snowy park path past a snowman, spectators and pine trees under string lights (35th Annual Reindeer Run/Walk)
Other Christmas Activities

35th Annual Reindeer Run/Walk

Participants run or walk a 5K route through downtown Charleston encompassing American Gardens Park. Runners and walkers can show off their holiday spirit in a costume contest with categories for adults, kids, groups, and dogs. Proceeds from the family-oriented event support the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.

Sat, Dec 12, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

$35; child registration (ages 5 to 16): $20.

Neighborhood

Downtown Charleston

Parking

Parking is available at city parking garages; arrive early to avoid congestion.

Accessibility

Strollers are allowed, but stay aware of your surroundings on the course.

Pets

The event is pet-friendly; dogs must be registered to participate.

Location

American Gardens Park · 141 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and holiday-loving runners and walkers

Vibe

Festive and community-minded

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Pick up your packet on Friday, December 11 at Half-Moon Outfitters in West Ashley, since race-morning pickup on Meeting Street is limited.
  • Register your dog ahead of time as an add-on, because dogs must be registered to take part in the run/walk.
  • Arrive early and park in a city garage, because organizers recommend the garages and warn about congestion around the start on Meeting Street.
  • Wear a festive costume to enter the contest, but make sure it doesn't block your vision or get in the way of other participants.
  • Register early, since registration closes once the race sells out and the adult fee goes up after November 3.

Special Events & Promotions

  • The costume contest returns this year, with prizes for the top three in the Adult Individual, Child Individual, Group and Dog categories.
  • The adult registration rate goes up after November 3, and the child rate goes up after December 10.

Links & Contact

Run by RunSignup

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, the run/walk is pet-friendly. Dogs must be registered to take part, and you can add a dog registration ahead of time.

Is there a costume contest?

Yes, the costume contest is back. Categories are Adult Individual, Child Individual, Group and Dog. The top three in each category win prizes and gift cards from Charleston-area restaurants and attractions. Costumes must not block your vision or get in the way of other participants.

Where do I pick up my race packet?

Pick it up on Friday, December 11 at Half-Moon Outfitters in West Ashley at 94 Folly Road. There is limited pickup on Meeting Street on race morning, but Friday pickup is strongly encouraged.

Where should I park?

Use one of the City of Charleston parking garages, and arrive early to avoid congestion.

Can kids register, and who does the race support?

Yes, there is a child registration for ages 5 to 16. Money raised supports the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in downtown Charleston.

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Contributors & Updates

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