Santa Claus Shuffle
Participants can run or walk along a scenic route in historic Portsmouth, with many runners dressed up in festive holiday costumes. Festivities include music from a live DJ, face painting, a photo booth, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Participants also receive complimentary refreshments, including coffee, hot chocolate, doughnuts, and bagels.
Sat, Dec 12, 2026 All ages
See more other Christmas activities near Portsmouth
Plan Your Visit
Tickets
5K • $50.00; 1 Mile • $30.00; Combo 1-mile & 5K • $70.
Hours
8:00AM.
Food & Drink
Complimentary refreshments, while supplies last, include coffee, hot chocolate, chocolate milk, doughnuts, bagels, bananas, water, and Gatorade.
Parking
714 Court Street Parking Lot; 700 Crawford Street Parking Lot; County Street Garage – 200 County Street.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Wear your best holiday costume, since plenty of runners and whole teams dress up, and it's part of the fun.
- Hold on to your race bib after you finish, because local businesses in Olde Towne Portsmouth offer special deals when you show it.
- Skip your morning coffee at home, because free coffee, hot chocolate, bagels and doughnuts are waiting at the Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion.
- Use the volunteer-staffed coat check if you want to stay warm before the start, but keep valuables with you since it's at your own risk.
- Your race time starts when you cross the starting line, not when the horn sounds, so a spot further back won't hurt your time.
Special Events & Promotions
- Show your race bib at Olde Towne Portsmouth businesses for special deals, which are announced closer to race day
- Combo registration lets you run both the 1-mile fun run and the 5K
- Every Elf who creates a fundraising page is entered into a prize drawing
- Stocking Stuffer Drive collects gifts for the youth served by Tidewater Youth Services
Links & Contact
Run by Portsmouth Naval Medical Center
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 website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do people really run in costume?
Yes, lots of them. Runners come alone or in teams with names like the Eggnogger Joggers, the Jingleballerz and the Rally Gals, all dressed in their holiday best.
What refreshments are there?
There's coffee, hot chocolate, doughnuts, bagels, bananas, water, Gatorade and chocolate milk. It's all free, thanks to sponsors, while supplies last.
What do finishers get?
Every 5K runner gets a finisher medal and a t-shirt while supplies last. Everyone who finishes the 1-mile fun run gets an award. The top male and female finishers in each age group win gift certificates to Running Etc.
Is there somewhere to leave my coat?
Yes. Volunteers staff a coat check, but anything you leave there is at your own risk.
How else can I help?
You can volunteer by emailing jlee@tyscommission.org. You can also become an Elf with your own fundraising page or donate stocking stuffers. The money raised goes to Tidewater Youth Services Foundation.
Browse Christmas in Portsmouth
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.