After three decades, the Jingle Bell Fun Run gets a new twist with post-Christmas Parade start

By Kelli Nesbitt, Parks & Recreation Marketing Coordinator

For more than three decades, College Station’s annual Jingle Bell Fun Run has been the epitome of what fun is supposed to be.

The one-mile race isn’t timed and is intended to be an entertaining, light-hearted way to kick off the popular Christmas in the Park event at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park. But this year’s 33rd Jingle Bell Fun Run has a new twist by starting after the College Station Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2.

The parade starts at 3:30 p.m., followed by the race at 6 p.m. The starting line is close to the hayride line near the tennis courts. Part of the run goes along an unpaved trail.

The evening isn’t just about the run; it’s a golden opportunity to bask in the festive lights before indulging in Christmas in the Park’s classic hayride, delectable cookies and steaming hot cocoa, performances by local song and dance groups, photos with Santa and his reindeer, and much more.

Schedule of Events

Parade	3:30 p.m.
Lighting Ceremony	6 p.m.
Jingle Bell Fun Run	6 p.m.
Festivities	6-10 p.m.

The early entry fee is $15 and includes a shirt and jingle bells if you register by Nov. 12. The cost is $20 during the Nov. 13-26 late registration period. Jingle bells are included, but you aren’t guaranteed a shirt. Participants three years old and under are free.

You can also register by calling 979-764-3486 or stopping by our Central Park office.

Packet pick-up is 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Nov. 29 and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the Central Park office. No parking is available in the park on the event day, and dogs aren’t allowed. Shuttles run from 3 p.m.-midnight from the Post Oak Mall parking lot (old Macy’s side).

See you at the starting line for the most memorable Jingle Bell Fun Run yet!

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