It’s officially the season to eat, drink, and justify absolutely anything with a simple ‘oh well, it’s Christmas‘. And whilst I plan to spend the rest of the year glued to my sofa and hot water bottle; if there was anything that could potentially prize me away from my supersized box of Quality Street this winter, it’s most definitely this.
The most festive form of exercise is returning to the capital city this week in the form of Santa in the City. This year marks the event’s 10th anniversary, and it’s set to be bigger, bolder, merrier, and jollier than ever before.
Santa in the City will see thousands of Londoners pound the pavements past some of the city’s most legendary landmarks, dressed as – you guessed it – Santa Claus. Because who needs a gym kit when you could opt for a rather fetching red ensemble instead, hey?
The Santa in the City route
The route will start at Paternoster Square, near St Paul’s Cathedral. Participants will then head across Blackfriars Bridge, soaking in some rather delicious views of Tower Bridge, The Shard, and Shakespeare’s Globe as they do so. Runners will then cross Southwark Bridge and make a beeline towards the Tower of London via some lesser-known pathways, before crossing the river once more (this time via the Millennium Bridge) and will ending back where they started.
How to take part in Santa in the City
Places cost £31.95 and include a five-piece Santa suit (that comes complete with a hat, jacket, trousers, belt, and – of course – a beard). The price also includes a nice shiny medal (that you can flaunt for the remainder of the festive season) and some pretty priceless memories. This year, to mark the event’s 10th anniversary, there are both running and walking routes available. But even if you opt for a running spot; you can walk, sprint, jog, or jig (it is Christmas, after all).
2025’s Santa in the City event’s headline charity partner is Sarcoma UK, a national bone and soft tissue cancer charity). Participants can opt to complete the route in aid of charity, and you can find out more about Sarcoma UK and the event’s other charity partners here.
Santa in the City will be taking place on the evenings of December 2, 3, and 4. Walkers will set off at 7pm and runners at 7.15pm. You can find out more and book your spot here.