The queen of Christmas has officially spoken, folks. In the wise (and whistly) words of Mariah: ‘it’s tiiiiiiiime’. So, if you need me from now until the end of the year, you can expect to find me stuffing my face and justifying literally anything by saying ‘it’s Christmas’.
If you, however, require a little bit of help getting into the festive spirit, you’ve come to the right place. Allow me to tell you about one of the merriest events in London’s Christmas calendar, Santa in the City – the festive fun run that entails dashing around the capital city, dressed as – you guessed it – Santa.
The route
Delivering festive cheer by the stocking-load, Santa in the City welcomes runners of all levels to don a rather fetching, bright red ensemble and embark on a 4.5km run past some of London’s most iconic landmarks.
This year, the run is starting in Paternoster Square, near St Paul’s Cathedral at 7pm. The route will see the abundance of Santas run along the north bank of the Thames and cross Southwark Bridge. Runners will then pass the legendary likes of Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern before heading back across the river via the Millennium Bridge, and ending back at the starting point (but not before having another gawp at the gorgeously illuminated St Paul’s Cathedral).
Credit: @walkinmoo via Instagram
How to take part in the run
Registration for 2024’s Santa in the City run is open now. Running places cost £28.95 and include a five-piece Santa suit (complete with hat, jacket, trousers, belt, and – of course, beard), a limited edition medal (that you can then flaunt for the remainder of the festive season), and some pretty priceless memories. The 4.5km route can be walked, sprinted, jogged, or danced (it is Christmas, after all) – so it really is an event for everyone.
This year’s event is in partnership with national bone and soft tissue cancer charity, Sarcoma UK. You can opt to run the route in aid of the charity, and you can find out more about it here.
Santa in the City will be taking place in London at 7pm on December 4 and 5. Registration is open now, find out more and book your spot here.