Best Holiday Runs in NYC
Check out the Best Holiday Runs in NYC, Complete with Maps
Some of the best holiday runs in NYC start at the iconic Rockefeller Center in Midtown, Manhattan. Photo by Marques Jackson Photography.
By Marnie Kunz, NASM-certified trainer, USATF-, RRCA-certified NYC running coach
Check out these best holiday runs in NYC and ring in the holidays the best way - running! Whether you had a tough year or a great one, the holidays are a good time for a break and to revel in the moment. And what better way to celebrate the season than an inspiring holiday run or a virtual peak around NYC’s holiday lights? From Brooklyn’s most lit-up neighborhood to ornate Fifth Avenue window displays, these holiday running routes are filled with seasonal inspiration and a nice distraction from winter’s cold, short days. And if you want to race, I am also including holiday race information for local races.
Related Post: 25 Best Places to Run in NYC
Here are some of the best holiday runs in NYC:
Midtown, NYC Holiday Run
Distance: 4.4 miles
If you’re looking for great holiday lights in NYC, you have lots of options, beginning with the classic holiday displays in Midtown Manhattan. Start your holiday run at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, at Rockefeller Plaza between W. 49th and W. 50th streets. The magnificent reach of the tree and the holiday cheer will give you a motivational boost to run. Just wear your face mask and be prepared for a slow start as the area can get crowded with tree revelers.
Since this is a very high-traffic area around the holidays, go on an early weekend morning if possible or at off-peak tourist times to appreciate the experience without having to dodge too many people. Check out my running safety tips for more guidelines on running safely in NYC and navigating city streets.
Bryant Park has holiday shops, ice skating, and lots of lights.
From Rockefeller Center, go south on Fifth Avenue to check out the famed Fifth Avenue holiday displays, beginning at Saks Fifth Avenue. A nighttime run will give you better views of the NYC holiday windows when the lights and displays will be in full brilliance.
Once you reach 42 Street, you’ll hit Bryant Park, where the Holiday Shops and outdoor ice skating rink add extra sparkle to the beautiful NYC park. Stop for a hot chocolate or grab a snack at the holiday market and then run west to 10th Avenue.
Run on 11th Avenue heading downtown and you’ll hit the beautiful holiday lights at the towering Vessel in Hudson Yards. Head back to Rockefeller Center to finish your run. This run is about 4.4 miles. You can favorite the Midtown NYC Holiday Map in your Google Maps to follow the route.
If you want to run extra miles, extend your route to see Time Warner Center’s state-of-the-art holiday light display at Columbus Circle, at 59th Street. The holiday display features a dozen 14-foot LED stars that do a colorful “dance,” flashing more than 16.7 million color mixes in time to classic holiday tunes at 4 pm each day.
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn Holiday Run
Distance: 3 miles
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
One of NYC’s top holiday destinations is nestled in the normally quiet neighborhood of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. The residential area explodes with Christmas lights, holiday statues, inflatables, and even holiday music booming from loudspeakers every year from Thanksgiving til New Year’s. Some residents go to great lengths to bring the holiday cheer, with massive, professional light displays costing upwards of $20,000.
You’ll find the best lights from dusk to 9 pm so plan your trip accordingly. If you’re traveling by subway, you can take the D Train to 79th St and New Utrecht Ave, Brooklyn or take the R train to 86 Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. You can also Uber or drive, but if you drive, parking may be difficult as people come from all over to see the lights.
Your run can be a short one for this one, as the best holiday lights in Dyker Heights are from 11th to 13th Avenues (also known as Dyker Heights Blvd) from 83rd to 86th St. The winding running tour will be well worth your time though as you see larger-than-life displays as neighbors try to outdo each other with the audacious holiday exhibits, many of them professionally done. By starting and stopping your run at the D train 79th Street subway stop, you’ll get in an invigorating 3-mile run.
Check out the Dyker Heights Holiday Run Map and favorite it in your Google maps to pull it up for your run. You can also use it for a general idea and then improvise, following the lights and creating your own running route.
Washington Square Park has a beautiful Christmas tree every year.
Downtown NYC Holiday Runs
Distance: 3.5 miles or 5.3 miles for the full loop
Downtown Manhattan has a hip and vibrant holiday scene, and you can enjoy a beautiful holiday run starting in the famed Washington Square Park, at the Christmas tree. The Washington Square Park Christmas tree is NYC’s second longest-running tree lighting ceremony. It may not be as grandiose as Rockefeller Center’s tree, but the sparkling lights seen through the iconic Washington Square Park arch are beautiful and will give you some pep in your step to start your run.
From Washington Square, head uptown toward the Flatiron District, where you’ll want to stop for some running photos at the neighborhood’s holiday art installation. The public art display is lit up at night. The outdoor exhibit will be on display through January 1 on the Flatiron Public Plazas.
From the Flatiron District, run back downtown to Battery Park City to see Luminaries light display at Brookfield Place. You’ll need to go inside to see the interactive light installation in the Winter Garden, which features a canopy of colorful lights emanating from hundreds of lanterns suspended among the palms. Touchless wishing stations on the ground allow visitors to send a motion-activated wish to the canopy of lanterns above, prompting a magical display of lights and colors. Brookfield Place will donate $1, up to $25,000, for every wish made during the holiday season to ROAR (Relief Opportunities for All Restaurants). Holiday songs play with a coordinated holiday light show every hour.
The Union Square Holiday Market is another great spot to hit on your holiday run. This outdoor holiday market is an NYC tradition and serves up tasty eats, holiday decor, gifts, and more. You’ll want to stop and walk around the market and maybe pick up some hot chocolate or a sweet treat to keep you going on your run.
If you end your holiday run at Brookfield Place, the run is 3.5 miles. To finish out the loop and end at Washington Square Park, your run will be 5.3 miles. Favorite our Google Map for easy access on your run.
Also, don't forget to wear the right winter running clothing for the colder holiday temperatures.
Best Holiday Races in NYC
If you want to do a holiday race, these are some of the most festive events in NYC:
NYCRuns Cocoa Classic 5K
This festive 5K happens in Prospect Park, Brooklyn every year. Race day falls on a Saturday at the beginning of December each year. Registrants run the Prospect Park loop, with the start line on the Southwest side of the park near Vanderbilt and Prospect Park West, and the race finishes just before completing the full loop. Enjoy post-race hot cocoa and refreshments after crossing the finish line. Ring in the holidays with this fun holiday race experience.
When: A Saturday in early December
Where: Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Register: https://nycruns.com/race/nycruns-cocoa-classic-5k-10k
NYRR Midnight Run
The New York Road Runners Midnight Run is a New Year's Eve tradition in NYC. The 4-mile race in Central Park begins at 11:59 pm so you can start the New Year running! The course begins on the 72nd Street Transverse and goes up East Drive to the 102nd Street Transverse before returning to 72nd to finish. Ring in the New Year with thousands of other runners in this festive night run.
When: December 31st - New Year's Eve at 11:59 pm
Where: Central Park, New York City
NYC Holiday Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K
Dress up as your favorite holiday character for this Brooklyn holiday themed race in your choice of distances - 5K, 10K, or half marathon. Take in views of the Verrazano Bridge on the course. Each runner gets free pictures, a bib with live tracking, and a technical shirt to remember the fun. Costumes optional but encouraged.
When: Sunday in mid-December
Where: Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn
Register: https://citytri.com/nyc-holiday-half/
Happy Holiday Running to You
Happy running Wolf Pack, and stay safe and warm out there! Where are your favorite holiday running routes? Comment below.
Need a training plan to help you meet your running or fitness goals? Head to the Runstreet Training Center for help.Get more training and fitness tips by following @Runstreet on Instagram to share your workouts and get cheered on. 😊👋
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Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.
Midtown Manhattan photo by Jon Tyson for Unsplash.
