Vancouver's Big Elf Run

The Big Elf Run is a fun Christmas-themed running race where runners get to wear elf hats and run around Vancouver’s Stanley Park in December.

The Big Elf Run features runs of various lengths. Participants can also walk if they prefer. It’s a fun and social event, not a competitive race. It’s good exercise and a great way to get into a festive spirit!

See the Big Elf Run website for full details.

TIP: When you register for the event, use the promo code VBP10 and you’ll save 10%.

Christmas-Themed Big Elf Run

The Big Elf Run is an annual run that takes place in Stanley Park in December. The event is one of several in the Big Fun Run Series which hosts runs for different holidays such as Easter and Halloween.

Each run in the series has its own distinct theme, and participants can dress up to spread the fun! Runners sometimes get a complimentary elf toque (or bunny ears at the Big Easter Run in the spring)!

Participants at The Big Elf Run can choose between routes that span 5 km, 10 km and 15 km. Those who place at the top of the leaderboards finish each of the three longer distance runs in about 20, 40, and 56 minutes, respectively. Children can also participate in the Wee Elf Run, which is 1 km long. The Big Elf Run isn’t a race. The only requirement is to finish the event in a couple of hours.

For tickets and full details about the event, see the bigfunrunseries.com website.

Big Elf Run

The Big Elf Run at Stanley Park

In 2026 the run takes place on Saturday, December 12th. The event usually runs from around 12:45 pm to 4:00 pm. Timing for the 2026 race has yet to be confirmed. The kids’ event usually starts at 1:00 pm, while the longer runs start an hour later.

The route for the Big Elf Run begins at Lumberman’s Arch and typically goes on a trail that passes the Vancouver Aquarium. People run alongside Highway 99, enter downtown, and circle Devonian Harbour Park in Coal Harbour before heading back to Stanley Park.

The remainder of the run takes place along Stanley Park Drive before concluding at Lumberman’s Arch. This route is 5 km long, so runners targeting 10 km or 15 km repeat it once or twice, depending on their planned distance.

For tickets and full details about the event, click Big Elf Run.

Elf Run Pricing

Last year, the entry fee for the 1 km Wee Elf Run was $23, while the other runs ranged from $40 to $45 per person. These were early bird rates. Prices typically increase closer to the race date. For participants under 18, the entry fee was $29 for both the 5 km and 10 km runs. Prices are expected to be similar in 2026.

Each participant receives a Run Kit that includes costume items (such as an elf toque). In 2025, the kits could be picked up an hour before the race or mailed for an additional charge. Participants also had the option of picking up their kits in advance from noon to 5:45 pm on a couple of days prior to the race at Kintec stores in Burnaby, North Vancouver, or on West Broadway in Vancouver.

Proceeds from the Big Elf Run supported The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, an organization that supports families and children during the holiday season. This will likely be the case in 2026.

TIP: Use promo code VBP10 to save 10% on your registration fees!

For tickets and full details about the event, see the bigfunrunseries.com website.

Stanley Park Big Elf Run

Big Elf Run Schedule

The following was the schedule of events for the runs on December 13th in 2025, to give you an idea of what to expect in 2026.

12:00 pm – run kit pickup opened
12:45 pm – 1 km warm-up
1:00 pm – 1 km started
1:30 pm – 1 km route closed
1:40 pm – Awards
1:45 pm – 5 km, 10 km and 15 km warm-ups
2:00 pm – 5 km, 10 km and 15 km started
4:00 pm – routes closed

For tickets and full details about the event, click Big Elf Run.

Big Elf Run Video

The following video should give you a good idea of what to expect at the Big Elf Run. The footage was filmed at the 2021 event. There were lots of participants enjoying the run. You can hear bells jingling, and you’ll also notice many runners wearing their complimentary elf toques.