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.

Note: Last year’s event, due to take place on Saturday, December 14th, was cancelled due to high winds on the day that prompted parks official to close parts of Stanley Park for safety reasons. Barring any such weather in 2025, run is happening on Saturday, December 13th.

The Big Elf Run features runs of various lengths. Participants also have the option of walking if they don’t feel like running. 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 each year in December (although not in 2024 due to bad weather). 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 this year’s Big Elf Run can choose between routes that span 5, 10, and 15 kms. 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. Kids can also take part in the Wee Elf Run that’s just 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

In 2025 the run takes place on Saturday, December 13th, from 12:45 pm to 4:00 pm at Lumberman’s Arch in Stanley Park. The kids’ event 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 happens beside Stanley Park Drive before concluding in Lumberman’s Arch. This route is 5 km long, so those running for 10 kms and 15 kms repeat this once or twice depending on their planned distance.

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

Elf Run Pricing in 2025

The entry fee for the 1 km Wee Elf Run is $23 while the other runs start at between $40 and $45 per person. These are early bird rates. Prices go up a little bit closer to the date. If you’re a participant under the age of 18, your entry fee is $29 for both the 5 km and 10 km runs.

Everyone who joins gets a Run Kit that includes costume items (like an elf toque). The kits can either be picked up an hour before the race or mailed for an additional $15. Participants also have the option of picking up their kits in advance from noon to 5:45 pm on December 10th, 11th or 12th at Kintec stores in Burnaby, North Vancouver or on West Broadway in Vancouver.

Proceeds for the Big Elf Run support The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau which is an organization that supports families and children during the holiday season.

TIP: If you use the promo code VBP10 you’ll save 10% on your registration fees!

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

Stanley Park Big Elf Run

2025 Big Elf Run Schedule

The following is the schedule of events for the event on December 13th in 2025:

12:00 pm – run kit pickup opens
12:45 pm – 1km warm-up
1:00 pm – 1km starts
1:30 pm – 1km 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 starts
4:00 pm – route 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.