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)! There are also awards given out for things like best costume, best selfie, and best custom elf name.

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 super competitive 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 warmup period begins at 12:45 pm and the course closes at 4:00 pm. 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 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

In 2026 the entry fee for the 1 km Wee Elf Run is $23 (with early bird pricing), while the other runs range from $40 to $45 per person. Prices typically increase closer to the race date. For participants under 18, the entry fee is $29 for both the 5 km and 10 km runs.

Each participant receives a Run Kit that includes costume items (such as an elf toque). In 2026 the kits can be picked up an hour before the race or mailed for an additional charge. Participants also have the option of picking up their kits in advance from noon to 5:45 pm on one of three days prior to the race at Kintec stores in Burnaby, North Vancouver, or on West Broadway in Vancouver.

Proceeds from the Big Elf Run support The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, an organization that gives toys, clothes and food to families and children in need during the holiday season.

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 is the schedule of events for the runs on December 12th in 2026.

12:00 pm – run kit pickup opens
12:45 pm – 1 km warm-up
1:00 pm – 1 km starts
1:30 pm – 1 km route closes
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 – routes close

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.