Holiday Lights Run 2026
Run or walk Glendale's brightest holiday lights
- When Wednesday, Dec 9, 2026 · 6:00 PM (doors 5:30)
- Where Tortoise & Hare Sports, 17570 N. 75th Ave #605, Glendale, AZ
A festive 2–3 mile evening tour of neighborhood light displays, starting and finishing at the store. Ugly sweaters encouraged, cocoa and cookies guaranteed, and every ticket supports The Hope Effect.
- 2–3 miles
- Run or walk
- All ages
- $30–$35
Limited to 400 participants.
Sponsored by Brooks, Balega & Well Coffee Co.
What is the Holiday Lights Run?
The Holiday Lights Run (also called the Holiday Light Run) is an annual, all-ages run and walk hosted by Tortoise & Hare Sports in Glendale, Arizona. On Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM, runners, walkers, families and friends will tour about 2–3 miles of Glendale's holiday light displays together, then head back to the store for hot cocoa, cookies from Pretty Good Cookies, and a raffle. It's a lights tour, not a race, so you can go at whatever pace suits you. #EmbraceYourPace
- Date
- Wednesday, December 9, 2026
- Time
- Doors open 5:30 PM · Start 6:00 PM · Event wraps around 8:00 PM
- Start & finish
- Tortoise & Hare Sports, 17570 N. 75th Ave #605, Glendale, AZ 85308 (Arrowhead area). Free parking.
- Distance
- About 2–3 miles through Glendale holiday light displays
- Who
- All ages and all paces: runners, walkers, families and strollers
- Tickets
- $30–$35. Optional event t-shirt $28 (order by November 23)
- Capacity
- 400 participants
- Benefits
- The Hope Effect
- Sponsors
- Brooks, Balega and Well Coffee Co.
How the night unfolds
- 5:30 PMDoors open. Check in at the store, grab your lights, and find your crew. Wear your ugly sweater.
- 6:00 PMLights tour begins. Run or walk about 2–3 miles past Glendale's brightest holiday displays.
- FinishCocoa, cookies & cheer. Warm up with hot cocoa and Pretty Good Cookies, and look out for the Phoenix Elves.
- RaffleBig raffle. Prizes from our partners, plus an extra chance to win when you show up in an ugly sweater.
What's included & what to bring
Your ticket includes
- A guided 2–3 mile run/walk tour of Glendale holiday lights
- Hot cocoa and cookies from Pretty Good Cookies at the finish
- Entry into the raffle
- A visit from the Phoenix Elves
- Free parking
- A donation to The Hope Effect
Bring & wear
- A reflective vest so drivers can see you
- Blinking or LED lights: the more the merrier
- Your ugliest holiday sweater for a raffle edge
- Comfortable running or walking shoes
- Optional: the $28 Holiday Lights Run tee (order by Nov 23)
Need reflective gear or a fresh pair of shoes before the run? Stop by the store and our Fit Experts will help you get set.
Relive the 2025 Holiday Lights Run
Video by Take It Easly Productions. Thank you for capturing the magic!
Scenes from last year
Twinkling front yards, strollers, four-legged friends, Santa photos and a lot of ugly sweaters. Here's a look at the 2025 Holiday Lights Run.
Photos by Take It Easly Productions. Huge thanks for making our community look this good.
Every mile gives back
Proceeds from the 2026 Holiday Lights Run benefit The Hope Effect, a Peoria, Arizona–based nonprofit working to give children without parental care the love of a family. When you lace up for the lights, you're helping kids find a home this holiday season.
Run for a CauseThank you to our partners
- BrooksSponsor
- BalegaSponsor
- Well Coffee Co.Sponsor
- Pretty Good CookiesFinish-line cookies
- Phoenix ElvesHoliday cheer
- Take It Easly ProductionsPhoto & video
Holiday Lights Run FAQ
When and where is the 2026 Holiday Lights Run?
Wednesday, December 9, 2026. Doors open at 5:30 PM and the run/walk starts at 6:00 PM from Tortoise & Hare Sports, 17570 N. 75th Ave #605, Glendale, AZ 85308. The event wraps up around 8:00 PM.
How long is the Holiday Lights Run?
The route is about 2–3 miles through Glendale neighborhood holiday light displays, starting and finishing at the store.
Do I have to run?
Not at all. Walkers are just as welcome as runners. It's a holiday lights tour, not a race, so go at your own pace.
Is the Holiday Lights Run kid-friendly?
Yes. The event is for all ages, and strollers are welcome. Little ones love the lights, the cocoa and the cookies.
How much does it cost?
Tickets are $30–$35. The optional Holiday Lights Run t-shirt is an extra $28 and must be ordered by November 23, 2026. Proceeds benefit The Hope Effect.
What should I wear?
Bring a reflective vest and blinking lights so you're easy to see after dark, plus comfortable shoes. Wear an ugly holiday sweater for an extra chance to win in the raffle.
What happens after the run?
Head back to the store for hot cocoa, cookies from Pretty Good Cookies, the raffle and a visit from the Phoenix Elves.
Is there parking?
Yes, free parking is available in the shopping center lot outside the store.
Will it sell out?
The event is capped at 400 participants, so we recommend reserving your spot early.
Can I get a refund if I can't make it?
Tickets are non-refundable. If your plans change, please let us know as early as you can so we can order cocoa and cookies to the right headcount.
Who sponsors the Holiday Lights Run?
The 2026 Holiday Lights Run is sponsored by Brooks, Balega and Well Coffee Co.
See you under the lights
Wednesday, December 9 · 6:00 PM · Tortoise & Hare Sports, Glendale
Get My TicketQuestions? Call 623-792-7900 or email info@tortoiseandharesports.com. See all upcoming Tortoise & Hare events.