Registration is open.
Likely to sell out. 1,399 finished the 5K in 2022, and this year's cap is 1,350.
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| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 ChristmasTown 5K | 5K | Nov 28, 20266:00 PM | $50$60 after Oct 1, 2026 | 1,350 |
| ChristmasTown 5K Reserved Entry | 5K | Nov 28, 20266:00 PM | $50 | 150 |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
The 5K fee goes up to $60 on Oct 1, 2026.
Online registration closes Nov 28, 2026, unless the race fills first.
At $50, entry is about 67 percent above a typical 5K in North Carolina, which costs $30 right now.
A typical finisher at a 5K in North Carolina runs 35:28, about 11:25 a mile, based on 761 races with published results. Women typically finish in 38:55 and men in 31:23.
Sunrise on race morning is at about 7:11 AM, and the 2026 ChristmasTown 5K starts at 6:00 PM. The start sits about 580 feet above sea level.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
Main Street, McAdenville, NC 28101
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.
Aggregated from official results for ChristmasTown 5K. Individual finisher names are not stored here.
In 2022, the fastest tenth finished in 26:39 or better, the top quarter in 32:42, and half the field in 42:59; the last tenth came in after 1:01:39.
Where a finish time would have placed in 2022.
Up 39 percent since 2021.
All events combined, from official results.
From 2021 to 2022, the field went from 1,003 to 1,399 finishers, and the median time rose from 40:02 to 42:59.
| Year | Finishers | Median | Fastest tenth | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1,399 (+39%) | 42:59 | under 26:39 | 15:50 |
| 2021 | 1,003 | 40:02 | under 25:45 | 16:47 |
From each year's official results for the 5K; virtual options are left out.
Slower than most North Carolina 5Ks
The fastest quarter of the 2022 5K field finished under 32:42, against 28:39 in a typical North Carolina 5K, so times here run 14 percent slower.
Compares the fastest quarter of each field, so walkers and first-timers do not skew it. It reflects the course and the field together: a flat course, cool weather, or a competitive crowd all make times faster.
Around November 28 the day usually runs from 38°F at dawn to 57°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 15% of days. Cold snaps dip to 29°F and hot years reach 69°F.
Based on 75 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.
What the organizers of ChristmasTown 5K cover on their registration page, in brief.
Schedule and packet pickup
PHARR YMCA 208 Main Street, McAdenville. Please arrive during one of the following times to pick up your bib and shirt. Come in the front door that faces Main Street. You can park in front of the building, in the church lot beside it, or…
Schedule and packet pickup
2:00 PM - Packet pick up begins. 4:30 PM - Packet pick up closes. 5:00 PM - All roads in McAdenville close to traffic. 5:30 PM - Costume contest begins in front of YMCA on Plaza. 6:00 PM - Race begins. 6:15 PM - Start line closes; all…
Awards
We only gift medals to the overall winners and winners in each category. We do not provide finisher medals. We will award the top three male and female overall winners. We will then award the top three finishers for both males and females…
Rules and FAQ
This event is rain or shine, and no refunds will be given. You may officially transfer your race entry to another non-registered runner before 5 PM on Race Day. Please initiate a bib transfer if anyone other than you plans on running with…
Rules and FAQ
When is this event? The 3.1 mile run starts promptly at 6:00 PM on Saturday, November 30. The start/finish line is on Main Street in downtown McAdenville. All participants will be expected to be at the start line with their bibs visible…
Rules and FAQ
This event will proceed rain or shine. In the event of threatening weather, we reserve the right to alter/postpone/cancel the event till further notice.
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Kick off your holiday with the most festive 5K this side of the North Pole! Run through one of the world's most popular destinations for Christmas lights and feel the holiday spirit. It's a party you don't want to miss!