December 2026 Hiking Events: Trail Races, a Gear Expo & Holiday Fun Runs
December 2026 hiking events: The Running Event expo Dec 1–3 (San Antonio), Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run Dec 5, Cloudland Canyon trail races Dec 5–6 (GA), and the free JoCo Fall Hiking Challenge through Dec 31.
In this guide
December is the season for layers, headlamps, and holiday lights — and 2026’s calendar delivers all three. From a running-industry expo to a festive night fun run through one of Austin’s most famous light displays, here’s every hiking, trail-running, and outdoor event worth knowing about in December 2026, plus one January expo to get on your radar early.
Quick answer: December 2026’s headline outdoor events: The Running Event expo (Dec 1–3, San Antonio TX), the Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run (Dec 5, Zilker Park Austin), Cloudland Canyon trail races (Dec 5–6, Rising Fawn GA — 5M to 50M), and the free JoCo Fall Hiking Challenge (all month, Johnston County NC, through Dec 31).
December 1–3 — The Running Event (San Antonio, TX)
North America’s premier run specialty trade show: three days at the Henry B. González Convention Center with thousands of industry professionals, first looks at new footwear, apparel, and gear, plus conference programming, peer learning, and product discovery. Launched in 2006, it’s the running industry’s flagship event.
Audience note: This is an industry/trade event — primarily for run specialty retailers, buyers, and running-industry pros — not a consumer fun run. Check therunningevent.com for attendee registration info before making travel plans.
Full guide: dates, registration & how to attend →
December 5 — Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run (Zilker Park, Austin TX)
Be first through the lights: a festive night fun run through Austin’s iconic Trail of Lights display, with rolling start times from 6–8 PM (pick any start time) and a special Runner’s Start at the 6 PM countdown with VIPs. The Finish Line Festival packs in food trucks, a health/fitness expo, a Ferris wheel and carousel, and live music.
Who it’s for: Everyone — families, groups, and runners chasing a holiday-season night run with serious atmosphere. Every registration includes a commemorative long-sleeve T-shirt, race bib, Finish Line Festival access with complimentary beer or hot cocoa, and free Santa & Mrs. Claus photos (courtesy of Raising Cane’s).
Full guide: date, registration & how to run it →
December 5–6 — Cloudland Canyon trail races (Rising Fawn, GA)
Run Bum’s winter waterfall-canyon races at Cloudland Canyon State Park: 50M, 50K, 25K, and 5M distances through one of Georgia’s most dramatic gorge systems. The 50M packs 6,500 feet of climbing with a 15:30 cutoff; the 5M is a gentler 600-foot outing. Register via UltraSignup ($63.06–$179.22 by distance) — sign up by November 1 for a guaranteed finisher medal or pint glass.
Who it’s for: Trail racers chasing a December goal race; the 25K and 5M make accessible entry points for newer runners.
Full guide: dates, registration & how to run them →
All month — JoCo Fall Hiking Challenge (Johnston County, NC)
Free, no registration: the fall hiking challenge continues through December 31 — hike designated trails (1.25–2.94 miles each), log each hike on the official form, and earn entries toward door-prize drawings. December is your last window to bank miles.
Who it’s for: Beginners, families, and anyone who wants a structured, no-cost excuse to keep hiking through the holidays.
Full guide: trails, how to log hikes & prize entries →
January preview: plan this now
- January 7–10, 2027 — Sportsmen’s Expo, Denver CO. A major outdoor expo at the Colorado Convention Center — worth penciling in now while you wrap up the holiday season.
Event dates and details verified against official organizer pages and announcements as of October 19, 2026. Prices, start times, and policies can change — always confirm on the official event page before traveling.
Frequently asked questions
Which December 2026 hiking events are completely free to join?
The JoCo Fall Hiking Challenge (Oct 1–Dec 31, Johnston County NC) costs nothing — hike designated trails at your own pace and log them for prize drawings. The other December events all require paid registration or are trade events.
Which December 2026 event is the best choice for a beginner hiker?
The Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run (Dec 5, Zilker Park): a festive, non-competitive night run with rolling 6–8 PM starts, food trucks, and a finisher festival. For a self-paced option, the free JoCo Fall Hiking Challenge’s short trails suit any fitness level.
Is The Running Event in San Antonio open to the general public?
Mostly not — The Running Event (Dec 1–3) is primarily an industry trade show for run specialty retailers, buyers, and running-industry professionals, with conference programming and product discovery. Check therunningevent.com for attendee registration details and any guest options.
How do I register for the Cloudland Canyon trail races in December?
Registration runs through UltraSignup, priced $63.06–$179.22 depending on distance (5M, 25K, 50K, 50M). Register by November 1 to guarantee your finisher medal or pint glass — and note the no-refund policy, with optional SPOT refund protection at checkout.
What gear do I need for a December trail race or fun run?
Layers (a warm-up layer for the start plus a breathable mid-layer), trail shoes with real grip for wet leaves and rocks, a headlamp for night runs like the Trail of Lights Fun Run, and gloves — Georgia and Texas race mornings can be frosty.