2026 Jingle Bell Fun Run
Description
Lace up your shoes and dig out your most festive gear as Downtown Midland's Jingle Bell Fun Run returns on December 3.
Step into the magic of the season with this free, festive, run or walk starting at 6:30 p.m. at the corner of Cronkright and Main Street in Downtown Midland. The approximately one mile route winds along Main Street and into Dow Diamond for an on-field experience that offers a sneak peek of the Loons Holiday Light Extravaganza. It’s not a timed race, so people of all ages and abilities are welcome to take their time and enjoy the route.
Participants are encouraged to come dressed in their best festive gear (holiday sweaters, Santa hats, cool socks, Christmas lights etc.). All registered participants will receive a festive accessory to wear during the event (while supplies last). After you cross the finish line, cozy up with a cup of delicious hot cocoa provided by Brinstar Arcade Bar & Grill.
REGISTRATION:
This year, we will have a staggered start to help avoid crowding inside the stadium. When signing up choose one of the following time slots 6:30, 6:40 or 6:50. Participation is limited, and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Instead of a registration fee, participants are encouraged to bring a variety of nonperishable food items to be donated to a local food pantry for holiday distribution by the Midland County Food Assistance Network.
This event is subject to change and could be cancelled due to inclement weather. Should we cancel, there will be no rescheduled event.
Event Schedule
- 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm
Check-In Opens
Check-in will be available from 5:45 p.m.- 6:45 from a on-street parking spot on Cronkright Street in front of Ace Hardware. You will receive your festive accessory upon check in (while supplies last). Please have your QR ready on your device or printed for easy check in.
- 6:30 pm
Green Group Start Time
Start time for those who sign up for the 6:30 p.m. time start. Please be at the starting line by 6:20 p.m.
- 6:40 pm
Blue Group Start Time
Start time for those who sign up for the 6:40 p.m. time start. Please be near the starting line by 6:30 p.m. to be ready to line up after Green Group starts.
- 6:50 pm
Gold Group Start Time
Start time for those who sign up for the 6:50 p.m. time start. Please be near the starting line by 6:40 p.m. to be ready to line up after Blue Group starts.
- 7:00 pm
Red Group Start Time
Start time for those who sign up for the 7:00 p.m. time start. Please be near the starting line by 6:50 p.m. to be ready to line up after Gold Group starts.
- 7:30 pm
Race Complete & Course Closes
Please plan to finish the course by 7:30 p.m. as the course closes at this time. After the last runner finishes the volunteers and City of Midland staff will work on reopening Main Street.
Know Before You Go
- There are no more slots available, can I still come?
To create a fun and memorable experience for all involved we need to limit the attendance to a size manageable for our small team & volunteers. Unfortunately, that means that once the times are all full, we will not be accepting any walk-ups.
- Will Dow Diamond be open for their Loons Holiday Lights Extravaganza?
Yes, Dow Diamond will be open for their Loons Holiday Lights Extravaganza during the time of this event. This means that you will likely encounter ticketholders on the in-field. As you navigate the infield, just kindly run around them, or walk through the infield if easier.
- Can we go back in to explore the Loons Holiday Lights Extravaganza after the run?
You cannot re-enter the stadium after the run.
This event is designed to provide you a free on-field teaser experience of the Loons Holiday Lights Extravaganza but does not give you full access to the event and there will be no re-entry to the field after you run. To get the full experience, purchase tickets by visiting milb.com/great-lakes/events/holiday-lights
- Where can we park?
You may park utilizing Downtown Midland's various public lots and on-street park. Visit downtownmidland.com/map to see your various options.
Please refrain from parking in Ace Hardware’s parking lot as they are still open for business during the time of the event.
- What nonperishable food items are recommended for donation?
The Midland County Food Assistance Network needs the following items:
Peanut butter
Jelly or Jam
Soup – chicken noodle soup
Ravioli or mixed stew
Canned tuna
Ramen noodles
Mac & cheese
Canned spaghetti O’s
Rice a Roni
Powdered milk
Beef stew
Spaghetti sauce
Any canned meat
Hamburger helpers
If you are looking for more ways to get involved, visit: midlandcountyfan.org/howyoucanhelp
Special Thank You
Special thanks to the Great Lakes Loons for their generous partnership and for allowing participants to enjoy this year’s Loons Holiday Light Extravaganza as part of the 2026 Jingle Bell Fun Run route. This festive display will add a unique holiday element to the course and help create a memorable experience for this year’s participants. We also want to send a big thank-you to Brinstar Arcade Bar & Grill for sponsoring the hot cocoa to help make this event even sweeter and to Greater Midland Races for their help in turning this idea into a reality! We appreciate you all!

Gallery
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity



