St Nicholas Run in Michendorf: Hundreds of Santas Celebrate the Holidays in Germany

Published on December 8, 2025

The small town of Michendorf near Berlin became a sea of red on Sunday, December 7, 2025, as 1,000 participants took part in the 17th St Nicholas Run. This annual event, held every year before Christmas, attracted runners from all over Germany to celebrate the festive season in a fun way. Dressed in traditional red Santa coats and white beards, the runners came together to kick off the local holiday season while mixing exercise with festive cheer. Organized by the Michendorf Running Club, the St Nicholas Run included several race distances, such as 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km options for adults. Children had their own fun with the Zipfelmützenlauf, or “pointy hat run,” a one-kilometre race designed for young participants to join in the celebration. Unlike most competitive races, no athletic experience was needed; instead, participants were encouraged to wear their Santa costumes and enjoy the spirit of the event.

A Festive Tradition with a Community Focus

The St Nicholas Run has become a beloved tradition for the town of Michendorf and for many across the Brandenburg region. The event is a lighthearted way to kick off the holiday season while promoting community spirit and well-being. Runners of all ages and abilities, from families with young children to seasoned athletes, gathered to take part in this festive race, turning the town into a celebration of holiday cheer.

The event is not just about running – it’s about coming together as a community to celebrate the season. The Michendorf Running Club has managed to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, where the primary goal is enjoyment, not competition. The event is family-friendly, with participants of all ages taking part in the races, especially the Zipfelmützenlauf, where children race in pointed Santa hats.

The Charm of the Santa Run in Michendorf

Michendorf’s St Nicholas Run is known for its relaxed and festive atmosphere. While some participants take the race more seriously, many are in it for the fun, cheering each other on as they make their way through the scenic town. The run itself is less about speed and more about bringing people together to embrace the Christmas spirit.

For many, the run has become a holiday tradition. It provides an opportunity for families and friends to gather and enjoy the holiday season while getting a bit of exercise in a fun and lighthearted setting. The picturesque town of Michendorf, located in the Brandenburg region, provides a charming backdrop for this seasonal event, with participants running through streets adorned with festive decorations, creating a perfect setting for the occasion.

Community Impact and Tourism Benefits

The St Nicholas Run not only provides a fun and festive activity for locals, but it also has a significant impact on tourism in Michendorf. The race attracts visitors from all over the country, boosting the local economy and bringing attention to Brandenburg as a destination for holiday-themed events. The event has gained a reputation as one of the most popular Christmas races in the region, and it helps to put Michendorf on the map as a place for seasonal fun.

In addition to the economic benefits, the race has become a key element in the town’s tourism calendar, contributing to the region’s efforts to develop and promote its winter events. Visitors who come for the St Nicholas Run often extend their stay, exploring the local attractions, enjoying the festive atmosphere, and taking in the beauty of Brandenburg’s countryside.

Expanding the Event and Future Prospects

As the event continues to grow in popularity, there is potential for the St Nicholas Run to expand further, with more participants each year and possibly additional activities and races. The success of this event highlights the growing interest in Christmas-themed tourism and festive events in Germany, with Santa runs and similar activities becoming increasingly popular across the country.

Looking forward, the Michendorf Running Club aims to further enhance the event, potentially adding more family-friendly activities and encouraging even greater participation. The goal is to make the event an even more prominent part of Germany’s Christmas tourism calendar, attracting visitors from outside the region and helping to promote Brandenburg as a holiday destination.

Conclusion

The 17th St Nicholas Run in Michendorf, Germany, was a great success. It gathered people of all ages to celebrate the start of the Christmas season in a fun and festive way. With up to 1,000 participants and a welcoming atmosphere, the event promotes holiday cheer, community spirit, and healthy living. For both locals and visitors, the St Nicholas Run in Michendorf has become an essential event in Brandenburg. It combines fitness and fun, bringing people together and marking the beginning of the holiday season.