Your new favorite tradition. The Morrisville Festival of Lights 5K is a nighttime run + walk built to bring some brightness to the darkest time of year. When the race starts at 6:30 PM, the snowflake lights switch on to send you off. From there it's out and back along the glowing Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, finishing with s'mores, hot cocoa, music, and awards at Oxbow Riverfront Park. Run it, walk it, glow all the way. 🌙✨

Race Details

• When: Friday, December 11, 2026, 6:30 PM start
• Where: Downtown Morrisville, VT. Start at the top of Portland Street, finish at Oxbow Park.
• Race-day bib pickup: Pick up your bib before the race at The Wing Center starting at 5 PM
• Early bib pickup: Morilla Gym, Thursday 12/10, 1 PM to 8 PM
• Parking: Downtown lots and the high school. No parking at Oxbow Park.
• Weather: This race happens in Vermont in December. Dress warm, expect snow, and know that a little weather makes it better. Race will be held rain, snow, or shine.

 

Registration & Pricing

Register before 12/10:
Adults: $35
Kids under 18: $10

Onsite registration:
Adults: $40
Kids under 18: $10

*Not including UltraSignup fees, 15% of proceeds go back to Morrisville Alliance for Culture and Commerce (MACC)

Light Yourself Up

This is a night race. Headlamps are required, glowsticks are strongly encouraged, and anything else that lights you up is celebrated. The trail will be decorated with lights and luminaries, but the best part of a glow run is the runners.

The Course

3.11 miles, out and back, flat and fast. Start in downtown Morrisville, head down Portland Street, turn right following the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail east along the river to the turnaround and back to the finish at Oxbow Riverfront Park. The trail is typically packed snow in December (we'll keep you updated on the conditions ❄️): wear traction if you like it, and strollers, walkers, and leashed dogs are all welcome.

Finish Party + Awards

Cross the line at Oxbow Riverfront Park for a riverside celebration: s'mores, hot cocoa, music, and awards.

Overall awards
Top 3 male and top 3 female finishers take home the big prize bags.

First place male & female in each age group will also walk away with goodies

• 19 and under
• 20 to 29
• 30 to 39
• 40 to 49
• 50 to 59
• 60 to 69
• 70 and over

 

Make a Night of it

The 5K is part of Morrisville's Festival of Lights celebration. Come early, stay late, and enjoy an evening out downtown. Shops and restaurants will be open, so bring the family and make it a whole night.

Who's Behind It

Hi, I'm Shelby. Local ultrarunner, 4th place finisher at the Vermont 100, and openly obsessed with the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. I've logged more miles on this stretch of trail than I can count, and I've always thought it deserved a night where the whole town comes out to enjoy it. That's this race: my small attempt to spice up the running scene in Morrisville and give us all a reason to be outside together in December.

The Festival of Lights 5K is hosted by Big Cat Running and produced in partnership with MACC and the Town of Morristown.

Questions, ideas, or want to get involved? Hit up Shelby at shelby@shelbzzf.com.

Event's current local time: 10:37 AM ET