Race of Santa Clauses in Palić | Tourist Calendar of Serbia

Santa Claus Race is a traditional charity event that takes place in early December each year at Lake Palić, symbolically heralding the season of New Year and Christmas holidays.

This non-competitive recreational race attracts thousands of participants and visitors and has a charitable character. It provides an opportunity for all race participants to contribute voluntary donations in preparing New Year's gift packages for children without parental care in the Subotica city area.

Although primarily intended for children, Santa Claus Race is an event where everyone who delights in the rosy-cheeked grandfather in a red and white suit bringing gifts can participate – the old, the young, families, schools, and kindergartens.

The race route is symbolic – starting from Velika terasa, the marked track spans a distance of 1,500 meters. After the race, following an old local tradition, each participant has the opportunity to replenish and warm up with a cup of hot tea and a slice of bread spread with lard and sprinkled with homemade red pepper.

No registration is required to participate in the race; the only requirement is to be dressed in a Santa Claus costume or at least wear a recognizable cap on the head. After the race, all participants receive medals as a memento from the "real" Santa Claus, and awards are given for the youngest and oldest participants, as well as for the most beautiful Santa Claus costume.

As the race takes place during the time of pig slaughter, which is also a special celebration in these parts, a crackling rendering competition and an exhibition of local products are held in the immediate vicinity of the racecourse.

After the race, exhibitions of children's artwork prepared specifically for this occasion, various creative workshops, performances, and animations are organized at the Velika terasa premises.

The sponsors and organizers of this fun and noble event are Park Palić, the City of Subotica, and the Ultramarathon Association of Serbia.

The 23rd edition of this year's Santa Claus Race will take place on Sunday, December 4th, starting at 11 o'clock.