Event Dates
From: Saturday, December 5, 2026
To: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Tis the season to jingle your bells and don your gay apparel!
Hundreds of runners strip down to swimwear and Christmas costumes for Chicago’s Santa Speedo Run, a one-mile dash through Northalsted raising money for Center on Halsted.
- Stay at Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel, a short walk from Sidetrack and the gay bars along North Halsted Street.
Chicago Santa Speedo Run – The Event
- Next Event: Saturday 5th December 2026.
- The 2026 run celebrates its 15th anniversary.
- Check-in opens at Sidetrack at 12pm.
- The one-mile run through Northalsted starts at 2pm.
- Awards, entertainment and prizes follow from 2.30pm.
- The official after-party runs from 4pm-8pm.
- Participants must be 21+.
- Speedos are encouraged but not compulsory; swimwear, onesies and Christmas costumes are welcome.
- The event has raised over $1 million for Center on Halsted since 2011.
- The 2025 edition raised a record $189,000.
- Check out the 10 best hotels in Chicago.
Santa Speedo Run 2026 Schedule
Time Event 12pm Arrival & Check-in – Sidetrack 2pm One-Mile Santa Speedo Run – Northalsted 2.30pm Awards, Entertainment & Prizes – Sidetrack 4pm-8pm Official After-Party – Sidetrack The Run
- The afternoon starts at Sidetrack, 3349 N Halsted Street, before runners head out for a one-mile loop through Northalsted.
- This is a social charity run rather than a competitive race. Run it, walk it or concentrate on the outfit.
- After returning to Sidetrack, the afternoon continues with awards and entertainment before the official after-party from 4pm-8pm.
What to Wear
- Speedos and Santa hats are the classic combination, but swimwear isn’t compulsory.
- Expect briefs, swimsuits, elves, reindeer, Santa costumes, onesies and plenty of creative Christmas looks.
- Chicago in December can be bitterly cold. Bring warm clothes for before and immediately after the run and wear proper shoes for the route.
Center on Halsted
- The run benefits Center on Halsted, Chicago’s major LGBTQ+ community centre.
- Money raised supports programmes and services for LGBTQ+ people across Chicagoland.
- Since launching in 2011, Santa Speedo Run Northalsted has raised over $1 million, with the 2025 edition setting a new annual fundraising record.
Registration
- Early-bird individual registration for 2026 is $40.
- Registration includes event entry, the one-mile run, an official T-shirt and a Santa Sack for the first 700 registered participants.
- Fundraising rewards begin at $250, with further incentives for higher totals.
- Participants must be 21+ and bring valid physical ID.
- Register or donate through the official Santa Speedo Run page.
The Venue
- Sidetrack – 3349 N Halsted Street.
- Sidetrack is one of Chicago’s largest gay venues, occupying several connected indoor and outdoor spaces in the centre of Northalsted.
- The location works particularly well for Santa Speedo Run: runners finish surrounded by gay bars, restaurants and clubs, so there is no need to move across the city for the after-party.
Where to Stay
Stay in Lakeview close to Northalsted rather than Downtown. You’ll be able to walk to Sidetrack, the run and most of the neighbourhood’s gay nightlife.
- Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel – Best overall location. Boutique-style hotel on North Broadway, a short walk from Sidetrack, Hydrate and the centre of Northalsted.
- Hotel Zachary Chicago – Best upscale option. Stylish hotel opposite Wrigley Field with restaurants and bars nearby and Northalsted within walking distance.
- City Suites Hotel – Best for transport. Art Deco-style hotel beside Belmont station, convenient for Northalsted and direct connections into Downtown Chicago.
- Majestic Hotel – Best for a quieter stay. Boutique hotel in a residential section of Lakeview, within walking distance of the lakefront and Northalsted nightlife.
Gay Chicago – After the Run
You finish in the middle of Northalsted, so keep the rest of Saturday around Halsted Street and Lakeview.
- Sidetrack – 3349 N Halsted Street. Stay after the official party for Saturday night across its multiple bars, video rooms and dance spaces.
- Roscoe’s Tavern – 3356 N Halsted Street. Directly opposite Sidetrack with DJs, drag, food and a large patio.
- Hydrate Nightclub – 3458 N Halsted Street. Late-night gay club with drag, guest DJs and dancing into Sunday morning.
- Cell Block – 3702 N Halsted Street. Long-running leather and fetish bar with kink, pup and themed events.
- The North End – 3733 N Halsted Street. Relaxed gay sports bar with pool, darts and televised sports.
- Charlie’s Chicago – 3726 N Broadway. Gay country-western bar that shifts into late-night dancing at weekends.
Other Gay Events in Chicago
- Chicago Pride – June. One of America’s biggest Pride celebrations with Pride Fest, the parade and major circuit parties.
- International Mr. Leather – May. International leather and fetish gathering held over Memorial Day Weekend.
- Northalsted Market Days – August. Huge two-day street festival with live stages, DJs and packed gay bars throughout Northalsted.
- Chicago Gay Halloween – October. Halloween celebrations culminating in the Haunted Halsted parade and costume contest.
- Chicago Gay New Year – December. New Year’s Eve brings special parties, DJs and celebrations to Northalsted and clubs across Chicago.
get an early deal on your hotel
Book now and pay on arrival.
The Hyatt Regency is close to all the main
events & offers superior rooms & service.
For further information and advice on
Chicago Santa Speedo Run The Website
The area in Chicago with the most gay bars is Boys town offering over 20 bar, we have chosen hotels close to this area that have good revues on bookings.
Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Address: 21 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago,
Address:
Address: 10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago,
Address: 933 West Belmont Avenue Chicago
Address: 3434 North Broadway Chicago
Address: 528 West Brompton Avenue Chicago
Address: 3439 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3359 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3452 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3729 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3325 North Broadway Street Chicago
Address:
Address:
Address: 3320 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3339 N Halsted St, Chicago
Address:
Address: 3702 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3458 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address: 3356 North Halsted Street Chicago
Address:
Address:
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Chicago that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Heading to Chicago? Check out The Gaycation Travel Show Guide.
Chicago, affectionately known as the “Windy City,” is a must-visit destination for LGBTQ+ travellers seeking a vibrant, welcoming, and diverse experience. The city is home to Northalsted (formerly Boystown), one of the first officially recognized gay villages in the United States. Remember, Chicago has an efficient public transit system, so you’ll have easy access to all the city offers no matter where you stay.
The heart of Chicago’s downtown and home to some of its most iconic landmarks with great hotels.
A great place to stay if you’re a foodie or a fan of the arts, and close to the city’s best shopping.

Manchester Christmas Market 2026