10 Coolest Fitness and Foodie Events in Philly This Month: December 2015

Our picks for what to do and where to sweat.

Holiday lights in South Philadelphia | Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Holiday lights in South Philadelphia | Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, hot cocoa, festive sweaters — and runs, workouts, fitness classes and healthy cooking workshops that combine all three. Here, a very holiday-heavy fitness-and-foodie calendar for your December planning purpose. Plus, you know, the Rocky 50K because, duh, it’s the Rocky 50K

1. South Philly Holiday Lights Run
When: Thursday, December 10th at 7 p.m.
Where: Start at Broad Street and Oregon Avenue, South Philly.

The South Philly Striders and Fishtown Beer Runners team up every year for this popular South Philly tour de lights. You’ll run the three-mile neighborhood route as a group — holiday costumes encouraged — to see all the pretty holiday lights in South Philly. Feel free to bring canned food donations to the starting location to benefit Philabundance. The run ends at American Sardine Bar for an after party.

2. Fairmount Park Jingle Jog 
When: Saturday, December 12th at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Starts at Lloyd Hall, 1 Boathouse Row, Kelly Drive.

Make this your new favorite holiday tradition: For the second year, the Fairmount Park Conservancy will host guided runs through Fairmount Park to see its historic mansions all decked out for the holidays. There will be two distances to choose from — five- and eight-mile runs — with the five-mile group hitting East Fairmount Park to see the Mount Pleasant Mansion and Laurel Hill Mansion, and the eight-milers continuing to Woodford Mansion, Strawberry Mansion, the Japanese House and Cedar Grove. There will be festive refreshments along the way. It’s $25 for non-conservancy members and $15 for members.

3. Rudolph Run
When: Saturday, December 12th at 9 a.m.
Where: Canal View Park, Manayunk.

Don a red nose and some jingle bells — both are provided for the run — for the second annual Rudolph Run in Manayunk. This for-fun three-miler, organized by Philadelphia Runner and the Manayunk Development Corporation, is all about getting you in a festive mood (i.e. holiday attire is encouraged). There will be hot cocoa at the end, and canned goods will be collected in lieu of an entry fee. The run is free, but you need to sign up here.

4. Rocky 50K
When: Saturday, December 5th at 7 a.m.
Where: Starts at Wolf and South Lambert streets, South Philly.

The Rocky 50K returns for its third year with a free, for-fun, non-sanctioned run hitting all the iconic Philly sites featured in Rocky II. Don’t be deterred by the hefty mileage: You can either complete all of it like a boss (that’s a brag-worthy 31 miles, if you’re wondering) or simply join the group for part of it. Either way, Rocky-inspired dress is encouraged. Here’s the course map.

5. Free Classes at Fuel Cycle Fitness
When: December 28th through 30th.
Where: 53 Rittenhouse Place, Ardmore.

In October, we told you about the soon-to-open boxing-and-cycling studio, Fuel Cycle Fitness, that was in the works in Ardmore. Things seem to be on track, with the studio planning three days of free classes to show you what they’re all about. The fun is going down the last week of December (think of it as a post-Christmas, pre-New Year’s fitness fest) with a jaw-dropping 24 (!!) freebie classes to choose from. Check out the full schedule (scroll to the right dates) here.

6. Jingle Bell Boot Camp
When: Saturday, December 12th at 9 a.m.
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Fairmount.

CoreFitness is bringing back its Jingle Bell Boot Camp for the second year. The workout takes place on the Art Museum steps, and with the help of two canned goods, which you’ll use for weights and then donate to charity after class, you’ll get one serious pre-holiday workout. It’s $20 to participate.

7. Phrosty 5K
When: Saturday, December 19th at 8 a.m.
Where: Forbidden Drive at the Cedars House, Wissahickon Valley Park.

How about a chilly run through the Wissahickon? This one is organized by the iRuntheHill Facebook group, and sponsored by Indigo Schuy, Balance Chestnut Hill and Cedars House Cafe. There will be a pre-run warm-up at 7:30, but the 5K run starts promptly at 8. (Note: There will also be a one-mile walk.) Post-workout, you’ll enjoy hot chocolate and treats back at Cedars House. The run is free, but you can sign up here (click the Events tab) to let them know you’re coming.

8. A Holiday from Resolutions Cooking Class
When: Sunday, December 6th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Restaurant School, 4100 Walnut Street, University City.

This intensive one-day cooking workshop with health-focused cook Christina Pirello will give you all the tools you need to navigate the holiday season without packing on the pounds. From soup to dessert, home remedies to natural detoxing, you’ll learn recipes and kitchen tips to keep your waistline in check. It’s $95 to register.

9. Bootylicious Beyonce Dance Workshop
When: Saturday, December 5th at 8 p.m.
Where: Philly Dance Fitness, 1301 Locust Street, second floor, Midtown Village.

Philly Dance Fitness’s Beyonce-themed dance workshops are so popular, the studio decided to add two more sessions to its year-end schedule. You’ll learn some of Queen Bey’s best choreography as you shimmy and twirl your way you a seriously killer workout. The first session, at 6 p.m., has already sold out, but there is still some space in the 8 p.m. class. It’s $25 to participate. Sign up ASAP, obviously.

10. Happy Hour Yoga: Christmas Beer Edition
When: Friday, December 4th at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Yoga on the Ridge, 493 Domino Lane, Roxborough.

Toast the holidays with this special Christmas beer installment of Yoga on the Ridge’s popular Happy Hour Yoga series. The two-for-one event features an hour of yoga, followed by a guided tasting of the season’s warming spiced brews. The $25 entry fee covers yoga and your beer.

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