When the winter weather outside is frightful and cold, many of us want to curl up by a fire and not go outdoors again until spring. While staying indoors is easy to do, it is even easier to get outside and have some fun - all while getting some exercise. The winter season is the time for the local Jingle Bell Runs. So get bundled up in your most festive holiday outfits and plan to register for these fun events.

Saint Martin's Jingle Bell Run

If you have never been to the Saint Martin's University's campus, this would be the perfect time to visit the beautifully wooded area. The Jingle Bell Run 5k will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, beginning at 9 a.m. Each person who registers will receive a long-sleeved Jingle Bell Run shirt, race number and chip timer. There will also be a fun-filled swag bag for those who check in early Friday, Dec. 2. Runners who are able to complete the race in 30 minutes or less are encouraged to register for the competitive 5k run. Those with young children and/or strollers are encouraged to participate in the 5k walk/run that begins at 9:45 a.m. Don't forget to get creative and come dressed in your best holiday outfit. Celebrate the sweet success of your completed race with finish line celebrations including refreshments and photo opportunities with Santa. For more information, visit www.stmartin.edu. Marcus Pavilion, 5300 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey

Santa Runs Taco

This beloved event returns for its eighth year Saturday, Dec. 10. Registration opened in September, so don't hesitate to get online and reserve your spot for one of the multiple courses being offered through scenic Tacoma. Donner and Blitzen's 21k begins in downtown Tacoma and makes its way through some of Tacoma's most iconic spots like the Murray Morgan Bridge and Tacoma's Waterfront, and finishes on Dock Street. The kids won't be left out of this family favorite tradition: Scrooge's 10k and Frosty's 5k run/walk follow a similar path. Children are also welcome to register for Tiny Tim's 1k Kids Run along Dock Street. The top finisher in each race will be awarded ribbons at the awards ceremony, and all kids who participate in the Tiny Tim's 1k Kids Run will receive a toy out of Santa's bag. Be sure to come dressed to impress to participate in the costume contest. Awards will be given for Best Individual Costume, Best Group and Best Youth. Packet pick-up begins the day of the event at 7 a.m., and races begin at 8:30 a.m. sharp for the 10k and half-marathon runners. For more information, visit www.santarunstacoma.com.

Jingle Bell Rock 5k and 1-Mile Kids Run

CHI Franciscan Health St. Clare Hospital proudly presents this fun and non-chip timed family event Saturday, Dec. 10 at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood. Choose from a 5k fun run or one-mile family run. Dust off your favorite Santa costumes and elf ears to wear during the event for the costume contest. Awards will be given to Best Family, Best Adult Individual and Best Child Costume. All members of the family are invited to participate, including dogs. An award will also be given to the Best Dog Costume. Jingle bells will be provided the day of the event. After the completion of the race, everyone is invited to gather around the fire pit to make s'mores and enjoy cider. Packet pick-ups will take place Friday, Dec. 2 between 5 and 8 p.m. at the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Lakewood City Hall. For more information, visit www.cityoflakewood.us.