Feeling a little sluggish this winter season? Bombarded by the stress of seasonal goodies, holiday shopping, and entertaining relatives and friends?

If you are finding yourself seeking ways to get out of the house and stay active this holiday season, you are in luck -- here are 5 holiday fitness activities to help.

Many cities offer holiday races and marathons for those who want to keep up with or improve their exercise routine during the winter season by adding a fun twist to take advantage of this festive time of year. With names often involving the words “jingle bell run” or “holiday hustle”, these races offer runners, walkers, or bikers the chance to dig out their best seasonal attire from the bottom of their dressers and show it off to the world. Although costumes and accessories are not necessarily required for these events, donning a pair of reindeer antlers, and maybe even a glowing red nose, will make your run considerably more exciting than usual. So get those little bells tied onto your shoes, and jingle all the way to the finish line!

Holiday Fun Run: Seattle, WA – Saturday, December 20st

Take in the scenic views of Lake Washington while running or walking in Magnuson Park in this 5k, 10k, or 15k event. There will also be a 2-person 10k race (5k each). May we suggest dressing up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the relay?

Jingle Bell Run: Los Angeles, CA – Sunday, December 14st

With the 5k Jingle Bell Jog for adults and 1k Elves Run for kids, this fun run is sure to be a hit with your family. Participants receive a seasonal present, can enjoy hot chocolate before the run, and can win prizes for the best costume!

2014 Total Jingle Bell Run and Walk: Houston, TX – Sunday, December 14th

Three distances (a 5-mile run, a 3-mile run or walk, and a fun run for the kids) make this YMCA fund-raising race one for the whole family! Be sure to enter the costume contest before the race and show off your favorite holiday attire.

Holiday Classic 5k: Hudson, NY – Saturday, December 20st

Take a drive outside of bustling New York City and head over to Hudson, where this race takes you out into the pretty countryside. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a reindeer!

Jingle Bell Snowshoe Run/Walk: Suncadia Resort, WA – Saturday, December 21st

With participants encouraged to snowshoe in their best holiday-themed outfits, this race will take place on open terrain and forest trails, with varying hills. Warm up after the race with hot soup, bread, and cookies in the club house. Dogs are also welcome to join in the holiday snowshoeing fun, but don’t forget the leash!

For those who live in snowy areas, be sure to take advantage of that beautiful powder by registering for a holiday-themed snowshoe run or cross-country skiing race. These forms of exercise burn roughly the same amount of calories as running, and are an effective, low-impact total body workout. By braving the chill and participating in one of these races, you will feel like you’re zipping across the North Pole!

Daring, adventurous people who are not interested in racing but who still want to partake in a seasonal activity may consider doing a Polar Bear Plunge. In this type of event, participants jump into freezing cold bodies of water, often while the air around them is also very frigid. Although some may question participants’ judgment in deciding to take part in such a chilling event, these plunges are normally done as fundraisers for charities. If you decide to do the Polar Bear Plunge, you could find that taking a dive into cool waters may help awaken your warm holiday spirit!

We would love to hear about your favorite holiday-themed race! Share your stories in the comments below.