Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk

Take steps against hunger on the Saturday before Thanksgiving!

Run or walk through Making Spirits Bright's iconic holiday lights show in Evergreen Park before it opens to the public for the season. All proceeds benefit Sheboygan County Food Bank and help provide nutritious food for local families.

In the event's first eight years, our community has helped raise more than $630,000 in net proceeds to fight hunger in Sheboygan County.

Event Highlights

• Sponsor-filled goodie bag for the first 500 registrants
• Exclusive, on-foot experience through Making Spirits Bright
• 5K run with professional chip timing or a family-friendly 1-mile walk
• Ages 12 and under walk FREE
• Hot chocolate, cookies, Santa and free event photos
• 5K awards and post-event celebration at 3 Sheeps Brewing

 

Children 12 & Under Walk for Free

Keeping this a family-friendly event, ages 12 and under register for FREE for any of the walk waves.

 

We've Improved Event-Day Shuttling

Your experience matters to us and we appreciate everyone who shared feedback about shuttle wait times last year through our survey. This year, we’ve made improvements to help make shuttling faster and smoother. We’re increasing the amount of shuttle buses and updating shuttle routes and procedures to help reduce wait times and get you to and from the event more efficiently.

 

Community Partnerships

Through partnerships with myTEAMTRIUMPH and Big Brothers Big Sisters WI Shoreline, eligible participants can receive complimentary registration. Contact your local organization for details.

 

Volunteer With Us

It takes nearly 200 volunteers to make Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk possible! Help with packet pickup, shuttles, the course and more, and enjoy the event before or after your shift. As a thank you, volunteers will receive cheese from Sargento and Sartori and a complimentary drink ticket from 3 Sheeps Brewing. See all volunteer opportunities and sign up.

 

Prefer to Register by Phone or In-person?

We're happy to help! Please connect with Erin or Katie by calling 920-453-0169 or visiting them at Sheboygan County Food Bank, Door A (3115 N. 21st St. in Sheboygan), Monday–Thursday, 9 AM–3 PM.

Hard copy registration forms are not available.

 

Special Thanks to Making Spirits Bright

We're grateful to Making Spirits Bright and the Sheboygan County Rotary Clubs for generously opening Evergreen Park to host Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk each year.

Making Spirits Bright is also Sheboygan County Food Bank's largest annual food drive, collecting more than 1.3 million pounds of donations since it began in 2012. Their incredible partnership helps make both this event and our work to fight hunger possible. Learn more about Making Spirits Bright.

Keep the fun going after the lights! Participants, volunteers, family and friends are invited to gather at 3 Sheeps Brewing, less than a mile from the event.

Celebrate at 3 Sheeps

5-8 PM | 3 Sheeps Brewing
1837 North Avenue in Sheboygan

Warm up after the event and enjoy locally crafted beer while we celebrate our 5K finishers and another Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk!

Special for event day:

• Three-Beer Flight & Sartori Cheese Pairing: Enjoy a special pairing featuring three 3 Sheeps beers and Sartori cheeses. A portion of proceeds will benefit Sheboygan County Food Bank.
• Event Merchandise: A limited supply of Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk merchandise and Sheboygan County Food Bank swag will be available for purchase.
• Limited-Edition Pint Glasses: Special co-branded 3 Sheeps Brewing + Sheboygan County Food Bank pint glasses will also be available for purchase.

We're grateful to our friends at 3 Sheeps Brewing and Sartori Cheese for helping make this special event-day experience possible while supporting local families.

5K Award Ceremony

Approximately 5:30 PM | 3 Sheeps Brewing
1837 North Avenue in Sheboygan

Unique metal ornament awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in each age group:

12 & under • 13–16 • 17–19 • 20–29 • 30–39 • 40–49 • 50–59 • 60–69 • 70+

The top overall male and female finishers will also receive a special award and will not receive an additional age-group award.

Missed the Award Ceremony?

Awards will not be mailed. Unclaimed awards may be picked up at Sheboygan County Food Bank (3115 N. 21st Street, Door A) from 9 AM - 3 PM, Monday - Thursday, through December 10.

Official Results

The 5K run is professionally chip timed by Race Day Events. Results will be available online following the race. QR codes linking to results will also be posted onsite for easy access. Please note that the 1-mile walk is not timed.

VIEW 5K RESULTS

Get Your Results by Text or Email

During registration, 5K runners can choose to receive a text and/or email notification when their results are posted. You can also add additional phone numbers or email addresses so family and friends can follow your results.

Every registration helps provide nutritious food for local families, seniors, and children facing hunger in Sheboygan County.

Sheboygan County Food Bank leads the county's efforts to increase food security by distributing healthy emergency food and fostering innovative partnerships. Through our Sheboygan Cares Food Pantry and network of 40 partner organizations, we help ensure nutritious food reaches neighbors throughout our community.

2026 Community Impact

• More than 13,000 pantry visits are occurring each month across our network.
• 625 children received weekend snacks and meals through our Food for Thought for Kids program during the 2025-2026 school year.
• The Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk has raised more than $630,000 in net process over the eight years to support our mission.

Whether you register, volunteer, become a sponsor, or make an additional donation, you're helping make sure local families have access to nutritious food when they need it most.

Thank you for taking steps against hunger with us.

Before You Start

Event Entry
5K runners must wear their race bib. Walkers should have their registration QR code or confirmation email ready to show at the course entrance check point on the northwest side of the Quarryview parking lot. A lit path under the Calumet Drive bridge will guide participants to and from the course. Evergreen Park is closed to vehicles during the event. 

Lights & Music
Speakers are located throughout the course, but music may not be heard everywhere. For continuous music, please tune to 89.1 FM on your phone.

Spectators
A designated 5K spectator area will be available near the finish line. Spectators will receive a sticker at the course entrance check point. Spectators who would also like to walk through the lights must register for a walk wave.

A Few Important Rules

• Stay on the paved course and do not touch the light displays.
• Photos are welcome!
• During the 5K, slower runners and participants with strollers should start toward the back and stay to the right.
• The course closes at 7:00 PM.
• Final shuttle pickups from Quarryview Center are at 7:30 PM.

5K Run | 4:00 PM

• Wear your chipped race bib on the front and outside of your clothing.
• Complete three clockwise laps of the course.
• The race begins promptly at 4:00 PM.
• Cross the finish-line timing mat to record your official time and be eligible for awards.
• Please plan to finish by approximately 4:45 PM.
• Free gear check is available near the finish line from 3:00–5:00 PM for clothing layers and small personal items.
• After finishing, runners are welcome to walk through the lights until the course closes at 7:00 PM.

1-Mile Walk | 5:00, 5:30 & 6:00 PM

• Have your registration QR code ticket or confirmation email ready to show at event entry.
• Complete nearly one clockwise lap to experience the full lights display.
• Arrive at the course entrance no earlier than 5 minutes before your selected start time.
• The 5:00 PM wave will begin once all 5K runners have safely cleared the course.
• The 5:30 and 6:00 PM waves may enter upon arrival at their scheduled time.
• Enjoy the course at your own pace until it closes at 7:00 PM.

Course & Event Map

View the Course & Event Map → Coming soon!

Is there a deadline for registration?

Registration for the 5K run and 1-mile walk will be available online until the start times and in-person at the large tent outside of the Quarryview Center beginning at 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 22 (day of event). We will accept credit cards, cash, or check. 

Registration Prices (September 8 - September 30):

• 5K run (all ages): $25
• 1-mile walk registration (ages 13+): $20
• Ages 12 and under register for free for any of the walk waves 

Registration Prices (October 1 - October 31):

• 5K run (all ages): $30
• 1-mile walk registration (ages 13+): $25
• Ages 12 and under register for free for any of the walk waves 

Registration Prices (November 1 - November 22):

• 5K run (all ages): $35 (available until 4:00 PM on day of event)
• 1-mile walk (ages 13+): $30 (available until 6:00 PM on day of event)
• Ages 12 and under register for free for any of the walk waves (available until 6:00 PM on day of event)

Are there shirts or other items for sale?

Bundle up and show your support! Apparel items will be for sale during the registration process through Sunday, November 2. Travel mugs are available to purchase during the registration process through Saturday, November 22. Beginning at 12:00 PM on the day of the event (November 22), a limited quantity of all apparel items and travel mugs will be available to purchase inside the large tent outside of the Quarryview Center (cash or online donation). Light up items will also be available to purchase outside of the Quarryview Center in a small tent (cash or online donation). Please note that there is now an ATM available inside the Quarryview Center and all sales directly support Sheboygan County Food Bank. 

What is packet pickup?

Packet pickup is where participants receive race bibs and pins (5K run), wristbands (1-mile walk), and any apparel or other items that were ordered during the registration process. The first 500 people who registered will also receive a special goodie bag filled with giveaways/materials from sponsors and key partners, including local cheese generously provided by our friends at Sartori and Sargento! Packets must be picked up before entering the event, and bibs and wristbands must be worn at the event.

Where and when can I pick up my packet? 

Sponsors and employers offering free/discounted registrations using a unique coupon code will have packets pre-grouped into boxes or large bags. A representative is welcome to attend any of the scheduled packet pickups below and will only need to provide the employer name instead of individual names. Individuals are welcome to pick up their packets, but they will still need to first provide their employer’s name.

All other participants are welcome to visit any of the scheduled packet pickup times below and only need to provide their first and last name. 

Option 1: Thursday, November 20, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Sheboygan County Food Bank, Door A (3115 N 21st St., Sheboygan, WI 53083)

Option 2: Friday, November 21, 10:00 PM - 2:00 PM at Sheboygan County Food Bank, Door A (3115 N 21st St., Sheboygan, WI 53083)

Option 3: Saturday, November 22, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM inside large tent outside of Quarryview Center (3401 Calumet Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53083)

Can I pick up other participant(s) packets?

Yes. Packets may be picked up on behalf of other participants (i.e., family members, friends, coworkers). If you will be picking up two or more packets, please print, complete and bring this Packet Pickup Form. These forms will also be available to fill out onsite at packet pickup. 

What do I need to do before arriving to the event?

Register: Participants can register for either the 5K run or 1-mile walk (waves 1, 2 or 3). Register here.

Wear race bib or wrist band for admission: Runners must wear race bibs and walkers must wear wristbands received at packet pickup. 

Dress for the occasion: We love to see your holiday-themed outfits and costumes and your Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk apparel! If you're running the 5K, be sure to watch the weather forecast and wear appropriate clothing. Staying warm during the winter months in Wisconsin means bundling up in layers, including, hats, mittens, and thick socks. If you're a runner and need a safe place to put layers of clothing or other small personal items while you're on the course, please feel welcome to make a stop at our designated gear check near the finish line (on the way to the start line). Gear check will be supervised by volunteers from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

Pre-download a radio app: Standing speakers are intermittently placed throughout the course for participants to enjoy the synchronized lights and music, but speakers are a paid service and limited. Please consider downloading a radio app on your phone and tuning to 89.1 FM.

I'm a VIP Experience & Parking Pass holder. What do I need to know before I arrive?

We can't wait to greet you and help make your experience extra special! Parking instructions will be sent to the email you registered with by Monday, November 17. See more detailed information and maps here.

I'm a Disabled Parking Pass holder. What do I need to know before I arrive?

We look forward to making sure this event is accessible for you! Parking instructions will be sent to the email you registered with by Monday, November 17. See more detailed information and maps here.

Where should I park and when should I arrive?

Please note that beginning at 3:00 PM on the day of the event there is no parking at the Quarryview Center parking lot located at 3401 Calumet Dr. in Sheboygan (closest to event) unless you are a volunteer or have reserved either a VIP Experience & Parking Pass or Disabled Parking Pass in advance during online registration. There will be free offsite parking at parking lots within one mile of the main event site. Multiple shuttle buses will run from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM and continually service the offsite parking lots to transfer participants to and from Quarryview Center parking lot. More information here.

The walk is divided into three waves this year to help decreases shuttle wait times and safely limit crowds on the course so it is important to arrive as close to your scheduled start time as possible. If you will be using the free parking option, we suggest arriving at one of the offsite parking lot locations at least 30 minutes before your scheduled event start times. If you reserved a VIP Experience & Parking Pass or Disabled Parking Pass in advance during online registration, we suggest arriving at the Quarryview Center parking lot at least 15 minutes before your scheduled event start time.

See more detailed information and maps here.

Will I be able to hear Making Spirits Bright's holiday music on the course?

Standing speakers are intermittently placed throughout the course for participants to enjoy the synchronized lights and music. Please note that because of the long length of the course, limited power outlets in Evergreen Park and limited availability of rental equipment that is paid for, participants will not hear music for the entire length of the course. Please consider downloading a radio app on your phone and tuning to 89.1 FM.

Are pets allowed on the course?

Leashed pets are welcome at the event and Evergreen Park. Due to how narrow the course is and considering the safety of participants and animals, pets are not allowed on the course during the 5K run. However, we do welcome our furry friends for the 1-mile walks. Please clean up after your pet. 

Am I able bring a stroller or wagon on the shuttle buses and course?

Yes. We value this event as being family-friendly. Strollers and wagons are permitted for the 5K run and 1-mile walk with the condition of being aware of your surroundings. We kindly ask that families the 5K with strollers begin in the back and stay to the right for the duration of the run.

Please note that shuttle services from off-site parking to and from the event location will be on school buses. School buses can accommodate strollers and wagons, but there is limited space. We highly recommend using our Family-Friendly Drop-off Zone on the south side of the parking lot the Quarryview Center parking lot. Beginning at 3:00 PM, participants with strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs and/or participants who are carpooling are highly encouraged to use this. Drivers must park at offsite parking lots unless they have reserved either a VIP Experience & Parking Pass and Disabled Parking Pass in advance.

See more detailed information and maps here.

Am I able to watch and cheer 5K runners along the course?

Yes. A designated 5K run spectator viewing area will be located near the finish line. We kindly ask that if spectators are planning to walk the course following the run, that they please register for one of the walk waves. Race bibs (5K run) and wristbands (1-mile walk) provided to registered participants at packet pickup are required to enter the course.

View our Course and Event Map to see the spectator viewing area location.

Can I take photos with displays along the course?

It's important that we make sure Making Spirits Bright's displays are protected from damage and that participants are safe. Participants are welcome to take photos along the course with displays in the background, but are not permitted to step off of the course pavement or touch displays. We appreciate the cooperation.

Will there be bathrooms available?

A few portable toilets will be available at the Quarryview Center parking lot on the way to the course. The bathroom stalls inside of the Quarryview Center will also available.

Can I walk the course after I run the 5K run? 

Runners are welcome to walk the course until the course closes for all participants at 7:00 PM and do not need to register for the 1-mile walk. Please note that shuttle buses for each offsite parking lot make final pickups at the Quarryview Center parking lot at 7:30 PM.

Will there be food available to purchase?

Yes! The Snack Shack and Jose's Food Truck will be parked at the Quarryview Center parking lot. Both accept cash and cards. For those attending the award ceremony and after party, 3 Sheeps Brewing offers popcorn and other snacks inside their taproom. You're also welcome to bring in whatever food you would like or have food delivered. 

What happens if the event is canceled? 

In the unfortunate circumstance that we would have to cancel this event due to unsafe weather conditions, participants and volunteers will be notified by 8:00 AM on November 22 via the email that was used to register for this event. The same notification will be made on Sheboygan County Food Bank's Facebook page. Due to logistical constraints, a rain date will not be scheduled and our refund policy states that refunds will not be issued to participants. Thank you for understanding.

I missed receiving my 5K run award. What is the next step?

If you were a top 5K run finisher and missed receiving your award, awards will not be mailed, but they will be available for pickup 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, at Sheboygan County Food Bank (3115 N. 21 Street, Door A, in Sheboygan) until Friday, December 5. Please note that Sheboygan County Food Bank will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28.

Help support local families while you're at Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk! Sheboygan County Food Bank and Making Spirits Bright are teaming up for an event-day food collection.

Bring Food & Enter to Win

Bring three unexpired, non-perishable food items and receive an entry to win one of several door prizes generously donated by local businesses and organizations. 2025 door prizes included: 3 Sheeps Brewing brewery tour and swag gift basket, Above & Beyond Children's Museum family membership, Sport Core membership, Yoga on the Lake and Bold Cycle class passes, Kohler Water Spa massage, pickle ball lesson and gear, Wigwam running socks, and more. Winners will be randomly selected and contacted by email after the event with pickup details. Stay tuned for a listing of 2026 door prizes!

Saturday, November 21 | 3:00–7:00 PM
Sheboygan County Food Bank van parked in the Quarryview Center parking lot

What Should I Donate?

We welcome unexpired, non-perishable food, with nutritious pantry staples especially appreciated.

Our most needed items include:

• Canned tuna and chicken
• Canned soup
• Canned fruits
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Personal care items

One entry per person. Three food items are required to enter for a door prize.

Do I Need to Pick Up Anything?

Packet pickup is only needed if you:

• Are a 5K runner (pick up your race bib and pins)
• Are among the first 500 registrants whom will receive goodie bags with sponsor giveaways (we’ll email you before the event)
• Purchased shirts or other event merchandise

1-mile walkers who don’t fall into one of these groups do NOT need to visit packet pickup. Simply have your registration QR code ticket or confirmation email ready to show at event entry.

Packet Pickup Times & Locations

Please have your registration QR code or confirmation email ready to help make the process smooth.

Thursday, November 19 | 2:00–6:00 PM
Sheboygan County Food Bank, Door A
3115 N. 21st Street, Sheboygan

Friday, November 20 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Sheboygan County Food Bank, Door A
3115 N. 21st Street, Sheboygan

Saturday, November 21 | 1:00–6:00 PM
Large tent outside Quarryview Center
3401 Calumet Drive, Sheboygan

Picking Up for Others

You may pick up items for family members, friends, or coworkers.

Sponsors & Employer Registration Program Groups

Participating through a sponsor or employer registration program? Your group will have the option to have items pre-grouped for pickup. Sheboygan County Food Bank staff will coordinate directly with participating groups before the event. Otherwise, participants may pick up their items individually.

Event-Day Parking

Quarryview Center parking is available from 1:00–3:00 PM on Saturday. Beginning at 3:00 PM, onsite parking is limited to volunteers and those with a reserved VIP Parking Pass or Disabled Parking Pass. After 3:00 PM, please use the event shuttle or park in a nearby neighborhood and safely walk to packet pickup.

Parking for Volunteers and Participants with Reserved Parking Passes 

Volunteers as well as participants with VIP Experience & Parking Passes and Disabled Parking Passes park at the Quarryview Center parking lot (closest to event). Parking instructions will be emailed to pass holders by Monday, November 17.

Free Parking and Shuttle Service

Please note that beginning at 3:00 PM on the day of the event there is no parking at the Quarryview Center parking lot located at 3401 Calumet Dr. in Sheboygan (closest to event) unless you are a volunteer or have reserved either a VIP Experience & Parking Pass or Disabled Parking Pass in advance during online registration. 

There will be free offsite parking at parking lots within one mile of the main event site (please see options below). Multiple shuttle buses will run from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM and continually service the offsite parking lots to transfer participants to and from Quarryview Center parking lot. Please arrive at one of the offsite parking lot locations at least 30 minutes before your scheduled event start times. Special thanks to Discovery Coach for generously providing this service!

Option 1: 

• Pigeon River Elementary School: 3508 N. 21st Street in Sheboygan, WI 53083
• Shuttle stop details: Buses will pick up and drop off participants on the west side of the school’s campus.

Option 2:

• Former North Bowl: North Avenue between N. 21st Street and Muth Court, Sheboygan, WI 53083
• Shuttle stop details: Buses will pick up and drop off participants on the north side of North Avenue.

Option 3 (limited space):

• 3 Sheeps Brewing: 1837 North Avenue in Sheboygan, WI 53083 (including overflow parking lot on the north side of North Ave.)
• Shuttle stop details: Buses will pick up and drop off participants on the south side of North Avenue. If you are parking at the overflow parking lot on the north side of North Avenue, please use the shuttle stop at the former North Bowl.

Shuttle Service Details

• Shuttle service begins from offsite parking lots at 3:00 PM.
• School buses drop off (pick up) participants from (to) offsite parking lots on the east side of the Quarryview Parking lot.
• Final pickups at the Quarryview Center parking lot are at 7:30 PM.

Free Family-Friendly Drop-off Zone (Highly Recommended for Families and Carpooling Participants)

Located on the south side of the Quarryview Center parking lot, the Family-Friendly Drop-off Zone makes the event more easily accessible for all participants, while also helping decrease shuttle bus wait times. Beginning at 3:00 PM, participants with strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs and/or participants who are carpooling are welcome and highly encouraged to use this. Drivers must park at offsite parking lots unless they have reserved either a VIP Experience & Parking Pass and Disabled Parking Pass in advance. 

 

Click here to View Parking and Shuttle Service Maps and Details

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Quarryview Center Area and Evergreen Park (3401 Calumet Drive, Sheboygan, WI 53083)

Participants access the course in Evergreen Park from the Quarryview Center parking lot using a lit path under the Calumet Drive bridge. The course follows Evergreen Park’s paved road that is transformed into a drive-through for Making Spirits Bright's holiday lights and music show.

1:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Pre-registered packet pickup, event-day registration, volunteer check-in, and limited quantity of shirts and other event merchandise for sale in large tent outside of Quarryview Center; kid-friendly event passport with prize

3:00 PM: Offsite parking lots open for parking and shuttle service begins from offsite parking lots

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM:

 – Parking: The Quarryview Center parking lot open for participants using Family-Friendly Drop-off Zone and participants with VIP Parking Passes or Disabled Parking Passes reserved in advance 

 – Holiday Hall (Quarryview Center): Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies (sponsored by Sue Breitbach Fenn Agency of American Family Insurance), photo opportunity and letter drop-off with Santa (every letter that has a return address on it will get a response from a team of elves!), kid-friendly event passport with prize, and bathrooms and ATM available

 – Food collection: Making Spirits Bright food donation collection with chance to win door prizes located in a tent next to the Quarryview Center (more details here)

 – Food trucks: The Snack Shack and Jakum's Smash Shack parked in the Quarryview Center parking lot

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Gear check available near finish line

3:40 PM: Pre-race warm-up begins near 5K run start line with personal trainer in grass field on the way to the start line

4:00 PM: 5K run starts

5:00 PM: 1-mile walk starts (Wave 1)*

5:30 PM: 1-mile walk starts (Wave 2)*

6:00 PM: 1-mile walk starts (Wave 3)*

7:00 PM: Course and Holiday Hall (Quarryview Center) close

7:30 PM: Shuttle buses make final pickups at the Quarryview Center parking lot

*Walk waves do not have an official countdown. Volunteers will help guide the first walk wave participants at approximately 5:00 PM (or once all 5K run participants are safely off of the course). The waves of walkers with start times at 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM are welcome to enter the course upon arrival.

3 Sheeps Brewing (1837 North Ave, Sheboygan, WI 53083)

3 Sheeps Brewing is a dog-friendly 10,000 sq. ft taproom with 25 taps featuring taproom-only beers and year-round favorites. Less than a mile from the main event location, stop by to warm up, enjoy locally-crafted beer and grab a bite to eat! Snacks are available to purchase inside their taproom. You're also welcome to bring in whatever food you would like or have food delivered. Chester's Waterfront food truck will be parked outside serving burgers, steak sandwiches, cheese curds, french fries and more. 

5:00-8:00 PM: Beer flight & Sartori cheese pairing; limited supply of Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk merchandise, including limited-edition pint glasses, will be available for purchase

5:30 PM (approximately): 5K run award ceremony starts

 

1-Mile Walk (Wave 1): Parking

1-Mile Walk (Wave 2): Parking

1-Mile Walk (Wave 3): Parking

5K Run: Parking