December’s Best Dog-Friendly Events

Posted by Veronica Valladares

The month of cheer is finally here, and with it comes an array of exciting events welcoming four-legged friends across the country. From festive photo ops with Santa and holiday markets for shopping to a festive 5k and a mountainside parade, there are plenty of dog-friendly events to fill Fido’s calendar this December.

Pawliday Winter Wonderland

Voorhees, NJ
Santa Paws love all pups, naughty and nice! Photo by Facebook.com/animalwelfareassociation

Furry friends can join their humans at the Pawliday Winter Wonderland in Voorhees, NJ. This festive holiday event promises a wide range of entertainment for both two- and four-legged attendees. Pups and their owners can pose for a photo with Santa and The Grinch, shop at pet-related vendors, participate in games, and grab a bite to eat from visiting food trucks.

Pawliday Winter Wonderland will be held on December 3 at the Animal Welfare Association. After a long day of cheerful activities, rest with Fido at Holiday Inn Express Voorhees Mt. Laurel.

Jingle Tails & Ales Howliday Mini Market

Southern Pines, NC
Yule be howlin' with joy at this event. Photo by Facebook.com/spgrowler

Bring Fido to mingle with his canine pals at the Jingle Tails & Ales Howliday Mini Market at Southern Pines Growler Company in Southern Pines, NC. The entire family can enjoy this outing by exploring community vendors, participating in raffles, savoring beer and food, and capturing photos to remember the magical moments. A portion of the proceeds from this event go to support local pet rescues and shelters.

Jingle Tails & Ales Howliday Mini Market will be held on December 9. Book a stay at Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Southern Pines Pinehurst, just a quick five-minute drive from the event.

Santa Paws

Topeka, KS
Happy Howlidays! Photo by Facebook.com/hhhstopeka

If you’re spending time in Topeka this holiday season, check out Santa Paws, a dog-friendly event hosted by Helping Hands Humane Society. Here, owners can take a picture of Fido with Santa or The Grinch, purchase delicious sweets from the bake sale, and browse unique items from vendors. If you’re looking for a great way to celebrate this festive time of year while supporting a good cause, this event is the perfect choice.

Santa Paws will be held on December 9 at Helping Hands Humane Society. Make it a weekend visit to Kansas’ capital city and book a room at Endeavor Inn and Suites Topeka or Hotel Topeka at City Center, both conveniently located to the event.

5k Beer Run x Deschutes + Backwoods

Portland, OR
That was a doggone good race. Photo by Facebook.com/ORBreweryRun

Run, run Rudolph, Fido’s got to make it to the 5k Beer Run x Deschutes + Backwoods! Well-behaved, leashed pups can join their owners to walk or run this holiday-themed race in Portland. After the un-timed fun run, racers can socialize at one or both of the participating breweries, Deschutes and Backwoods, where they will receive one free beer, a seasonal swag item, and a chance to win fantastic door prizes.

5k Beer Run x Deschutes + Backwoods will be held on December 9 beginning at Deschutes Public House in Portland. Admission is $35 per person. If you’re visiting from out of town, check into Woodlark, a hotel with no pet fee located less than a mile from the race start and finish line.

Shop with Your Pet at the Quarter

Scottsdale, AZ
Even The Grinch can’t resist a furry four-legged friend. Photo by Facebook.com/ScottsdaleQuarter

Celebrate the holiday season with your furry friend at Shop with Your Pet at the Quarter in Scottsdale, AZ. During this event, you and your four-legged pal can spend an afternoon exploring pet-friendly shops and eateries at Scottsdale Quarter. Dogs can also participate in the ugly sweater contest, chow down on a treat and take a complimentary picture with The Grinch in Santa City.

Shop with Your Pet at the Quarter will be held on December 9. After a full day of holiday shopping, head to either La Quinta by Wyndham Phoenix Scottsdale or The McCormick Scottsdale to kick up your feet and relax.

Telluride Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade

Telluride, CO
Unleashing cheer, one tail wag at a time. Photo by Facebook.com/telluride

Bundle up with mittens, a hat and some hot chocolate to watch the Telluride Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade in downtown Telluride, CO. This annual event is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Bring Fido along to watch as ski and snowboard school instructors light up the mountainside by descending the slopes with torches on Christmas Eve.

Telluride Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade will be held on December 24. Before the event, check into The Hotel Telluride, a cozy spot just a short walk from downtown where you can view the parade.

Has your dog ever been to a holiday market? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Getty Images/SBenitez.