COLUMBIA, MD — The community is invited to kick off the holiday season Nov. 30 at the Frosty Fun Run in Columbia with a 3/4-mile or 1.5-mile family-friendly excursion. The fun run precedes the start of the Ice and Fire Festival, a new Downtown Columbia winter tradition that raises money to support community arts programming, Girls on the Run and the Howard County Food Bank. It starts at 3:30 p.m.

The Frosty Fun Run is an all ages untimed walk/run that starts off Little Patuxent Parkway near the intersection with Merriweather Drive. Holiday costumes, ugly sweaters and seasonal wear are encouraged. All runners and walkers will receive jingle bell bracelets and the 1.5-mile runners/walkers will be given a holiday lights necklace. There also will be an opportunity to have photos taken with Santa and others. After the run, enjoy free hot chocolate or hot cider.