Just in case you were wondering, Christmas is officially coming this year (but not for awhile). And the first sign of Christmas spirit appeared this week, with the announcement that the date’s been set for this year’s “Running of the Santas” through the Warehouse District. This year it happens on Saturday, December 14—only 96 shopping days from now (September 11).

Far more of a street party than a race, the event runs from 11am until the wee hours, and includes a “fun run” between the “South Pole” (which will be set up at Barcadia on 601 Tchoupitoulas) and the “North Pole” (Generations Hall at 310 Andrew Higgins). And no, it doesn’t take that many hours to run seven blocks, but there should be enough food, drinks and merry distractions along the way to make sure you break stride at least once.

You can use the interim time to play your costume as “Cutest Mrs. Claus” or “Best Holiday Costume” which will both be given awards. Tickets are $15 general and $25 VIP, both available now at running of the santas.com. Part of the proceeds go to That Others May Live Foundation, formed in honor of U.S. Air Force rescue heroes.

And with that underway, we can promise that you won’t have to hear “the 12 Yats of Christmas’ for at least another few weeks.

Footage from last year’s “Running of the Santas”