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An xmas tree pentathelete excels at a broad range of physical skills: tree throwing, running with both small and large trees, using trees as projectiles, dancing with trees, and even using trees as weapons when required. The roster of events that make up the pentathlon is constantly changing with the times and conditions, but there is a core set of events that we refer to as the classic pentathlon:

Sprint An exciting head-to-head race in which heats of four runners each carry trees from the starting line to a tree tripod, which they circle, and then return to the original starting line. Whoever crosses the line first advances to next heat, no holds barred. Note that runners can choose to circle the tripod from either direction, which can lead to crowd-pleasing collisions.

Relay A longer format race in which four runners combine to race as a team, passing a single tree from runner to runner as a baton. Unlike the unimaginative track and field version of this event, each team can choose the length of the leg to be run by each runner. In fact, each team can choose how many legs make up a circuit of the race oval, and can have a team member run more than one leg. As long as every runner takes the baton tree for at least one leg, the format is freeform. For example, the winning team in 2003 had a runner who ran the opening leg, and then crossed the infield to run a fifth and final leg as well. Another team had their first three runners run five foot legs, and their anchor runner complete the course. Strategy is everything.

Tree darts An event in which three small topped trees are tossed towards three concentric rings that have been chalked on the ground. The rings are much like a dartboard; a tree whose base is touching or inside the innermost ring is a bullseye, and contributes 3 points. A tree whose base is within the middle ring is worth 2 points, while one in the outermost ring is worth a single point. The scores for the three tosses are added together, and the athelete with the highest score is the winner. In the event of a tie, there is a toss-off, in which a single tree is thrown by all who have tied, the highest score winning.

Caber toss This event is a perennial crowd favorite and is simple to describe. A large tree is balanced in the athelete's cupped hands by its base, and then heaved mightily. Whoever heaves the tree the farthest distance wins; distance is measured from the point of the throw to the base of the tree once it has come to rest. The winner will normally try to flip the tree so that its base winds up as far away from the starting point as possible. People also normally take a running start at their throws. Note, however, that the contestant cannot step on or across a boundry line chalked on the ground. It is very difficult to control one's momentum when heaving a large tree, and because of this, about half of the field typically foot faults and is eliminated, despite their magnificent tosses. Balance and strength combine with flipping trees and tripping, sap-coated, tree-flingers to produce a graceful spectacle.

Freestyle obstacle course In this final event, the contestant navigates an obstacle course built from a number of trees and partial trees while carrying their own tree. The course can include slalom elements, jumps, limbo bars, and tripods to be threaded by the participant and his or her tree. A large part of the scoring for this event is the artistic score, in which creativity and style are valued over pure speed. Do note, however, that all obstacles must be navigated without faults, and that faults are defined by the inscrutible and sometimes arbitrary officials. Creative wardrobe use of trees and tree-parts is encouraged. Dancers often win this event, although it has also been won with a brilliant theatrical improvisation.