Christmas in July: Central Florida offers festive fun despite the sun
There’s nothing quite like visions of sugar plums and wintery snow to help cool down during Florida’s sweltering summer heat. While Dec. 25 is still months away, Central Florida offers a number of ways to celebrate Christmas in July.
John Hayes, an Orlando-based Santa Claus for 20 years, said he tries to embody the spirit of Kris Kringle throughout the year and not just in December.
“A lot of people try to tell me, ‘You’re a little bit early, aren’t you?’ Or say that I’m a little bit late,” he said. “If we take a look at the history, we find that Saint Nicholas did this year-round. The Dec. 25 holiday came from Congress in 1870.”
However, Hayes said it’s harder to wear the Santa suit when the heat index tops 100 degrees.
“With the heat, it’s kind of hard to do outdoor appearances without your suit looking like it came out of a swimming pool,” he said. “I see people at Publix or different stores, and they ask, ‘Are you setting up your Orlando workshop?'”
Winter Park business owner Eric Johannessen has been busy setting up his North Pole workshop and is taking clients for Johannessen Lights, including residential displays and municipalities. He’s encouraging people to think about lights and decorations early to ensure the best prices and supply, with some features that can change colors and light up for other holidays.
“Every morning, we walk in here, and the lights are on. The Christmas music’s playing; we got the fragrance machine,” Johannessen said of his Winter Park office and showroom. “We try to create that whole experience. You have the sounds, the sights, the smells. It just puts a smile on your face.”
Here are suggestions for celebrating Christmas in July in Central Florida.
“Sleigh Bells in the Sunshine” at The Florida Mall
The Florida Mall hosts its first-ever Christmas in July event, transporting shoppers to a sunny North Pole with Santa visits, holiday movies, gift card giveaways, photo ops and more.
“The Florida Mall’s inaugural Christmas in July is off to a fantastic start! Since launching a few days ago, we’ve seen tremendous enthusiasm from guests embracing the sunny holiday spirit,” said Andrea Bjornlie, The Florida Mall’s marketing director, in an email statement. “This month-long celebration combines festive décor with tropical flair, offering a refreshing escape for families from the summer heat and creating a fun-filled atmosphere.
Every Saturday (noon-4 p.m.) and Sunday (1-5 p.m.) in July, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus to have photos taken in Center Court. From noon-3 p.m. on July 13 and 20, enjoy holiday movies (“Elf” and “The Grinch,” respectively) with chances to win gift cards and photo packages. An event from noon-3 p.m. July 27 outside the mall’s main entrance offers an ice skating rink, games for kids and more.
More information: simon.com
Sanford’s Christmas in July
Downtown Sanford will come alive with holiday cheer all day on Saturday, with bars, breweries, restaurants and shops offering specials. Start the day at the Sanford Welcome Center (230 E. 1st St. in Sanford) to pick up a shopping passport to begin the day. The event is scheduled for 10-6 p.m. July 16, but many venues are open later for food and drink.
More information: facebook.com
Seminole Town Center’s Christmas in July
Get holiday shopping done plenty early at Seminole Towne Center, then enjoy visits with Santa from 1-5 p.m. on July 20-21. More information: facebook.com
Christmas in July at Boxi Park Lake Nona
Boxi Park Lake Nona will be hosting festive fun on July 20-21, with visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, plus an ugly T-shirt contest at 9 p.m. From 1-4 p.m. Sunday, the Grinch will be in the park along with face painters and balloon artists.
More information: boxiparklakenona.com
Christmas in July at Needleworks
Stitch together holiday fun during a knitting party that includes snacks, sparkling drinks, tea and coffee. Participants will craft knitted ornaments that can make excellent gifts for friends, family and coworkers. The class takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 20 at 5151 Lake Howell Road in Winter Park and costs $55 per person. All materials will be provided.
More information: oliventwoewe.com
Christmas in July at Windermere Brewing Co.
Windermere Brewing Co. hosts its newest event with a 50/50 raffle, vendors market, food trucks and donations collected on-site for Toys for Tots. The event is from noon-5 p.m. July 20 at 111 W. 5th Ave. in Windermere.
More information: facebook.com
Avalon Park’s Christmas in July
Avalon Park hosts a pub crawl, a night market full of vendors, fake snow, photos with a summer Santa, food specials, music and more from 5-8 p.m. July 20 with daytime activities at the Avalon Arts & Culture Center from 1-3 p.m. Pub crawl tickets are $25 in advance or $30 the week of the event. Tickets for kids’ activities are $15.
More information: avalonparkorlando.com
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Pet Photos
Enjoy a day of taking festive photos with your furry friends on two different days at two locations of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming. Visit the Conway store (4574 E. Michigan St. in Orlando) from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 21 for photo packages starting at $29. The Horizon West store (14416 Shoreside Way, Suite 120, in Winter Garden) offers the same deal from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 28. Spots must be reserved in advance.
More information: astylephotography.com
The Park Dive’s 3rd Annual Christmas in July
The Park Dive and Limo Cycle Tours are teaming up to host their third annual Christmas in July event, where they will collect cash donations for the Picnic Project, a local food bank. The event is from 1-4 p.m.
More information: facebook.com
Margaritaville Resort Orlando’s Christmas in July
Margaritaville Resort Orlando hosts Christmas in July with free margaritas to the first 500 guests who check in, live entertainment, giveaways, visits from Santa and elves, family activities and more. The event has free admission and parking. Enjoy the festivities in the grand lobby of the resort (8000 Fins Up Circle in Kissimmee).
More information: eventbrite.com
Maitland’s Jingle in July
The City of Maitland’s new Jingle in July event gathers the community in Independence Square for a movie night and a festive farmers market. Enjoy “The Nightmare Before Christmas” beginning at 8:30 p.m. July 27. The farmers market includes music, bubble “snow,” bounce houses, themed vendors and a visit from summer Santa. Both events take place at 1776 Independence Lane in Maitland.
More information: facebook.com
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