There’s nothing like sugar plums and winter snow to cool down from Florida’s sweltering summer heat. December 25th is still a few months away, but there are plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas in July in Central Florida.
Fans of the festival can celebrate about 5 months Get your cool thinking going early with events at The Florida Mall, Margaritaville, Avalon Park, and Citrus Tower and other Central Florida venues.
Here’s how to enjoy the frosty festivities in the Orlando area.
Christmas in July at Florida Mall
Families can visit with Summer Santa enjoying a tropical vacation in Florida. Santa will appear for photos on Center Court near the dining pavilion on July 25th and 26th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Santa’s Shop will be coming to Grand Court on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. for a celebration “inspired by the excitement of holiday shopping and gift-giving.”
More information: simon.com
“Christmas in July” at Margaritaville Resort Orlando
Margaritaville fosters joy year-round by inviting guests to its Kissimmee resort for holiday fun, including free margaritas to the first 500 people who check in during the event on July 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests can also experience chair massages from the team at St. Somewhere Spa, live music and entertainment, visits from Santa, elves and toy soldiers, and plenty of festive activities.
The celebration also includes prizes, including a chance to win a two-night resort stay. Admission and parking are free, but free margaritas and cotton candy are limited to the first 500 registered hotel guests who RSVP online on Eventbrite prior to the event.
More information: margaritavilleresorts.com
Christmas in July at Avalon Park
Avalon Park hosts numerous festivals designed to bring local residents some winter fun under the Florida sun.
Activities begin with children’s art activities at the Avalon Park Arts and Culture Center on July 25th from 1-3 p.m. For $20 per child, kids can enjoy ornament making, cookie decorating, canvas painting, and photo opportunities with the Grinch this summer.
Later that day, Santa will visit the center for a summer photo session from 6 to 8 p.m.
Visitors can explore the vendor village at Founders Square and Marketplace from 6pm to 9pm, or go pub hopping starting at the Arts and Culture Center from 6pm to 8pm. Tickets for the crawl are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
There will also be live music on the day from 7pm to 10pm on the Marketplace patio.
More information: avalonparkorlando.com
Christmas in July at Citrus Tower
Citrus Tower is encouraging people to beat the heat by having some family fun on July 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature Christmas decorations, a tropical holiday photo shoot with Santa, a charity raffle, a DJ, shaved ice, cotton candy, face painting and more. Admission is free, but tickets are available for purchase ($1 each, $10 for 15 tickets) for a charity raffle in support of Kingdom Encounters.
More information: eventbrite.com
Christmas in July Market at The Tap Room Restaurant in Dubs Dread
Now in its second year, this indoor event features take-home shopping, snacks, mimosas and “fun bargains” from local merchants. The market will be held on July 25th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and include a snack, one mimosa, and a shopping bag.
More information: taproomatdubsdread.com
5 more Christmas things to do
Orlando International Airport: Join us on July 24th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm for “Christmas in July” with holiday music, festive treats and drinks, a visit from MCO Paw Pilots, gift giveaways and more. The event will be held in the Terminal A/B Atrium. More information: facebook.com/flyMCO
Oviedo Park Pub: The July Christmas Party features a $100 bar tab with festive cocktails, a live DJ, and the best “Ugly Christmas Outfits.” The event begins July 25 at 7 p.m. at 888 City Walk Lane in Oviedo. More information: facebook.com
Will’s Pub: Enjoy a punk party featuring Bad Santa & the Angry Elves with special guests The Chotchkies, 24 Hour Karate People and DJ Pawli. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door (before fees). Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show will be held July 26 at 7 p.m. at 1042 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando. More information: willspub.org
IceBar Orlando: With the thermostat set at 27 degrees Fahrenheit, the I-Drive attraction serves cold drinks like the “Snow Cosmo” and “Florida Snowman” in ice glasses. Guests are encouraged to wear warm coats and gloves as they head into the cold winter wonderland. Enjoy meals and fiery cocktails in the adjacent Fire Lounge. More information: icebarorlando.com
Orlando Ice Den: Central Florida’s indoor spot for year-round ice fun. Visit our Maitland facility to take lessons in skating, hockey, figure skating, or attend a public skating session. More information: orlandoiceden.com
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