There’s nothing like sugar plums and winter snow visions to help you cool off during Florida’s swelling summer heat. December 25th is still a few months away, but Central Florida offers many ways to celebrate Christmas in July.
Fans of the festive holiday can celebrate about five months ago and recall cool thoughts at events at Florida Mall, Margaritaville, Avalon Park, Orend International Airport and other Florida venues.
Here’s how you can enjoy a chilly festival in the Orlando area:
Christmas at Florida Mall in July
The family enjoys their tropical Florida holiday, so they can visit with Santa and Mrs. Klaus in the summer. The fun duo appears every Saturday from 1 to 4pm, while Santa appears near the dining pavilion on Sundays from 1 to 4pm. On July 26th, visitors will be able to enjoy classic films, meet characters, create children’s crafts and experience indoor snowfall on the Grand Court from 1 to 4pm.
Shoppers can also take advantage of the digital coupon book with more than $900 saved, found at Simon Guest Services in front of Macy’s. This month, mall guests will spend over $250 at JD Sports and receive a $25 gift card to Sephora.
Families interested in planning ahead to plan their holiday photo sessions can book sessions with Santa for dates in November and December.
More information: Simon.com
Margaritaville Resort Orlando’s “July Christmas”
The Margaritaville is encouraging guests to “Jingle” at Kissimmee Resort for holiday fun, including a complimentary margaritas, with the first 500 guests checking in during the event on July 25th between 5pm and 7pm.
The first 50 children check in will be able to enjoy free cotton candy. The celebration also includes prizes, including the chance to win a two-night resort stay.
The event will have free admission and free parking, but the free margaritas and cotton candy are limited to the first 500 adults and 50 children (registered resort guests) who created an online RSVP on Eventbrite before the event. Guests booking their stay during Christmas in July can celebrate with up to 20% off and a daily resort credit of $25.
More information: margaritavilleresorts.com
Christmas at Avalon Park in July
Avalon Park hosts many festivals aimed at bringing the community’s winter fun to the Florida sun.
On July 26th, the day begins with a yoga class at 10am, with guests encouraged to wear Christmas-like outfits. The event takes place at Marketplace, a food court, and costs $5 per person.
Later that day, young visitors can enjoy canvas painting and craft workshops at the Avalon Art and Culture Center from 2pm to 4pm for $15 per attendee (an extra craft is $5). Santa will visit from the Arctic for summer photo shoots from 4pm to 7pm
Visitors will explore the founder’s square and marketplace vendor village from 4pm to 8pm, or embark on a pub crawl from 6pm to 8pm. Tickets for the crawl are $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event.
On this day, Florida Snow, food specials and music are also featured.
More information: avalonparkorlando.com
Five Christmas Things to Do
Orlando International Airport will return for entertainment, treatments and photography with “friends of North Pole” on July 25th from 2-4pm. This event will be held at the Hyatt Atrium at Level 3. More information: Facebook.com/flymco oviedo Park Pub Throws Christmas at a party in July. Also, Christmas and Santa photoshoots are $13 on the day of the show. It features adjacent Fire Rounds when heading to “Snow Cosmo” or cold winter wonderland. Skating, hockey, figure skating, public skating sessions
Find @pconnpie on Instagram or send an email at pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with coverage of your latest travel, arts and events by subscribing to our newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
