There’s nothing quite like visions of sugar plums and wintry 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.
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Fans of the festive holiday can celebrate about five months early and conjure cool thoughts with events at The Florida Mall, Margaritaville, Avalon Park, the Citrus Tower and other Central Florida venues.
Here are ways to enjoy frosty festivities in the Orlando area.
Christmas in July at The Florida Mall
Families can visit with summertime Santa as he enjoys a tropical vacation in Florida. Santa appears from 1-5 p.m. July 25-26 for photos in the Center Court near the dining pavilion. On Saturday from 1-4 p.m., Santa’s Shop will pop up in the Grand Court with a celebration “inspired by the excitement of holiday shopping and gift-giving.”
More information: simon.com
Margaritaville Resort Orlando’s “Christmas in July
Margaritaville is cultivating joy year-round by inviting guests to its Kissimmee resort for holiday fun, including complimentary margaritas for the first 500 guests to check in during the event, which is from 5-7 p.m. July 24. Guests can also find 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 giveaways, such as a chance to win a two-night resort stay. While admission and parking are free, free margaritas and cotton candy are limited to the first 500 registered hotel guests who have made an online RSVP on Eventbrite before the event.
More information: margaritavilleresorts.com
Avalon Park’s Christmas in July
Avalon Park hosts a number of festivities aimed at bringing the community wintertime fun in the Florida sun.
On July 25, the activities begin 1-3 p.m. with a children’s art activity at the Avalon Park Arts & Culture Center. For $20 per child, kids will enjoy ornament-making, cookie-decorating, canvas-painting and photos with the summer Grinch.
Later that day, Santa will visit the center for summertime photo ops from 6-8 p.m.
Visitors can explore a vendor village at Founder’s Square and Marketplace from 6-9 p.m. or embark on a pub crawl from 6-8 p.m., which starts at the Arts and Culture Center. Tickets for the crawl are $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event.
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The day also features live music on the Marketplace patio from 7-10 p.m.
More information: avalonparkorlando.com
Christmas in July at Citrus Tower
The Citrus Tower is encouraging people to beat the heat with family fun from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 25. The event features Christmas decor, tropical holiday photo ops with Santa, a charity raffle, DJ, snow cones, cotton candy, face painting and more. Admission is free, but tickets ($1 each, $10 for 15) are available for a charity raffle benefiting Kingdom Encounters.
More information: eventbrite.com
Christmas in July Market at The Tap Room Restaurant at Dubsdread
Back for its second year, this indoor event brings shopping from local vendors, light bites, mimosas and “cheerful finds” to take home. The market is open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 25 with a $15 ticket per person, which includes light bites, one mimosa and a shopping bag.
More information: taproomatdubsdread.com
5 more Christmasy things to do
Orlando International Airport: Attend “Christmas in July” with holiday music, festive treats and drinks, visits with MCO Paw Pilots and gift giveaways from 1-4 p.m. July 24. The event takes place in the Terminal A/B Atrium. More information: facebook.com/flyMCO
Oviedo Park Pub: This Christmas in July party features festive cocktails, a live DJ and a $100 bar tab for the best “ugly Christmas outfit.” The event begins at 7 p.m. July 25 at 888 City Walk Lane in Oviedo. More information: facebook.com
Will’s Pub: Enjoy a punky party featuring Bad Santa & the Angry Elves with special guests The Chotchkies, 24 Hour Karate People and DJ Pawli. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the show (before fees). Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show is at 7 p.m. July 26 at 1042 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando. More information: willspub.org
IceBar Orlando: The I-Drive attraction that keeps its thermostat set to a cool 27 degrees Fahrenheit offers chilly drinks including a “Snow Cosmo” or a “Florida Snow Man” served in an ice glass. When heading into the cold winter wonderland, guests are equipped with thermal coats and gloves. Warm up in the adjacent Fire Lounge, which features food and flaming cocktails. More information: icebarorlando.com
Orlando Ice Den: The indoor destination has year-round icy fun in Central Florida. Visit the facility in Maitland for lessons in skating, hockey and figure skating, as well as public skating sessions. More information: orlandoiceden.com
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