Did you know… Christmas in July originated in the 1940s. As soon as the 1950s, advertisers began to use this as a marketing tool for summer sales. In Philadelphia, the holiday encompasses more than just retail. Here are some cool event and ideas to keep you entertained this week for Christmas in July.
Get the party started with a special Christmas in July edition of Center City SIPS at Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room.* Troegs will be tapping their infamous Mad Elf brew for $6. DJ Shorty Rock will be spinning live entertainment at one of the largest restaurant/bars in the city.
Dreaming of a waterfront Christmas? Then head to Cav’s Riverdeck to get in the holiday spirit. All guests in Christmas attire get free entry, and there are prizes for sexiest elf and “Santa Bod” costume contest. Enjoy shot and drink specials all night starting at 9 p.m.
If you’re trying to keep the “holiday” weight off for summer, run it off with Philadelphia Runner. Their Christmas in July Run is all for The Ronald McDonald House charity, using the hashtag #donationsfordonuts. Bring a donation, complete your fun run, and finish off with some snacks from Federal Donuts.The starting point is at the University City location (3621 Walnut Street) at 6 p.m. Dress to impress to win prizes for best costume!
Where else would you wait for ol’ Saint Nick other than at Nick’s Roast Beef on Cottman Avenue?! All day, they’ll be featuring an exclusive specialty food and drink menu with Troegs Mad Elf on tap. Plus, there will be giveaways and secret santa raffle prizes with proceeds going towards Toys for Tots. Everyone unwraps their raffle present at 8 p.m.
Bring the kids out to Sesame Place for the perfect summer holiday festivities. Their eateries will feature a holiday menu all day. There will be photo ops with characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and of course, Santa Claus! Paid park admission is required in addition to a dining reservation.
Philadelphia’s first pop-up interactive art exhibit, Photo Pop Philly* will be serving up special selfie opportunities for Christmas in July. For this weekend only, take advantage of new holiday installations by Hoffman Design Group this Saturday and Sunday.
Local sustainable company VZWraps is having a sale on their reusable fabric gift bags. Save 20% on these fun, colorful alternatives to wrapping paper. Completely produced in the USA, the bags are made in Philadelphia. Plus, the new holiday-themed prints are from a US-based company that does the printing, dyeing and finishing of the fabric down in South Carolina.
If you’re focusing on the spirit of giving during the holidays, visit Shriners Hospital on Sunday, July 29. Join Santa, along with WMMR and The Centurions Philadelphia Chapter, for the 22nd Christmas in July Motorcycle Toy Run. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., all bike enthusiasts are encouraged to ride and participate in bringing smiles to children’s faces.
Regardless of how to want to celebrate Christmas in July, enjoy a fun excuse to get in a festive mood. Happy holidays!
How do you plan on celebrating Christmas in July? Let us know in the comments!
* Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room is a client of Philly PR Girl, and Photo Pop Philly is curated by Philly PR Girl.
