Christmas in July

What is Christmas in July?

Christmas in July is a lighthearted summer tradition that brings some of the joy and spirit of Christmas into the middle of the year. Most often we celebrate it on July 25 or the closest Saturday to it.

While there is no single origin story, many historians trace the idea back to the early 20th century, when summer camps in the United States began holding Christmas-themed celebrations during July. Over time, the concept spread through communities, businesses, and families who enjoyed the playful contrast of Christmas traditions appearing during the hottest days of summer.

People celebrate Christmas in July for many reasons. For some, it is simply fun to revisit favorite holiday traditions without the stress and rush that can sometimes accompany December. Others enjoy the opportunity to gather with friends and family, exchange small gifts, host charitable events, or enjoy festive decorations at a time of year when people are often looking for new reasons to celebrate. The tradition creates a sense of nostalgia while also giving people something joyful to anticipate during the long stretch between New Year's Day and the winter holidays.

Across the country, Christmas in July takes many different forms. Some communities organize summer parades, Christmas markets, and charity drives. Retailers often run Christmas-themed sales, while resorts and campgrounds host visits from Santa, holiday crafts, and festive dinners. In warmer regions, people may decorate palm trees instead of evergreens, while beach communities sometimes feature Santa arriving by boat rather than sleigh. The details vary, but the spirit remains the same: creating moments of generosity, laughter, and togetherness.

One of the most charming aspects of Christmas in July is how summer changes the flavor of the holiday. Instead of snow, fireplaces, and heavy winter coats, celebrations often include sunshine, picnics, ice cream, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. Santa may trade snowy rooftops for sandy beaches, and holiday treats might feature fresh summer fruits alongside traditional favorites. The result is a uniquely cheerful blend of Christmas warmth and summertime relaxation.

Of course, many Christmas traditions make their way into Christmas in July just because people love them so much: decorating small christmas trees, singing carols or playing Christmas music, making cookies or gingerbread, or even watching Christmas movies like _Elf_, _Home Alone_ or _How the Grinch Stole Christmas_.

At its heart, Christmas in July reflects a simple idea: joy does not have to wait for a date on the calendar. The kindness, generosity, and sense of community that people associate with Christmas can be practiced any time of year. By celebrating in July, people are reminded that the values behind the holiday are not seasonal decorations but everyday opportunities to encourage, serve, and connect with others.

Perhaps that is why the tradition continues to grow. Christmas in July offers a chance to pause in the middle of the year, share a little extra kindness, and create memories with the people around us. Whether it is a community event, a family gathering, or simply an excuse to spread some cheer, the celebration serves as a reminder that the spirit of Christmas is not confined to December — it can brighten any season.

Why We're Bringing It to Appomattox

Like many small towns across America, Appomattox is a place where traditions matter. Families show up for school events, church gatherings, community celebrations, and local sports. There is a genuine appreciation here for the things that bring people together, and that creates an environment where new traditions can take root and grow.

Local gathering places have always been an important part of small-town life. They give neighbors a chance to connect, children a chance to make memories, and families a reason to spend time together away from screens and busy schedules. Communities are strengthened when people have opportunities to meet face-to-face, share experiences, and feel connected to something larger than themselves. Those moments don't happen by accident — they happen because someone creates a place and a reason for people to come together.

Family-oriented events are especially important because they create memories that last for years. Children may not remember every day of their childhood, but they often remember the annual festival, the community celebration, the summer concert, or the event where they spent an evening laughing with friends and family. These experiences become part of a community's story and help build a sense of belonging that carries forward from one generation to the next.

So why not Appomattox?

Appomattox already has many of the qualities that make those experiences meaningful. It is a community where people know one another, where relationships still matter, and where residents take pride in their town. Rather than trying to create something in a place where community is an afterthought, it makes sense to invest in a place where community is already part of the culture.

One of the things Santa notices after all these years is that children grow up faster than anyone expects. The summer festivals, church picnics, skating parties, and community celebrations that seem ordinary at the time often become some of the memories families treasure most. We should have more opportunities like those, and while people sometimes worry that "Christmas starts earlier every year", Christmas in July is actually a way to hold on to summer for a little while longer - it's an acknowledgement that the best of our traditions and values apply as well to July 25th as to December 25th, and we can celebrate in the sun as well as in the snow.

Appomattox is also growing, maybe faster than we realize. It is the perfect small-town commute for people who want to get away from the city and enjoy their homes and families. As new families discover Appomattox, traditions like these help neighbors become friends and help newcomers feel at home.

In some ways, Christmas in July is a unique cultural alternative to add a little twist to summer cookouts, baseball games and pool parties. By the end of July, it is easy to start thinking about Back to School and miss out on the last days of summer. Christmas in July becomes more than something to look forward to, it will be something we can all look back on fondly, and it will become part of the fabric of the Appomattox calendar of traditions that draws families closer.

Summertime Fun in Appomattox — Summertime fun in Appomattox!

A New Tradition Begins

Some children make wishes to have Christmas every day. Many adults say we should carry the Christmas Spirit throughout the year. Children and their parents sense that the Spirit of Christmas is not about a single day. Rather, it is about the joy, love and fellowship we look forward to every December and desire in our hearts to carry with us all the time!

In 2026, Santa and Mrs Claus chose to make Appomattox their home outside of the North Pole in the "off-season". There is so much work to be done as we get closer to fall and the big Christmas Eve sleigh ride, that it is great to catch a break in the countryside, where communities gather, children play outdoors and everyone works their best to provide a good life for their families.

Establishing a Christmas in July tradition in Appomattox is such an easy fit - the joy, love and fellowship of Christmas meet the community, friends and family of Appomattox. We are building something bigger and better than a single day in the summer - this is one of those "summer festivals" our children and grandchildren will remember forever.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are in "the business" of spreading love and joy, creating magical memories for children and their families. Christmas in July is not so much about what we are going to do this year, but about how we can start something more important than one event - something our children will share with their children in years to come.

Creating a tradition is not a solo effort. Anything we try to do by ourselves is limited to our own ideas and our own energy. So as we grow the tradition together, we want to hear ways that you think we can make it more fun and include more people next year, until Christmas in July is something children look toward on the rainy days in March when they want to play outside!

How We're Celebrating in 2026

In 2026, we have been blessed to make friends with the folks over at AJ Skate World, who have agreed to host our event this year!

AJ Skate World has a long history here in Appomattox. Many parents of the children skating there today used to skate there when they were children. It is a beloved institution in Appomattox, and we are proud and honored that they would be the first organization to help us start our new tradition!

Families can enjoy skating, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy food from the cafeteria, and take part in a few Christmas-themed activities designed to add a little North Pole magic to the day.

Ready to join us? View the full 2026 event details for the date, time, location, and event information.

View 2026 Event Details

What Families Can Expect

Enjoy a summer skate session with a special North Pole guest.

Skate With Santa

Say hello, share a smile, and make a new Christmas memory.

Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus

Capture a fun Christmas-in-July moment with your family.

Family Photos

Seasonal fun, crafts, and surprises throughout the event.

Holiday Activities

Make time for the moments that matter most. We've planned everything — just bring your loved ones and Step into the Season with us!

Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile - no need to wait until December!

At the same time, you can catch up with friends and make new ones, on a relaxing Saturday afternoon that is set up for you in advance.

Santa and Mrs. Claus would love to see you there!