It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… in July! This summer, Santa is trading in his traditional winter uniform for sunglasses and flip-flops across New Jersey in celebration of Christmas in July. This fast-growing holiday allows Christmas fanatics to get into the Christmas spirit without having to wait until the first fall of snow. From exchanging a furry red suit for bright swim trunks to decorating with palm trees instead of evergreens, this merry celebration is sure to bring the magic of Christmas to any summer gathering. Whether you prefer to snack on holiday treats or sing Christmas classics on the beach, here is where to celebrate Christmas in July in NJ this summer.
1. Family Fun Night – Christmas in July: Elves Gone Wild
Sea Isle City, NJ
Celebrate the Yuletide season by the shore on Monday, July 24 at Sea Isle City’s annual Christmas in July-themed Family Fun Night at Excursion Park. From 7-8:30 p.m., families are invited to enjoy a live on-stage performance featuring festive and quirky North Pole elves, Frosty the Snowman, and other beloved holiday characters. There are also additional activities offered on the property for a night full of Christmas family fun.
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2. Christmas in July Food Truck Festival
New Egypt, NJ
Join Santa and Mrs. Clause for a jolly summer celebration at the Laurita Winery on July 15 & July 16 for a weekend filled with live music, activities, food trucks, and delicious wine tastings from the local vineyard. Picture opportunities with Santa are offered alongside artisan vendors, a clown face painter, vineyard wagon tours, and much more. There are even fireworks Saturday evening to close out the fun-filled weekend. Participating food truck vendors include Five Sisters Food Co, Kiersten’s Creations, Mexi-boys, and many more tasty options. Everyone under 21 is free to enter, making this a family-friendly event you don’t want to miss.
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3. Christmas in July- Movie in the Park
Absecon, NJ
The Absecon Police Department invites families to enjoy a summer screening of the Christmas classic “The Santa Clause” at Heritage Park on July 7 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free for all guests with the request that a new, unwrapped toy is brought to donate to their 2023 Absecon Police Toy Drive. A food concession stand is also on-site, with all proceeds going to new toys for children in need.
4. Christmas in July Crafts and Collectibles Show
Cape May, NJ
The Cape May Museum, Arts, and Culture proudly presents its annual Christmas in July Crafts and Collectibles Show on July 25 from 9- 2 p.m. Held at the Cape May Lighthouse, the show features a variety of high-quality vendors and crafters from all over the Northeast selling original handmade crafts and collectibles. The event will also provide live entertainment, family-friendly activities, food offerings, and more.
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5. Santa Hustle: Christmas in July Race
Atlantic City, NJ
Race early into the holiday season at Brighton Park’s first ever Santa Hustle: Christmas in July Atlantic City Race on July 23 sponsored by Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Atlantic & Cape May Counties. The non-profit aims to provide mentorship programs, support, and guidance to youth by partnering with volunteers and parents/guardians. From 7:00-10:30 a.m., runners can participate in the 12Ks of Christmas Run, 9K Santa’s Reindeer Run, 5K Jingle Run, and Kids Dash events. As a participant, runners receive a Santa Hustle: Christmas in July short sleeve shirt or tank top, Santa Hustle headband, and finisher medal. There is also an after-party for all attendees, with the host location still TBD.
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6. Christmas in July – Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk presents its annual Christmas in July celebration on July 25, 26, and 27 from 3-9 p.m. each day. Offerings for guests include photo ops with Santa, holiday live performances, storytime with Mrs. Claus, diving Santa, and much more! Wrap up the night of festivities with a spectacular holiday-themed fireworks show on Thursday night that your whole crew is sure to enjoy.
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7. Christmas in July Weekend at Kymer’s Camping Resort
Branchville, NJ
Join the scenic Kymer’s Camping Resort for two weekends in July for a festive celebration in the woods. Available weekends include July 14-16 and July 21- 23 with four camping options such as park models, cabins, or new luxury tent rentals. Get into the Christmas spirit with activities such as Christmas tree decorating, arts & crafts, Ugly T-Shirt Contest, Snow Foam playtime, Candy Cane Hunt, Hayrides, and much more all weekend long. Bring the whole family—you won’t want to miss this.
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How will you be celebrating Christmas In July this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
About the Author/s
Laura DeSiena is a certified Jersey Girl with a passion for music, playing the guitar, and binge-watching 90’s sitcoms. As an aspiring writer and author, she hopes to publish a book someday. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her browsing the shelves of Barnes & Noble in search of her next read.
