Philadelphia is basking in yuletide cheer as “Christmas in July” takes over some of the city’s most iconic venues. From family-friendly festivities and Santa sightings to spirited drinks and naughty-and-nice nightlife, this mid-summer celebration gives locals and visitors a fun, festive reason to dig out the holiday gear and embrace the magic of the season—in boardshorts and tank tops. Here is a shortlist of where to go and what to do.
Christmas in July at Frankford Hall
Northern Liberties staple Frankford Hall invites families and revelers alike to celebrate Christmas in July from July 25 to 27. The beer garden transforms into a tropical North Pole, complete with Hawaiian shirts, tiki vibes, and Santa Claus himself. Guests are encouraged to dress in their holiday beachwear to enjoy themed food and drink specials, island-style holiday music, and daily photo ops with Santa. The event also offers face painting and holiday-themed arts and crafts, ensuring the fun stretches from toddlers to tinsel-loving adults.
Christmas in July at Morgan’s Pier
Perched on the Delaware River with stunning views of the Ben Franklin Bridge, Morgan’s Pier is hosting an entire week of Christmas in July programming that blends waterfront summer energy with traditional holiday cheer. From July 21 through July 27, guests can indulge in festive brews like Tröegs’ Mad Elf Christmas Ale or sip on The Jolly Santa—a specialty frozen cocktail crafted with Sobieski Raspberry Vodka, Apple Pucker, and Sour.
It all begins on July 21 with a Christmas-themed paint night hosted by Portable Picasso, where you can unleash your creativity. On July 22, join us for a lively Christmas Karaoke featuring the talented Alyssa Marie, and come ready to sing your favorite holiday songs. Experience the excitement of a live performance by the Soul Cruisers on July 23, a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit! Then, on July 24, our DJs will be spinning a fantastic selection of holiday hits, culminating in the popular “Sleigh the Look” costume contest—so don’t forget to dress in your most festive attire! Keep an eye out for surprise Santa sightings throughout the day on July 25, and wrap up the festivities in style on July 26 with Ugly Tank Top Day.
Snap a festive selfie and tag #ChristmasAtMorgans for a chance to win a $50 gift card. With live music, specialty cocktails, and holiday decor, Morgan’s Pier proves Christmas in July isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a new Philly tradition in the making.
Christmas in July at Yards Brewing Company
Yards Brewing Company, a Philly craft beer institution, kicks off its weekend-long Christmas in July celebration from Friday, July 25, through Sunday, July 27, at their Spring Garden taproom. The brewery goes all out with creative food and drink specials, photo ops, charity partnerships, and an adult-themed beer tour.
Food highlights include a delightful array of dishes, starting with the Krampus Deviled Eggs priced at $6. A festive Holiday Cheese Board featuring sugar plum butter is available for $19, perfect for sharing. For the main course, you can savor the Christmas Duck served with cranberry chutney and mashed potatoes for $20. To finish off on a sweet note, the Coquito Crème Brûlée, available in both boozy and non-alcoholic versions, is offered at $9. On the drink menu are the Blue Christmas tequila cocktail and a coconut-rich Coquito with optional rum upgrade.
Saturday features the return of Santa Paws from 11 am to 4 pm, where guests can snap pet portraits with Santa, played by Yards founder Tom Kehoe. Home At Last Dog Rescue will host a meet and greet, with 10% of proceeds benefiting their mission. Guests are encouraged to donate canned pet food for a holiday-themed drive.
Capping off the weekend, Saturday night brings the “OnlyHans: Christmas in July Edition,” a raunchy 21+ brewery tour hosted by longtime Yards tour guide Mike Hans. For $20, guests enjoy two drinks and a hilarious, off-the-cuff look behind the brewing curtain.
With Santa trading snow boots for sandals and eggnog swapped for frozen cocktails, Philadelphia has made “Christmas in July” more than just a novelty. It’s a fully realized celebration bringing communities together through food, fun, and festivity—no matter the weather. Whether you’re jingle-bell jogging to Morgan’s Pier or brunching with Santa Paws at Yards, Christmas in July delivers.
Ho, ho… You know the rest.
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