US Christmas in July Celebrations Peak on July 25 as Retailers Push Early Holiday Deals
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 25
US Christmas in July Celebrations Peak on July 25 as Retailers Push Early Holiday Deals
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 25
Summary
July 25 marks the peak of US Christmas in July festivities, with events spanning a North Carolina festival, an Illinois pool party, a Michigan campground Santa meet-and-greet and New Jersey beach movie nights.
Hallmark Channel has helped sustain the tradition with Christmas programming running from June 26 to July 31, mixing classic films with new releases for viewers seeking holiday cheer in midsummer.
Retailers have also turned the quasi-holiday into a shopping event, with chains such as Walmart and Pottery Barn discounting holiday decor and other sellers extending sales through July 26.
The tradition traces at least to a 1933 North Carolina summer camp, but historians say it grew through advertising and commerce even as many Americans now use it as a low-cost, whimsical break in the dog days of summer.