It’s hard to make sense of the calendar these days. As Prime Day and May the Fourth Be With You threaten to become actual holidays and Halloween shopping begins so early now we even have a name for it, where does that leave Christmas?
Well, there’s something about the summer heat that makes us long for the winter holiday season, so here’s how you can celebrate “Christmas in July” right here in Vegas.
🎄 Tree Decorating
For the first time ever, the holiday tree on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol will come from Nevada 🎉 As the towering pine is yanked from the grounds of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the U.S. Forest Service is enlisting the public to craft ornaments for it and other holiday trees at government buildings. Join sessions at the Summerlin Library (July 18, 1-4 p.m.) or the Red Rock Canyon Visitors Center (July 26, 9 a.m. to noon) and channel your artistic spirit to reveal “what Nevada means to you” on pieces of pine wood.
🍹 Holiday Spirits
Todo Bien at UnCommons has transformed into a tropical-themed Christmas in July pop-up for the month, featuring a variety of themed cocktails with a Tiki spin, plus a few frozen libations to take the edge off the summer heat.
- If you haven’t heard, Tiki cocktails are cool again. [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]
Crush Pad Wine Bar hosts a Nutcracker in July wine tasting benefit for the Nevada Ballet Theatre July 26.
🛍️ Shopping Local
Head to the Grand Ballroom inside the Suncoast Casino for a Christmas in July shopping event, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 19-20. Browse boutique vendors and craft makers. Admission is free.
The Opportunity Village Thrift Store hosts a Christmas in July pop-up shop, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 25. Holiday decor is 50% off while you enjoy cookies, photos, carols, and a raffle giveaway.
🛍️ Sales on holiday items at Goodwill July 29-31.
🧑🎄 Art and Entertainment
Hawaiian dance group Na Hula Hali'a Aloha comes to the Clark County Library Theater for a free Christmas in July performance, 2-3:30 p.m. on July 19.
Come after dark for a screening of “Elf” by the Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan July 25.
The Las Vegas Great Santa Run isn’t until December 6, but you can register early at the discounted rate of $32.50 until July 29.
Enchant Christmas, a holiday attraction with ice skating, lights, shopping, food, decorations, and lots more, returns to the Las Vegas Ballpark in Downtown Summerlin, November 21 to December 28. Limited-edition discount tickets go on sale July 18.
Tickets were just released for the Las Vegas Philharmonic’s Very Vegas Christmas shows at the Smith Center, beginning at $33.40. Performances are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on December 6.
Glittering Lights is back at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, November 7 to January 4, with 50% off all tickets through the end of July. Just use code JOLLYJULY when buying online. The drive-thru attraction is also accepting nominations for Hometown Heroes who will be featured in the Wrapping Paper magazine, receive VIP entry for their families, and pay it forward with a charity donation of their choice.
- And if you’re watching “Christmas in July” on the Hallmark Channel this month, it’s about time that Vegas got its own holiday movie. [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]
