Who says you have to wait until December to feel merry and bright? From chef-driven holiday feasts and Santa-themed bar crawls to family fun with Sesame Street favorites, these Christmas in July events are bringing plenty of seasonal cheer to the Philadelphia area.

River Twice

Owner Amanda Rucker and Chef Randy Rucker of River Twice are bringing back the restaurant’s popular Christmas in July dinner series for its fifth consecutive year. Running July 21 to 25 at the East Passyunk restaurant, the five-night series pairs Chef Rucker with a lineup of guest chefs for collaborative multi-course dinners. This year’s participants include Honeysuckle’s Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate (July 21), Amá’s Frankie Ramirez (July 22), Vetri Cucina’s Jacob Rozenberg and Michal Shelkowitz (July 23), Philadelphia’s Shola Olunloyo of Studiokitchen (July 24), and Houston’s Emmanuel Chavez of the Michelin-starred Tatemó (July 25), whose appearance highlights Rucker’s own previous ties to the Texas culinary scene.

Each evening offers just 50 seats beginning at 5 p.m., with tickets priced at $150 per person or $175 for the seven-seat chef’s counter experience. Each night, guests expect a collaborative tasting menu with optional beverage pairings and à la carte selections. Reservations are available through Resy, and note that because of the nature of the menus, dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated. River Twice will be closed for regular service on July 26 following the conclusion of the series.

1601 Passyunk Ave., rivertwicerestaurant.com

Christmas in July Bar Crawl

Locals can get into the holiday spirit without waiting for December at the Philadelphia Christmas in July Bar Crawl. Set for this Saturday, July 25, the festive event invites everyone to don their best Santa-inspired summer attire and explore multiple bars throughout the city while enjoying holiday-themed cocktails and drink specials.

The crawl kicks off at Tradesman’s with check-in from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by access to participating bars through 11 p.m. Tickets include free entry to all venues, exclusive holiday drink specials, a branded wristband, a digital bar crawl map, professional event photos, and admission to the official after-party. Registration ($12+) is available via Eventbrite.

1322 Chestnut St., eventbrite.com

Sesame Place

Sesame Place is bringing holiday magic to the area with its annual Christmas in July celebration, running July 23 to 25. Families can meet Santa Cookie Monster, snap festive photos with Elmo and friends dressed in their holiday best, wave to Santa Claus during a special pre-parade appearance before the Sesame Street Party Parade, and dance along to holiday favorites during the Christmas-themed Furry Friends Dance Party. Kids can also write letters to Santa at a festive mailbox in Sesame Street Neighborhood.

The celebration also includes the Christmas in July Dine experience, where guests can enjoy a family-friendly holiday meal alongside Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and Santa Claus. Festive character meet-and-greets and photo opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets to the park (prices vary) are available online.

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, sesameplace.com

Philadelphia Premium Outlets

Philadelphia Premium Outlets is bringing holiday cheer to the summer with its Christmas in July celebration. Set for Saturday, July 25, from 1 to 3 p.m., while there, families can meet The Grinch, spin a prize wheel for holiday giveaways, and enjoy free balloon twisting and caricature artists for kids. Food trucks will also be on-site throughout the festive afternoon, serving up a variety of bites and sips.

18 Lightcap Road, Pottstown, premiumoutlets.com/outlet/philadelphia

MORE: Best free events in Philly this summer

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