We’re now in July. Ironically, that means Christmas events are popping up everywhere.
How did this phenomenon of holding faux Christmas events six months early begin, and why has it endured?
While that remains a mystery to us, locals – including Santa Claus himself – hosting Christmas in July events said the holiday brought the community together and brightened mid-year bleakness.
State Coordinator at Amputees Queensland, Lynda Tilley, said the organisation held a Christmas event every July.
“We have found that people really enjoy attending, it gets them out of the house, it keeps people socially active, and it’s value for money,” Ms Tilley said.
“We are helping to reduce the stigma of amputation by having events which welcome all the community to an inclusive centre where we care about the people that come through the door.
“We open it up to the whole community and usually get about 50 or 60 people attending.”
Amputees Queensland will hold their Christmas in July event, a catered two-course buffet lunch on Friday, 18.
A raffle for prizes, collectively worth more than $400, and two lucky door prizes will also be given out on the day.
In July, as well as in December, David Vine offers Santa for hire services, where he makes appearances as Santa at local community and private events.
Mr Vine said his schedule as Santa was undoubtedly busier during the December Christmas season, but he did attract a decent amount of business in July.
The community enjoys celebrating, “during the cold months and having that festive feeling twice a year, not just at Christmas time.”
Mr Vine receives bookings for a “mixture of different places”, from markets to childcare centres. Often, clients he works for in December hire him for Christmas in July events as well.
Earlier this year, Mr Vine received a nomination at the 2025 Local Business Awards in Logan City for his work as Santa.
Manager of Yarabilba’s YMCA community centre, Daniel Kapeen, said they will also hold a Christmas in July-themed event, with performances and market stalls operated by local business owners.
“All the performers, all the businesses that are here are all local, and that’s the point of the Christmas in July event is to promote local businesses and services,” Mr Kapeen said
“It’s just a way to bring the community together, and there aren’t many other holidays going on in July.”
This is the second year Yarrabilba’s YMCA will hold an event celebrating Christmas in July. Mr Kapeen said he was sure this year’s event wouldn’t be the last.
