How to Successfully Pull Off Christmas in July in Your Bakery

There’s nothing quite like the heat of summer to make people long for the cooler season and the holly-jolly magic that comes with it. Celebrating Christmas in July (yes, that’s a real thing!) in your bakery is a fun and unexpected way to boost business, connect with your community, and get creative with your offerings. Pulling it off successfully is tricky, though – it shouldn’t feel cheesy or forced. How do you do that, exactly? Read on below for some pointers:

What is Christmas in July?

Christmas in July is exactly what it sounds like: a second, unofficial Christmas celebration that takes place outside of the traditional holiday period in December. It happens throughout the month of July (or specifically on July 25th, depending on who you ask) and is centered on secular, Christmas-themed activities and entertainment.

Why Does Celebrating Christmas in July Work So Well?

Now, you might be wondering why you should even bother with a holiday-themed event smack in the middle of the summer. It’s simple, really: celebrating Christmas in July is fun! It’s also nostalgic, and it gives people something to smile about on days when it’s just too hot to function. During the dog days of summer, most people crave a break from the usual. A Christmas twist can be just the escape that they need.

People also love traditions, even the quirky ones. Hosting a themed event like Christmas in July gives your customers a reason to come in, linger longer, and indulge in baked treats that they might not have expected to see until December.

Setting the Scene: Decor and Vibes

Half the fun of celebrating Christmas in July in your bakery is creating the right atmosphere. There’s no need to turn the space into the North Pole, but adding a few festive touches can go a long way. Consider putting up garlands, twinkling fairy lights, maybe even a miniature Christmas tree in an otherwise unused corner. You might also want to hang up a wreath or two, and swap your summer playlist out for some classic holiday tunes.

Want to really lean in and drive the point home? Offer Santa hats or elf aprons to your staff. Adorn your windows with faux snow. The more playful and unexpected the décor, the more memorable it’ll be for your customers. The general idea is to make people wonder if it’s really July when they step foot into your bakery.

Remix Your Menu with Holiday-Themed Offerings

Your menu is where you can really have some fun. Christmas in July is an excellent chance to reimagine classic holiday flavors and make them more summer-appropriate. Don’t just re-bake your usual December lineup; think outside the box!

Try peppermint cupcakes with a cool whipped topping or gingerbread cookies shaped like sunglasses and palm trees. Eggnog cheesecake bars? Yes, please. You could even serve chilled versions of popular winter drinks like iced hot chocolate or frozen peppermint mochas.

Another great suggestion is to offer Christmas boxes of your best-selling treats or a curated collection of products that go well together.

Alternatively, you can offer these same Christmas boxes and let your customers fill them with their own selections from your menu.

Spread the Word

Even the most festive event won’t make an impact if no one knows it’s happening. Make sure that everyone knows about your Christmas in July celebration by advertising it on all of your social media accounts or hanging signs about it on your store window. On the topic of social media, show off sneak peeks and behind the scenes clips to drum up anticipation and excitement.

Don't forget your email list. A cheeky subject line like “Christmas Came Early ?” can grab attention and get people curious. Make sure your messaging highlights the exclusivity of the event – limited-time treats, one-day deals, or even a holiday raffle or giveaway.

Give Customers a Reason to Stay (and Share)

People love experiences, and a Christmas in July event is the perfect excuse to give them one. Offer something beyond the buying and selling of your baked goods inside your store, like a simple photo booth in a corner stocked with holiday props like Santa beards, Christmas tree headbands, or elf ears. This will encourage people to linger and create Instagram-worthy moments that can organically spread your bakery’s reach.

Want to take it a step further? Host a mini cookie decorating workshop or invite a local musician to play Christmas songs on the guitar. These little extras add charm and create a festive vibe that people will talk about.

Finally, remember that it’s still summer. Make sure that your bakery, and not just your offerings, is cool. Physically. When people feel comfortable, they’re a lot more likely to stick around and browse your products. You might even make a sale or two!

So there you have it: your bakery can absolutely pull off a merry little Christmas in the middle of July. All it takes is a little creativity, a sprinkle of planning, and a whole lot of holiday cheer. Celebrate Christmas in July today with our Christmas boxes here at A Specialty Box!