Christmas in July invitations Pittsburgh to make up for misplaced trip time | Artwork + leisure | Pittsburgh

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Photo: Courtesy The Mall at Robinson

Nutcracker Crawl in the Mall at Robinson

Christmas in July is not a new concept, especially for anyone who has spent more than five minutes watching the Hallmark Channel and its endless supply of snowy midsummer romantic films. But since COVID-19 ruined the holidays last year, the unofficial halftime of magical winter fun has hit new heights even in Pittsburgh. Since July, the city has seen a ton of events, specialty food and drink, and other delicacies designed to remind us that pruning, gifts, and seasonal flavors are just around the corner.

If you’re still sad about missing out on all of your favorite holiday traditions, Pittsburgh City Paper has a list of ways you can turn July 25th into December 25th so you can have your delights by the day itself.

Until July 31st

Nutcracker Crawl in the Mall at Robinson

As part of its month-long Christmas event in July, The Mall at Robinson partnered with The Steubenville Nutcracker Village in Ohio to bring 50 life-size nutcracker figures to the mall. The odd, silent visitors on guard range from traditional military-style nutcrackers to more modern ones, including a Pittsburgh Steelers nutcracker. Tour the Nutcracker exhibit while you enjoy festive coffee, cocoa, and Starbucks goodies on site, or take the kids to cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, train rides, and other special events. 100 Robinson Center Drive, Robinson. shoprobinsonmall.com

Gingerbread Latte with Curbside Coffee

“Christmas in July is cool and everything, but why isn’t Halloween in April a thing ??” This is a legitimate complaint from the Curbside Coffee mobile coffee bar in Pittsburgh, which along with the announcement that gingerbread lattes will be available through the end of July was published on her Instagram page. Check their website to see where this biscuit-flavored drink is served next, and keep your fingers crossed that this spring people will be dressing up and doing trick or treating. Different times and places, curbsidecoffeepgh.com

Sun, July 25th

Jingle in July Christmas party at 5801

Dust off your best holiday clothes for the Jingle Christmas party in July in the 5801 Video Lounge and Bar. The event starts with a special drag brunch and continues throughout the day with Christmas drink specials, raffles and more. Since Christmas is considered the gift-giving season, there will also be a food promotion encouraging diners to bring non-perishable items to help out the Pittsburgh YOUth Haven, a group that offers programs and other services to young LGBTQIA + people. 11 a.m. 5801 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside. Free. facebook.com/5801VideoLounge

Christmas in July Drag Dinner at the Federal Galley

Add a little sparkle to your July Christmas parties with a drag dinner in the Federal Galley. Enjoy cocktails and a meal while drag performer Dixie Surewood and guests entertain with a bit of vacation-inspired celebrations. Tickets are limited so reserve yours now. 5:30 p.m.-8: 30 p.m. 200 Children’s path, north side. 70-200 dollars. föderalgalley.org

Thursday, July 29th

Christmas in July at Inner Groove Brewing

If you’ve always wanted to enjoy a craft beer on Santa’s lap, now is your chance. The red-clad elf visits Inner Groove Brewing for a summer party filled with music, bad fashion, and charities. Show off your most hideous holiday sweater and bring your favorite Christmas records to play with. There will also be a toy collecting campaign for local families so be sure to buy some things for the little ones. 5-10 p.m. 751 E. Railroad Ave., Verona. Free. innergroovebrewing.com