By Jessica Godart
Santa Claus is coming to town – and he’s showing up in his swim trunks. For the fifth year, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special appearance for Alexandria’s Christmas in July event taking place at Union Street Public House in conjunction with The Christmas Attic next door.
Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Mrs. Claus will kick off the event with some storytelling and cookies at Union Street Public House followed by some photographs and face painting at The Christmas Attic.
“I love seeing Santa and Mrs. Claus. They are amazing and if you’ve never met them you need to come meet them,” says Christmas Attic owner, Fay Hobbes Manthey. “They’re just wonderful giving, loving people and every single child that comes to sit in their lap or talk to them is so excited.”
Santa and Mrs. Claus travel from Fredericksburg for the event and show up just as cheerful and jolly as they would in December – minus the big red coat. Instead, Santa will be sporting some swim gear for the hot July weather.
The owner explains “it’s a family affair” and many parents end up taking their Christmas card pictures during the event since Santa is making a little bit of an early appearance.
“Just talking about it I get little shivers. It’s really wonderful to have this event. The kids just get so excited,” says Manthey.
The day will also include some special deals and drinks for the celebration. The Christmas Attic will be offering 20-50 percent off select items in the store including wreaths, flags, tree skirts and non-Christmas lights. Union Street will be serving a special Belgian Christmas Ale, Delirium Noel, as well as a holiday punch.
The Christmas Attic also joined with The Reading Connection this year and will donate proceeds to them. The organization, based out of Alexandria and Arlington, is “dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk children and families,” by providing reading materials and hosting read-alouds and other literary-based events.
If you really made the nice list, you might get a chance to see Santa bust out the bagpipes that he’s pretty famous for playing also.
Christmas in July
Saturday, July 26
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Union Street Public House and The Christmas Attic
121 & 125 S Union St.
Alexandria, 22314
