Christmas in July 2026: Every DFW Pool Party, Market & Santa Meet-Up

July in North Texas means triple-digit heat, and somewhere along the way, DFW party planners decided the best way to cope was to skip ahead five months on the calendar. Christmas in July has become a full-blown tradition across the Metroplex, with pool parties, vendor markets, and even a Santa meet-and-greet all popping up before the month is out. It's a chance to crank the AC, dust off your ugly sweater (or your swimsuit), and get a jump start on holiday shopping while everyone else is still sweating through the dog days of summer.

This roundup is for anyone who loves a good theme night, families hunting for a low-key weekend activity, and shoppers who want first dibs on handmade gifts before the fall craft fair rush begins. Whether you're chasing splash-park relief at one of Collin County's best water spots or looking for something new to do indoors while beating the heat, these six events give you plenty of reasons to celebrate Christmas twice this year.

Below, we've organized every confirmed Christmas in July event happening across Dallas-Fort Worth in July 2026 — by weekend, so you can plan your calendar block by block.

Weekend One: Saturday, July 18

Christmas in July — Don Perry's Garage Night Market, Burleson

Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM — Don Perry's Garage, Burleson — Paid

Kick off the season early with this after-dark market that swaps daytime browsing for a festive evening under string lights. Expect local vendors selling handmade ornaments, holiday decor, and gift items you can wrap and set aside for December, all set against the laid-back backdrop of a Burleson garage-turned-market space. It's a great warm-up for anyone who already has holiday shopping on the brain.

Details and tickets: Christmas in July — Don Perry's Garage Night Market

Weekend Two: Saturday, July 25 — Three Events, Three Cities

The busiest Christmas in July weekend of the month lands on July 25, with a free morning market, a ticketed shopping event, and a splash-filled pool party all happening the same day in three different DFW suburbs.

Christmas in July With SANTA!!!!!! — NRH Community Market, North Richland Hills

Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00 AM — NRH Community Market, North Richland Hills — FREE

Yes, Santa is making a summer appearance at this free community market, and it's the perfect low-pressure photo opportunity before the mall-line rush of December. Bring the kids early for a cooler morning market experience, browse local vendor booths, and snap a holiday card photo months ahead of schedule. Since it's free and starts at 8 AM, it's an easy add-on to a Saturday morning routine.

Details: Christmas in July With SANTA!!!!!! — NRH Community Market

Plano Nutcracker - Christmas In July Market — Plano Event Center, Plano

Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM — Plano Event Center, Plano — Paid

Tied to the beloved Plano Nutcracker production, this ticketed market brings together vendors offering holiday gifts, décor, and Nutcracker-themed merchandise inside the air-conditioned comfort of the Plano Event Center. It's an ideal stop for families who already have holiday ballet tickets on the calendar and want to shop while they're at it. Expect a more curated, indoor market experience compared to the outdoor community markets on this list.

Details and tickets: Plano Nutcracker - Christmas In July Market

Christmas in July — Lee Aquatic Park, Irving

Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM — Lee Aquatic Park, Irving — Paid

This is the pool party version of Christmas in July, and it closes out the day with an evening splash session complete with holiday flair. Picture pool floats, festive music, and maybe even a little fake snow or holiday-themed decor poolside — a fun contrast to the summer sun that got everyone here in the first place. It's a ticketed event, so plan to grab passes ahead of time if you want to guarantee entry.

Details and tickets: Christmas in July — Lee Aquatic Park

Weekend Two Continued: Sunday, July 26

Christmas In July — The Texas Pool, Plano

Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM — The Texas Pool, Plano — Paid

Stretch the holiday-in-summer weekend one more day with a Sunday afternoon pool party at The Texas Pool. This one leans into the same festive-meets-summer combo as the Irving event, giving Plano families and pool members a second chance to celebrate if they missed the Saturday night crowd. It's a paid event, so check ticket details before heading over for the afternoon session.

Details and tickets: Christmas In July — The Texas Pool

Midweek Wrap-Up: Wednesday, July 29

Xmas in July End-of-Month Party — Crunch Fitness, Plano

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM — Crunch Fitness, Plano — FREE

Close out the month with a free after-work party at Crunch Fitness in Plano, blending end-of-month energy with a holiday theme. It's a casual, no-cost way to wrap up the Christmas in July run — think festive decor, a social gym crowd, and a fun excuse to swing by before your evening workout or on your way home. Since it's free, it's an easy last-minute addition to your July calendar.

Details: Xmas in July End-of-Month Party — Crunch Fitness

Making the Most of the Season

If pool parties and markets have you in a festive mood, you don't have to wait until December to keep the momentum going — our DFW Christmas Lights and Holiday Events Guide 2026 is already taking shape for the real winter season ahead. And if July's heat has you looking for more ways to stay cool between these events, check out our guide to indoor summer activities in DFW when it's over 100 degrees or browse our full DFW summer festival roundup for even more ways to spend the season.

Bookmark DFWPulse and check back often — we keep the event calendar fresh so you never miss what's happening around Dallas-Fort Worth.