It’s nearing the end of July in Texas, and every time you step out the door, there’s a 99% chance that you’ll immediately start sweating. As Texans, we know that every summer looks the same: Our only respites from the heat are swimming pools and air conditioning. The monotony of hiding from the heat can get old for some, and is exacerbated by the fact that normal life is on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Want some good news? As crazy as it may seem, you can start getting into the holiday spirit right now. There are several shops and businesses around the Plano area offering “Christmas in July” events and specials. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and decorating at the businesses listed below.
Board & Brush
Board & Brush, a DIY wood sign workshop studio, is offering a special Flamingle Bells: Christmas in July personalized sign workshop on Saturday, July 25 from 6-9 p.m. This is the Plano location’s fourth year hosting this workshop, and they’ll be giving away a free gift to everyone in attendance as well as a free workshop for one lucky attendee. Masks will be required at the event, and all staff will be wearing them as well. The event is BYOB.
Holiday Warehouse
Holiday Warehouse is offering a special for the final two weekends of the month. July 24 and 25, they’re offering buy one item, get one free as well as a mix-and-match sale that includes Mark Roberts items, Halloween décor, floral arrangements, plants, pots, containers, pre-made bows and ribbon. July 31 and Aug. 1 they’re offering 50-70% off select holiday florals, ornaments, décor, trees, wreaths and swag. In an effort to ensure there will be no wait to get into the store, customers can book a free shopping appointment online.
Holman Pottery
Potter Tony Holman has been creating beautiful pottery in downtown Plano for 30 years. Every year he creates a line of limited edition, signed and numbered collectible Santas, and they sell out quickly. Each Santa is usually $95, but is on sale for $65 each for the month of July only. Get a jump start on your Christmas décor, and do so at a bargain!
Paint My Pottery
Paint My Pottery at The Shops at Willow Bend is offering a delightfully retro ceramic Christmas tree and pickup truck decorative item to help you get in the Christmas spirit. Preorder your ceramic truck before July 31 by calling 972-371-8539, and around 10 days later the store will have it ready for you to paint in studio or bring home and decorate using their Pottery To Go Paint Kit.
Pipe and Palette
In honor of Christmas in July, Pipe and Palette in Downtown Plano has a variety of Christmas-themed pottery pieces ready for you to paint in the studio and take home the same day. Book a pottery time on the website or walk in to start painting right away. They’re open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. If you’d like to schedule a time outside of those hours, you can call 214-501-2314. You can also BYOB and bring in outside food, if you’d like.
Plano Parks and Recreation
Join the Plano Parks and Rec department July 24 at 5:30 p.m. for its Christmas in July event. Oak Point Recreation Center’s favorite elf will be visiting families through the magic of Zoom to help celebrate the holidays a little early! During the virtual event, you’ll learn how to make frozen hot chocolate and icing for cookies from scratch, and you’ll listen to a holiday story. You’ll also receive an ornament kit that you can pick up at Oak Point Recreation Center before or after the event.
Urban Crust
Urban Crust brings back a fan favorite, its Christmas in July “Big Reds and Bubbles” wine dinner, on July 27. The event is led online, meaning that participants must register ahead of time, pick up the ready-to-heat dinner and wine selection on the day of the event, and then watch along on Facebook as Chef Salvatore Gisellu walks participants through each course.
