Hallmark’s Christmas in July is back with four brand new original movies premiering every Saturday night. Here’s the full 2026 schedule and why we’ll be watching.
Christmas in July 2026: Our Favorite Ways to Celebrate When It's 90 Degrees Out
Christmas in July is back, and we are fully on board. Movie nights in the AC, a practice run on the cookies, and a head start on the gift list. Here is how we celebrate at our house.
The Evolution of Santa’s Sleigh: From Ancient Bells to GPS and Reindeer Autopilot
Santa’s sleigh wasn’t always the sleek, sky-bound chariot we picture today. Its earliest inspiration came from simple wooden sleds used for winter travel across snow-covered terrain. Over time, folklore and festive imagination gave the sleigh magical upgrades like eight flying reindeer, the ability to carry a seemingly endless sack of toys, and the power to circle the globe in one night. Today, kids picture it with built-in GPS, autopilot reindeer, and maybe even a cookie-warming compartment. Santa’s sleigh is more than a mode of transport. It’s a symbol of how holiday magic adapts with the times.
How Ugly Christmas Sweaters Became a Holiday Anthem
From quirky patterns to outrageous 3D embellishments, ugly Christmas sweaters have become more than just festive attire. They are now a full-blown tradition. What started as a cheeky joke has turned into an annual celebration of nostalgia, community, and unapologetic holiday fun.
Fruitcake Through the Ages: The Surprisingly Rich History Behind This Holiday Staple
Fruitcake might be the punchline of every holiday joke, but its legacy is no laughing matter. With roots stretching back to ancient Rome and a surprising evolution through the centuries, this dense, boozy loaf has earned its place at the Christmas table. Whether you love it or regift it, the fruitcake’s story is anything but boring.
What Santa Does in July: A Peek at North Pole Summer Life
While the rest of us are sipping iced lattes and trying to keep our plants alive, Santa’s out back grilling peppermint patties and hosting snowball volleyball tournaments with the elves. July might be the off-season, but at the North Pole, there’s no such thing as boring. Between reindeer spa days, elf talent shows, and Mrs. Claus perfecting her tropical cookie recipes, it’s safe to say the Christmas crew knows how to keep the spirit alive all year long.
The Great Debate: White Lights or Colored Lights?
Every year, as the holiday boxes come down from the attic and the tangled mess of lights is revealed, the same question sparks friendly fireside debates: white lights or colored lights? White lights bring a soft, classic charm that feels elegant and timeless. Colored lights, on the other hand, pack in personality and childhood nostalgia like no other. Whether you're drawn to the peaceful twinkle of warm white or the joyful chaos of multicolor, this age-old Christmas lighting debate speaks to more than just decor—it reflects the magic you want to create for the season.
The Christmas Pickle: Quirky Ornament or Forgotten Folklore?
Tucked among twinkling lights and ornaments, a pickle-shaped decoration might seem out of place. But it’s part of a playful tradition that has puzzled and delighted families for generations. The Christmas pickle may not have the ancient roots many assume, but its charm continues to grow each year.
Why Woblong® Is Winning Over Frisbee Fans and Backyard Gamers Alike
Woblong® isn’t just a flying toy, it’s a new kind of disc experience. With more airlift and smoother glide than a Frisbee, this double wing flyer is making waves with backyard players, families, and disc sport fans across the country.
How a Typo Sparked NORAD's Santa Tracking Tradition
A misprinted phone number in 1955 led to one of the most heartwarming holiday traditions. What started as a wrong call to Santa turned into a decades-long effort by NORAD to track his sleigh across the globe each Christmas Eve.
What Do Santa’s Elves Do the Other 364 Days of the Year?
Santa’s elves may shine brightest in December, but their work doesn’t stop after Christmas. From toy-making to reindeer care and festive community events, these magical helpers stay busy all year long keeping the North Pole running smoothly.
How Letters to Santa Became a Christmas Tradition
Writing letters to Santa started as a way for parents to encourage good behavior—but over time, it became one of the most heartwarming Christmas traditions. From early moral lessons to modern digital wish lists, this holiday ritual has a surprising history.
The Dark Side of Christmas: Krampus, Belsnickel, and the Rise of Holiday Villains
Not all Christmas characters are jolly. From Krampus to Belsnickel to the Grinch, holiday folklore is full of villains who show us that behavior matters—and that the season isn’t just about gifts, but also growth.
The Surprising Origins of Santa’s Naughty and Nice List
Santa’s Naughty and Nice List didn’t start with a jolly man and a clipboard. From Saint Nicholas to a famous holiday song, this festive tradition has centuries of history behind it—and a surprising message that still holds up today.
The Strawberry Skittles Creamsicle Cocktail: A Holiday Accident in May
Born from low expectations and a mason jar, the Strawberry Skittles Creamsicle is the kind of accidental cocktail that tastes like summer rebellion in a glass. Sweet, fizzy, and totally unserious, it’s not just a drink—it’s a moment you didn’t know you needed.
The Hidden History of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' Song
Most people know “The Twelve Days of Christmas” as a cheerful carol filled with quirky gifts, but its origins go far beyond holiday fun. With roots in 18th-century memory games and possible ties to secret religious teaching, this timeless song holds more meaning than you might expect.
The Origin of the Mall Santa: How James Edgar Brought Santa Claus to Life in 1890
The tradition of the mall Santa began in 1890 when a Massachusetts store owner dressed as Santa Claus to surprise local children. What started as a simple act of holiday cheer soon became a beloved Christmas tradition seen in shopping centers around the world.
The Sparkling History of Tinsel: From Silver Strands to Holiday Staple
Tinsel has been adding shimmer to Christmas trees for centuries, but its story begins with real silver and ancient German traditions. Discover how this sparkling staple evolved from luxury décor to nostalgic holiday must-have.
More Than Just Cake: The Surprising Origins of the Yule Log
The Yule log isn’t just a tasty Christmas dessert—it’s a centuries-old tradition with roots in pagan winter solstice rituals. From burning logs to bûche de Noël cakes, discover how this festive symbol evolved across cultures and time.
The History of Christmas Stockings: How a Saint’s Gift Became a Holiday Tradition
Ever wonder why we hang stockings by the fireplace each Christmas? This cozy tradition goes way back to the legend of Saint Nicholas, a bag of gold, and a surprise gift that changed a family’s fate. From humble beginnings to modern-day treats, the Christmas stocking has a story worth unwrapping.