It may be hot outside, but July is still a good time for a little Christmas spirit.

Two major Christmas in July events are scheduled near the end of the month, combining winter-themed motif with summer water activities.

In Cranberry, the township will host a Christmas in July event from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at Cranberry Township Waterpark, 450 N. Boundary Park Drive.

Zelienople’s event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the borough’s community pool, 402 E. Beaver St.

In Cranberry, the water park will be adorned with holiday-themed decorations and staff will wear festive clothing.

Skill-based activities for children, such as “Santa Says” and “Snowball Toss,” will be set up at the water park, along with a photo booth, chalk art and a craft station. Young guests can also partake in decorating a keepsake ornament to help decorate a live Christmas tree or take a photo with Santa Claus.

Cranberry Township EMS will conduct a mock water rescue demonstration for spectators. The cost to attend is the same as daily admission prices.

Cost is $12 for residents and $18 for nonresidents, ages 13 and older; and $11 for residents and $16 for nonresidents, for children and seniors. Members can enter the pool area at 11:15 a.m.

Christmas in July events in Cranberry Township took off after COVID-19, said Dave Hutner, township assistant director of parks and recreation. He said the event has evolved over the years.

“The first year we did it, it was more of just ‘Hey, we’ll do a couple games and go from there,’” he said.

He noted the positive feedback encouraged organizers to keep adding to it.

“When the crew buys into it, it just makes it that much more fun,” he said. “We try to make it as festive as possible. It’s a fun time.”

Zelienople will recognize the Christmas in July tradition on Saturday with a Christmas in July night swim at the Zelienople Community Pool.

The pool party, which will feature a visit from Santa, marks the borough’s first year hosting the event, Gavin Frederick, manager and instructor at the pool, said.

The pool will be decorated, Christmas music will be playing and the Munching Moose bakery is expected to be at the event to sell treats.

“We are hoping to get the community to come on out and have a good, fun night at pool with their family,” Frederick said.

The festivities are included in the daily admission cost for the pool.

Cost is $7 per resident and $9 per nonresident.

Also on Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m, ShuBrew will be decorated for winter, and will host the first Christmas is July organized by My Preferred Insurance in partnership with the Zelienople Police Department and The Shindig music festival.

The event, at 205 S. Main St. in Zelienople, will feature a toy drive and live music, as well as coloring books for kids, Christmas movie screening in the backroom and an appearance by Sata Claus.

Vince Gemma, owner of the insurance company, said the event came about from what he saw as a lack of toy drives in July, and the idea of building a proper event around one in the summer.

“We want a fun event for the community, but also give a little back,” said Gemma. “A $10 to $15 toy and three hours worth of entertainment at the brewery is a win-win for everybody.”

For more info, visit www.facebook.com/events/shubrew/christmas-in-july/1038950598515477.