What happens when you mix candy canes with sunscreen, tinsel with tank tops, and Santa with summer break? You get Christmas in July — a delightfully out-of-season celebration that brings the merry magic of December into the middle of a heatwave. With zero religious ties, this whimsical event is all about the good vibes: festive decor, cheerful music, sweet treats, and that unmistakable spirit of giving. It’s an excuse to feel joy just because — no snow required.
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What is Christmas in July About?
On July 19, 2025, our charming town of Milford, PA did just that. Hundreds of locals and visitors flooded the streets to celebrate Christmas in July, thanks to the efforts of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. With dozens of businesses participating throughout the town — from clustered booths near popular spots to in-shop events — it was a full-on community affair. From kids’ activities and giveaways to an hour-long outdoor ballet by the Milford Performing Arts Center, joy was absolutely in the air.
Zorz Studios was honored to be invited as one of the contributors (a shout-out to all below). And what better way to spread cheer than through free professional Santa portraits? As a portrait photographer, this kind of pop-up studio magic is right up my alley — and we went all in.
Set up inside the PCCC office, I brought in my studio lights, and my wife and daughter Veya helped transform the space with a cozy fireplace scene. Santa himself made a surprise two-hour appearance (no sleigh, just charisma), and in that short time, we created lasting memories for 25 families — all free of charge.
While this wasn’t my first time offering complimentary Santa portraits (check out our cozy Dingmans Ferry shoot from last December here), Milford’s Christmas in July brought a bigger stage, a broader audience, and even more heart (and heat!)
This was also Milford’s first-ever professional studio photography offering during Christmas in July, and from the feedback I got, a welcome one! There’s already talk of making it a tradition, and I’d be thrilled to help bring it back next summer.
Artist’s Event Favorites
Scroll through a handpicked collection of portraits featuring some of the wonderful families who joined us for this festive summertime session. These are just a few of our favorites — a mix of sweet, silly, and oh-so-jolly moments captured during Santa’s brief but magical visit.
The link to the full set with smaller watermark is posted after this small set. Keep scrolling. 👇
Full Gallery + Downloads
Looking for your family’s photo? Head over to the full event gallery where all portraits are available for free download. Just find your smiling faces, click, and keep the magic. This gift’s on the house — no checkout, no obtrusive watermarks, just memories.
👉 FULL ONLINE GALLERY (passcode: xmasjuly)
Behind the Scenes
Want to see how it all came together? Check out a few behind-the-scenes shots featuring me, my wife, and our daughter Veya — the creative elves behind the scenes who brought the fireplace set and holiday charm to life. Spoiler: Santa wasn’t the only one working overtime.
From Quick Cheer to Fine Art
While free Santa portraits like these are all about fun, ease, and community spirit, there’s another side to holiday photography — one that leans into timeless artistry. At Zorz Studios, I also offer fine art Christmas portraits crafted with dramatic lighting, conceptual styling, and meticulous post-processing. These are not just photos; they’re heirlooms designed to become part of your family’s legacy. If you’re drawn to something a bit deeper, more expressive, and uniquely personal, take a peek at what that creative process looks like here.
