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Christmas in July 2024: Foodie Deals & Events in Tucson

Christmas in July (Photo courtesy of Tanque Verde Ranch)

Christmas in July 2024: Foodie Deals & Events in Tucson

Jul 17, 20242 min read

Have you ever wondered why “Christmas in July” happens?

According to the World Wide Web, the holiday is thought to have started in 1933 at Keystone Camp in Brevard, North Carolina, when co-founder Fannie Holt threw a Christmas-themed party to liven up the summer for the campers.

Here in Tucson, sometimes I go outside, close my eyes, and imagine snowflakes falling on my head during monsoon storms instead of being walloped by raindrops. Occasionally, I pretend it’s cold outside and I wear my most fashionable sweaters. You’re supposed to sweat while wearing sweaters, right?

Anyway, check out these “Christmas in July” deals and events happening in Tucson!

The Coronet

198 W. Cushing St.
(Photo courtesy of The Coronet)

The downtown restaurant is hosting their “XXXMas at the Apocalypse” party on Wednesday, July 24. From 7 – 10 p.m., there’s going to be a tiki bar takeover with themed cocktails and free food. Stop by and celebrate!

Learn more.

Le French Hen

2706 N. Silverbell Rd. #3140

On Saturday, July 27, Le French Hen is hosting an afternoon of “Christmas in July” fun including a stamping demo, free Eegee’s, a chocolate and candy workshop, and more.

Learn more.

Si Charro! Restaurants

Multiple Locations
(Photo courtesy of Si Charro!)

The annual Si Charro! Restaurant’s “Xmas in July” promotion is back for just two days — Wednesday, July 24 and Thursday, July 25. If you purchase a $100 gift card you will get a bonus $100 gift card. Cards are good for use at all Si Charro! Restaurants in the Tucson area including all three El Charro Café locations (not available at the Tucson International Airport), Charro Steak & Del Rey, The Monica, Charrovida, Charro Chico, and Pub 1922 (in Sahuarita). 

“We love Xmas in July! The promotion was created as a special once-a-year reward to thank our local customers for their year-round support,” said Ray Flores, President of Si Charro. “We all need a break during the hottest summer month when we know only locals are brave enough to be here. We have proudly been running this promotion for over 10 years!”

Learn more.

Tanque Verde Ranch

14301 E. Speedway Blvd.
Christmas in July (Photo courtesy of Tanque Verde Ranch)

The historic dude ranch is offering 15% off your stay with exclusive perks from Wednesday, July 24 – Sunday, July 28. Perks include visits from Santa Claus, a special Christmas-themed buffet, and more!

Learn more.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜

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More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com
@Scentedleaf is opening a new location in the former Starbucks at Speedway and Country Club!!🥰

The locally owned tea shop celebrates its grand opening tomorrow, October 10, from 11 am to 9 pm, with 50% off all tea drinks and 25% off loose-leaf tea and merchandise.

📍3025 E. Speedway Blvd.@Scentedleaf is opening a new location in the former Starbucks at Speedway and Country Club!!🥰 The locally owned tea shop celebrates its grand opening tomorrow, October 10, from 11 am to 9 pm, with 50% off all tea drinks and 25% off loose-leaf tea and merchandise. 📍3025 E. Speedway Blvd.
The grand opening is TODAY, Oct. 8! 🎉

@istanbultucson is expanding with a second location, @istanbulmediterraneanexpress, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd. 

The fast-casual spot will feature about 75% of the original location’s menu, plus two exclusive dishes: build-your-own Turkish stuffed baked potatoes, known as Kumpir, and fresh-ground doner made in-house. The falafel plate and stuffed potatoes can also be made vegan. 

“The first restaurant taught us what our customers love most, so at Cortaro we’re focusing the menu around our most popular dishes while making the experience a little more casual and convenient. Most importantly, we’ve learned that no matter how much we grow, the quality of our food has to stay high every single day.” — Kamran Esar

Daily hours: 11am - 9pm

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comThe grand opening is TODAY, Oct. 8! 🎉 @istanbultucson is expanding with a second location, @istanbulmediterraneanexpress, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd. The fast-casual spot will feature about 75% of the original location’s menu, plus two exclusive dishes: build-your-own Turkish stuffed baked potatoes, known as Kumpir, and fresh-ground doner made in-house. The falafel plate and stuffed potatoes can also be made vegan. “The first restaurant taught us what our customers love most, so at Cortaro we’re focusing the menu around our most popular dishes while making the experience a little more casual and convenient. Most importantly, we’ve learned that no matter how much we grow, the quality of our food has to stay high every single day.” — Kamran Esar Daily hours: 11am - 9pm Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Phoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! 

Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up.

Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞

📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 
📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. 

Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. 

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comPhoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up. Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞 📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com