Santa Brings Christmas Cheer Early During Christmas in July at Spelunker’s

Christmas arrived a little early in Front Royal on Friday as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus traded heavy winter coats for Hawaiian shirts, shorts, and sunglasses to celebrate Christmas in July at Spelunker’s Frozen Custard & Cavern Burgers.

With exactly five months until Christmas Day, the holiday pair greeted customers outside the popular South Street restaurant while reminding children there is still plenty of time to make this year’s nice list.

“We like to call it Christmas in July,” Santa said with a smile as he relaxed in the summer sunshine. “I’m actually able to relax a little bit. I need some more sun.”

Dressed for warm weather instead of a trip from the North Pole, Santa joked that he and Mrs. Claus had been traveling “all over the place” before stopping in Front Royal.

The visit wasn’t just about enjoying a summer day. Santa encouraged children to start thinking ahead to the holidays.

“We’re reminding the kids they have five months to get their list to Santa and to make sure they’re on the nice list and not the naughty list,” he said.

Santa said Spelunker’s is always one of his favorite stops when he’s in town, pointing to the long line of customers filling the restaurant.

“This is one of my favorite places to eat when I’m in Front Royal,” he said. “These are all nice people. No naughty people here at Spelunker’s.”

The restaurant marked the occasion with a frozen custard treat created especially for the event. Santa said the special flavor, appropriately named Christmas in July, combines chocolate and vanilla custard with peppermint and hot fudge, topped with mini marshmallows.

“It was made just for me,” Santa joked.

Although the line of hungry customers kept the restaurant busy throughout the afternoon, Santa said he was confident he and Mrs. Claus would eventually get a chance to enjoy their meal.

“They always take good care of us,” he said.

While Christmas may still seem far away, Santa’s schedule is already filling up. Toy production continues through the summer, followed by training in August to prepare for another busy holiday season.

“We’ll be making lots of toys,” he said. “Then, starting at the end of November, Santa will be making his visits around town.”

Santa added that he and Mrs. Claus participate in annual training to make sure they are “doing the right thing” and staying current with all the rules before the holiday season begins.

Visitors stopping by the restaurant had fun posing for photos, waving to Santa, and sharing a few laughs about whether they belonged on the nice or naughty list. Santa’s answer was reassuring for nearly everyone he met.

“They’re all on the nice list,” he said.

As the summer celebration wrapped up, Santa had one final reminder for children and families across the area.

With Christmas now just five months away, there’s still time to earn a place on the nice list before the holiday season officially begins.

Before heading inside to enjoy his special frozen custard, Santa closed the visit with his signature greeting.

“Ho, ho, ho! Happy Christmas in July!”