This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Christmas is coming five months early! The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and NOLA ChristmasFest announced the first-ever Jolly in July event. The free event will be on Saturday, July 30 at the Live Oak Porch, directly in front of Hall H-I at the Convention Center.

Families can expect to beat the scorching heat by enjoying holiday-flavored snowballs and writing letters to veterans to spread the holiday cheer. Along with that, guests will also have a chance to watch a holiday movie and take photos with Swirly the Elf and Summer Santa. The movie will begin at 7:45 p.m. Guests that are interested can click here to learn more.

Jolly in July is a summer spin-off of the NOLA ChristmasFest, which is a 10-day event featuring an ice rink, a Yuletide Market, and several kid-friendly holiday attractions. 

Guests attending can park for free in Lot F for families in one car with a child under 12 years old. A parent or guardian must be present with children under 18. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. There will be refreshments and concessions available to be purchased. No outside food or beverages will be allowed.