Celebrate Christmas in July at Aurora ice cream shop
Santa Claus will make an advance visit to Aurora at the Banana Split ice cream parlor, 820 Church Road in Aurora, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, July 26-28, to kick off the Aurora Salvation Army's Red Kettle drive.
Lisa and Randy Brown, store co-owners, invite the public to pose for photos with Santa, help fill the kettle and donate new toys.
"Every July, always around the 25th, we celebrate Christmas for three days. Since we are a seasonal business, we are closed during the holiday season. So during Christmas in July, we bring out all the seasonal goodies," Lisa Brown said.
"We decorate the inside of the store in magical white lights and snowflakes. The outside is decked out with all the trimmings, decorated trees, multicolored lights, Santa's own elf house and giant ornaments. We even reserve a special Santa bench for all visitors to sit and chat with Santa during his time with us."
Photos will be taken for their Facebook page, Banana Split Inc.
"All are invited to enjoy some special, limited-time holiday ice cream treats and to enjoy Banana Split's holiday season," Brown said.
Donors of new, unwrapped toys for any age will get a Banana Split gift card. Call (630) 896-8680 for more information.