Baby, it’s hellacious outside. As the summer scorcher goes on and on, let’s rescue ourselves with visions of sugarplums, thoughts of frosty snowmen, and dreams of all things holiday.

These local “Christmas in July” events are here to bring joy and merriment to one long, sweaty month. After all, Christmas is just five months and some change away.

Santa Claus is coming to town, appearing at several places for photo opps. (Hello, Christmas card photos.) Don’t worry — he’s not requiring you to dig out your ugly sweaters, but an ugly T-shirt might just raise his spirits, too. Here are some holly jolly events and specials that’ll get us jingling all the way … at least until even-hotter August.

Christmas in July at Grandscape, July 21

Christmas in July comes early to the bustling shopping complex in The Colony, which hosts a festive event on the Grandscape Lawn from 5-8 pm Thursday, July 21. “Join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they take some time take time away from their summer vacation to meet with guests and take notes on everyone’s early Christmas wishes,” they say. The event also will include a big wave surf inflatable and tropical water slide, airbrush tattoos, Jugo and Pappas Snow Cones snack pop-ups, and pictures with one of Santa’s reindeer. The event is free and family-friendly, and food and drinks will be available for purchase from individual food vendors, the buzziest of which is the Portillo’s Beef Bus (details here).

Christmas in July at Lakewood Brewing, July 24

Santa will be donning his summer best for his first visit to this popular brewery’s new-and-improved beer garden, and he wants guests to do the same. There’ll be an “ugly T-shirt contest” with prizes for both humans and dogs. Even