Who Is Starting to Make Fun Plans for Summer Vacation of 2025?– Written by Fatima, GiGi’s NYC Participant

Happy summer vacation GiGi’s Playhouse!

There are so many fun holidays to celebrate in July 2025 such as Canada Day, Independence Day, World Chocolate Day, National Hot Dog Day, National Ice Cream Day, National Aunt and Uncle Day, National Lasagna Day, National Cheesecake Day, and National Avocado Day.

Canada Day is celebrated on Tuesday, July 1st this year, and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in a lot of different ways. Celebrations in the United States often center around the Canadian embassy in Washington, D.C. with smaller gatherings hosted by Canadian expats and groups. In Canada the maple leaf flag is a prominent symbol, displayed on clothing, accessories, and even temporary tattoos. Festivals, concerts, and parades are common, featuring local artists, Indigenous performers, and Canadian heritage. Community events such as barbecues and picnics are popular, with families and friends gathering to enjoy food and celebrate together. Major cities like Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver host impressive fireworks displays. These celebrations are broadcast nationally, allowing Canadians everywhere to participate virtually. 

Independence Day is celebrated on Friday, July 4th this year, and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in a lot of different ways. People like to attend fireworks displays, watch or participate in parades, enjoy barbecues and picnics, engage in patriotic activities like decorating with red, white, and blue, read the Declaration of Independence, visit historical landmarks, attend fireworks displays, and watch or participate in parades. Parades featuring marching bands, floats, and community groups are a common sight, showcasing patriotic spirit. Gather with friends and family for outdoor meals, often featuring classic American fare like burgers and hot dogs. Many towns host festivals, concerts, and other events with live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages. Reflect on the meaning of independence. Many people spend the day at the beach, lake, or pool, taking advantage of the summer weather. Baseball games are a popular way to celebrate, with many teams holding special Independence Day events. Get crafty with red, white, and blue decorations, or make your own patriotic-themed snacks. Host your own red, white, and blue decoration explosion. Watch the fireworks on the National Mall. Eat patriotic pie. Grill something. Start a yearly Independence Day movie tradition. On Independence Day it’s my mother Denise’s birthday. I am planning on going out for dinner with my family to celebrate her birthday when I’m finished working at Citi Field. 

World Chocolate Day is celebrated on Monday, July 7th this year, and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in different ways including enjoying your favorite chocolate treats, trying new chocolate flavors, or even learning about the history and production of chocolate. Consider hosting a chocolate tasting party, making your own chocolate goodies, or gifting chocolate to loved ones. Indulge in your favorite chocolate bars, truffles, or other treats. Explore different types of chocolate, like dark, milk, white, or flavored chocolates and see which one you like best! Try your hand at making your own chocolate desserts or baking with chocolate, like chocolate cake, cookies, or brownies. Treat yourself to a decadent chocolate dessert or drink at your local chocolate shop. Many museums offer exhibits on the history and production of chocolate. Participate in a chocolate tasting event where you can sample different chocolates and learn about their unique flavors. Attend a chocolate and wine pairing event, a chocolate dessert competition, or a chocolate tasting party. You can also tour a local chocolatier. The options are truly limitless when it comes to chocolate!

National Hot Dog Day is celebrated on Wednesday, July 16th this year, and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in a few different ways including grilling dogs, trying new toppings, hosting a cookout, or participating in a hot dog eating contest. These are all great options. You can also explore different regional and international hot dog styles and share your celebrations on social media. Enjoy classic all-American hot dogs with ketchup, mustard, and relish, or branch out with chili cheese dogs, Coney Island dogs, or even a Sonoran dog. Try different toppings by exploring regional favorites like Chicago-style or Seattle-style dogs, or get creative with your own combinations. Have a hot dog bar by setting up a buffet with various toppings and let guests customize their own. Experiment with international flavors. Try Chilean completos, Japanese terimayo dogs, or Swedish tunnbrödsrulle. Make it a meal by incorporating hot dogs into mac and cheese or chili for a fun twist. 
Post your favorite hot dogs using #NationalHotDogDay to encourage others to join in. On this day I am planning on having hot dogs and sweet French fries for dinner if I’m not working at Citi Field.

National Ice Cream Day is celebrated on Sunday, July 20th this year, and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in different ways including enjoying ice cream with friends and family, trying new flavors, visiting your favorite ice cream shop, or even hosting a sundae party. Treat yourself to a scoop (or a few!) at your favorite local ice cream parlor, or explore a new one. Try your hand at making your own ice cream, experimenting with different flavors and toppings. Invite friends and family over for a sundae bar, where everyone can customize their own creations with various flavors of ice cream, toppings, and sauces. Explore options like gelato, frozen yogurt, sorbet, or popsicles. Enjoy ice cream with friends and family, and consider sharing your experiences on social media with #NationalIceCreamDay. Many ice cream shops and brands offer special deals and promotions on National Ice Cream Day, so keep an eye out for those. Discover fun facts about the history of ice cream, different types of frozen treats, and the science behind making it. Sharing some ice cream with your family and friends! Experiment with different flavors or go to your favorite ice cream shop. On this day I am planning on making a banana split with vanilla and chocolate ice cream and strawberries from the grocery store. 

National Aunt and Uncle Day is celebrated on Saturday, July 26th this year, and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in different ways including spending quality time together, sharing stories, and creating new memories. Gifts like flowers, gift cards, or personalized items can also show your love. Don’t forget to connect with aunts and uncles who live far away through video calls or phone calls. For aunts and uncles who live close by, make an effort to spend time with them, whether it’s at their place or yours. While you’re together, relive shared memories by looking at old photos together and hearing their stories. You can also cook a meal together or go out to eat. Enjoying a meal together and catching up on each other’s lives can be a meaningful experience and a great way to create new memories. Organize a family picnic or outing, and make it a fun day for everyone by including other family members. Have a game night and play board games, card games, or other fun activities. Share specific examples of how they have impacted your life. Let them know you appreciate their presence in your life.

National Lasagna Day is celebrated on Tuesday, July 29th this year, and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in a lot of ways including baking their own lasagna, whether it’s a family recipe or a new creation, visiting Italian restaurants, or enjoying pre-made lasagna from the store. It’s also a great opportunity to explore different variations of lasagna and share the cheesy goodness with others. Many restaurants offer special deals or menu items for National Lasagna Day. You can also host a lasagna tasting potluck party where you have friends bring their best lasagna recipes and everyone votes for the tastiest. On this day, you can also make an extra pan of lasagna to share with neighbors, friends, or those in need. Watch Garfield cartoons or movies while enjoying your lasagna. Some might also explore regional variations or unusual ingredients for a unique celebration such as mushrooms or different sauces. Organizations like Lasagna Love may host events or deliver meals to those in need, spreading kindness through the dish, showing that food really is love. On this day I am planning on making some lasagna with a salad for dinner if I’m not working at Citi Field that day.

National Cheesecake Day is on Wednesday, July 30th this year, and a lot of people celebrate the day in a couple of ways such as indulging in cheesecake, trying new flavors or recipes, or even hosting a cheesecake-themed event. Many restaurants and bakeries offer special deals or new cheesecake creations on this day. Enjoy a slice or two (or a whole cake!) from your favorite bakery or make one at home. Try a new-to-you flavor like blueberry, salted caramel, or even a savory option. Get creative with your own cheesecake recipe by experimenting with different crusts, toppings, and flavors. Invite friends and family over for a cheesecake tasting, potluck-style, or a toppings bar party. Again, many restaurants and bakeries will have special offers on cheesecake or cheesecake slices, so keep an eye out for deals. Post pictures of your cheesecake creations or your celebration using the hashtag #NationalCheesecakeDay. On this occasion I am planning on making some cheesecake for dessert to have at home with strawberries and whipped cream on top for after work at Citi Field if I’m scheduled to work on that day. 

National Avocado Day is celebrated on Thursday, July 31st this year, and some people celebrate the occasion in special ways such as enjoying avocado-themed dishes, trying new recipes, hosting a party, or sharing your love for avocados on social media. Start your day with a classic avocado toast, or experiment with different toppings and variations. Make a batch of fresh guacamole to enjoy with chips, veggies, or as a topping for tacos and other dishes. Blend avocado with your favorite fruits and liquids for a healthy and refreshing drink. Try new avocado recipes like avocado chocolate mousse, avocado ice cream, or avocado fries. Check if local restaurants are offering special deals or menu items featuring avocados. You could also go to the restaurant Avo Taco which features avocados in most of their dishes. On this day I am planning on preparing grilled cheese with avocado since I’m not working at Citi Field on that day. 

Before I start working on the August blog post, I recommend an ice cream shop located in Queens called Van Leeuwen Ice Cream located at 33-01 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria, NY 11105. Their ice cream is top-notch. My favorite ice cream to get there is vanilla chocolate Oreo cookies and cream. Vanilla Leeuwen has multiple locations throughout the five boroughs, so take some time to visit your nearest location. You won’t be disappointed. Maybe you want to treat yourself to ice cream at Van Leeuwen for National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 20th!

Sending everyone big hugs and kisses.

See you in August 2025 with another blog post.

With a lot of love and happiness,

Fatima