Lakemont Christmas in July Those celebrations took place today in Blair County at Altoona’s Lakemont Park. Christmas was in the air this afternoon long before any snow is in the forecast. That icon from the North Pole was dressed in his finest summer attire, giving paddleboat rides at Lakemont Park Sunday. Lakemont Park General Manager Melanie Shildt says the inspiration for this Christmas in July came from the upcoming anniversary of their signature event. “This year, we are celebrating our 25th anniversary of Holiday Lights on the Lake, so we thought, why not bring Christmas in July, and bring Santa a little bit early?”