19 Christmas in July Ideas
When summer heat is blazing and winter feels far away, Christmas in July sneaks in as the perfect excuse to blend holiday magic with warm-weather fun.
Imagine sipping cold lemonade while string lights twinkle, or grilling outdoors with carols playing in the background.
It’s quirky, cheerful, and a brilliant way to enjoy festive traditions without waiting for December.Think of this as your complete guide to bringing holiday cheer into the middle of summer.
1. Throw a Christmas in July Backyard Party
Hosting a backyard party is one of the easiest ways to celebrate Christmas in July. Swap out snow for sunshine: set up red-and-green tablecloths, hang string lights across your yard, and maybe add a blow-up Santa lounging on a beach chair.
Food should match the vibe. Instead of hot cocoa, serve iced hot chocolate or peppermint milkshakes. Replace heavy roasts with grilled skewers, burgers, or shrimp. Think of it as Christmas dinner but with sunscreen.
Pro tip: Invite neighbors and make it a block-wide event. Studies show that 83% of people feel happier when engaging in community gatherings, and this quirky mid-year party is the perfect reason to bring folks together.
2. Host a Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Why wait until December to feel the thrill of exchanging gifts? Organize a Secret Santa with friends or family.
Keep budgets light—say $10 or less—and add a funny summer twist. Instead of wrapping paper, use beach towels, tote bags, or even reusable grocery sacks as gift wrap.
The joy of guessing “who got who” is just as fun in July as in December. Bonus idea: make it a “White Elephant” style swap, encouraging silly summer gifts like flip-flop socks or a watermelon-scented candle.
3. Decorate with a Summer Christmas Tree
Yes, a tree in July is absolutely acceptable. But instead of classic ornaments, dress it in summer flair. Use seashell garlands, tiny sunglasses as decorations, and tropical flowers instead of poinsettias.
You don’t need a real pine tree either—a palm plant, fiddle-leaf fig, or even a tall cactus works as a “Christmas tree in disguise.” This is a great conversation starter when friends come over.
4. Make Frozen “Snow” Treats
Snow cones, popsicles, and slushies become the snow of July. A DIY snow cone station with flavored syrups is both kid- and adult-friendly. Want to take it up a notch? Add festive toppings like crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or red-and-green gummy bears.
Here’s a fun stat: the U.S. snow cone market is valued at $500 million annually, proving people love icy treats. Imagine the holiday twist you bring when making snow cones part of Christmas in July.
5. Create DIY Holiday Crafts with a Summer Twist
Crafting is a classic Christmas pastime, and it fits perfectly in July when kids are on summer break. Ideas include:
- Seashell ornaments painted in red and green.
- Mason jar snow globes with sand instead of fake snow.
- Tie-dye shirts in festive holiday colors.
Not only is it fun, but crafting also reduces stress—research from the American Journal of Public Health shows crafting boosts mood and lowers anxiety.
6. Play Christmas Movie Marathon Outdoors
Christmas movies feel different under the summer sky. Set up a projector, lay out picnic blankets, and play classics like Home Alone, Elf, or The Grinch.
To keep it authentic, serve popcorn with red-and-green sprinkles or peppermint bark ice cream. Outdoor screens are surprisingly affordable now, and according to market data, outdoor movie equipment sales have grown 25% since 2020, as more families embrace backyard entertainment.
7. Organize a Christmas in July Charity Drive
One of the best parts of Christmas is giving back. July is an underrated time to support shelters, food banks, or children’s hospitals that often see a dip in donations mid-year.
Collect canned goods or gently used clothes at your Christmas in July event. It’s festive, community-driven, and embodies the true spirit of Christmas.
8. Bake Christmas Cookies with Summer Flavors
Christmas cookies are non-negotiable. But here’s the July twist: make tropical flavors part of the recipe. Think coconut sugar cookies, pineapple thumbprints, or lime shortbread decorated with holiday sprinkles.
Get the kids involved in cookie-decorating competitions. Statistics show that over 52% of families bake cookies as part of holiday traditions, and there’s no reason you can’t double that fun mid-year.
9. Host a Pool Party with Santa Floats
If you have a pool, this idea is gold. Add inflatable Santas, reindeer, and candy cane-shaped floaties. Play upbeat holiday songs while everyone swims.
Serving “North Pole Punch” (a mix of Sprite, cranberry juice, and lime sherbet) makes the poolside atmosphere feel both festive and refreshing.
10. Plan a Christmas in July Potluck
Food always brings people together. Instead of stressing over cooking everything, ask each guest to bring a dish. Encourage them to get creative: one person brings tropical fruitcake, another brings BBQ with cranberry glaze, and someone else surprises everyone with peppermint ice cream.
A potluck not only saves money but also adds variety. Surveys show that 73% of Americans prefer potlucks for casual gatherings because they feel more inclusive and fun.
11. Set Up a Festive Cocktail Bar
Adults deserve some Christmas spirit—literally. A DIY cocktail bar with Christmas-inspired drinks is a hit. Examples include:
- “Frozen Eggnog Daiquiris”
- “Candy Cane Mojitos”
- “Santa Sangria” with red wine and summer berries
Keep it light and fruity to match July vibes.
12. Decorate with Lights and Lanterns
Nothing says Christmas like twinkling lights. But instead of icicle lights, combine string lights with paper lanterns or tiki torches. This creates a fusion of holiday magic and tropical energy.
Studies reveal that decorative lighting increases mood and creates a sense of nostalgia, which explains why people keep Christmas lights up long past December.
13. Host a Christmas Karaoke Night
What’s Christmas without belting out Jingle Bells? Set up karaoke outdoors or in your living room. Mix traditional songs with fun remixes like reggae or jazz versions to keep it fresh.
Karaoke has been proven to increase oxytocin levels, boosting happiness and bonding among groups. That’s your scientific excuse to sing badly and proudly.
14. Organize a Christmas Photo Booth
A photo booth is inexpensive but adds unforgettable fun. Create a backdrop with red-and-green streamers, fake snow (cotton works), and summer props like sunglasses or pool noodles.
Encourage guests to wear ugly Christmas sweaters with shorts. The contrast makes for hilarious photos.
15. Plan a Holiday-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are perfect for families with kids. Hide candy canes, small gifts, or ornaments around your yard. Give clues with Christmas puns: “Find me where Santa would tan instead of sled.”
Not only is it engaging, but scavenger hunts also sharpen problem-solving skills in kids—making it educational without them even noticing.
16. Try Christmas in July Camping
Camping is popular in summer, but why not add a festive twist? Decorate your campsite with battery-powered string lights, roast marshmallows while telling holiday stories, and sing carols around the campfire.
Research shows that camping participation in the U.S. grew by 28% between 2019 and 2022, so why not make your trip stand out with Christmas vibes?
17. Organize a DIY Ornament-Making Contest
Instead of waiting until December to make ornaments, hold a crafting contest now. Use beach materials like shells, driftwood, or pressed flowers. Hang them on your summer tree or save them for December.
This not only creates memories but also ensures your December tree already has unique, handmade decorations.
18. Create a Holiday Playlist with a Twist
Music sets the mood, and your playlist should mix classic carols with summer anthems. Think Bing Crosby followed by Bob Marley. The playful clash keeps energy high.
Spotify reports that holiday music streaming peaks by 230% in December, so why not give those playlists a mid-year spike?
19. End the Night with Fireworks or Sparklers
Finish your Christmas in July with a bang—literally. Fireworks or sparklers are safe (with precautions) and create a magical ending. It mirrors the excitement of Christmas lights in December but feels tailor-made for summer nights.
If fireworks aren’t possible, glow sticks and fairy lights can create the same celebratory vibe.
Conclusion
Christmas in July is more than a quirky trend—it’s a chance to mix holiday cheer with summer joy.
The best part? You’re not bound by December traditions. You can rewrite the rules—serve peppermint popsicles instead of hot cocoa, decorate palm trees instead of pines, and throw pool parties instead of snowball fights.
So go ahead—light up the grill, hang those twinkly lights, and belt out carols in flip-flops. Christmas in July isn’t just about holiday décor; it’s about creating moments of laughter, connection, and warmth in the middle of summer’s heat.
