19 Christmas in July Ideas
If you’ve ever felt the mid-summer slump, then you already know why Christmas in July exists.
The days are hot, the excitement of New Year’s has faded, and we’re all craving something festive to shake up the routine. That’s where this quirky celebration steps in—like a surprise present you forgot was under the tree.
1. Host a Backyard Christmas BBQ
Forget the snow—this Christmas is about sizzling burgers and grilled corn. Swap the traditional roast turkey for barbecue classics. Imagine twinkly lights strung around your patio, Christmas music playing, and the smell of smoked ribs filling the air.
I tried this last July, and guests were blown away by how fun it felt to mix Santa hats with shorts and flip-flops. Bonus tip: set up a cooler with red and green drinks (cranberry punch and lime soda).
Why it works: Outdoor entertaining is already popular in July. According to Statista, 57% of U.S. adults say grilling is their favorite way to cook in summer. Combine that with Christmas flair, and you’ve got the ultimate festive mashup.
2. Decorate with Summer-Friendly Holiday Lights
String lights don’t need snow to shine. Hang them along your deck, wrap them around palm trees if you have them, or drape them over fences. Choose solar-powered lights so you can keep energy bills low.
I once used icicle lights along a poolside umbrella—it looked like a tropical North Pole. Guests loved the unexpected twist.
3. Serve Frozen Hot Chocolate
Hot cocoa might feel out of place in July, but flip the script with frozen hot chocolate. Blend chocolate syrup, milk, ice, and whipped cream, then serve in frosted glasses. It’s like Christmas got a beach vacation.
When I tested this for a small get-together, the kids went wild, calling it “Christmas milkshakes.”
4. Plan a Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Nothing gets people laughing like a Secret Santa game. But instead of wool socks and scarves, focus on summery gifts—think pool floats, sunscreen, or quirky sunglasses.
Pro tip: Set a low budget ($10–15) to keep it lighthearted. The sillier the gifts, the better.
5. Throw a Christmas Movie Marathon
Yes, Hallmark does Christmas in July marathons for a reason: people can’t resist. Pick classics like Home Alone or Elf, and add a couple of beach-themed films to balance things out.
Create a DIY concession stand with popcorn, candy canes, and nachos. I once taped red-and-green stripes around popcorn bags, and they instantly looked festive.
6. Bake Christmas Cookies with a Summer Twist
Instead of gingerbread men, bake sugar cookies shaped like suns, palm trees, or flip-flops—but decorate them in red, white, and green frosting.
This is especially fun if you have kids. I remember a friend’s child proudly showing me her “Santa surfing” cookie masterpiece. It was hilarious and oddly adorable.
7. Pool Party with Christmas Floats
If you’ve got a pool, this is your stage. Inflate Santa-in-a-sleigh pool floats, toss in candy-cane-striped beach balls, and play “Jingle Bells” remixed with steel drums.
Even if you don’t own a pool, an inflatable kiddie pool works for smaller gatherings. Fill it with cold drinks, and voila—you’ve got a festive cooler.
8. DIY Snow Cones Station
Snow in July? Easy. All you need is a shaved ice machine (or a blender) and some colorful syrups. Set up a snow cone bar where guests can top with sprinkles, marshmallows, or even peppermint candy.
Fun fact: Snow cones date back to the early 1900s and were considered a summer luxury. Mixing that with Christmas candy makes it twice as nostalgic.
9. Play Christmas-Themed Yard Games
Think cornhole, but paint the boards red and green. Or try a water balloon fight, but call them “snowballs.”
One year, I froze white water balloons for a snowball toss competition. It melted fast, but guests laughed nonstop. Sometimes the messier, the better.
10. Create a Festive Summer Cocktail Menu
Mix up cocktails that blend holiday flavors with summer vibes. Examples:
- Cranberry Mojitos
- Peppermint Piña Coladas
- Frozen Eggnog Daiquiris
Set them out on a decorated bar cart with ornaments and tiki torches. It feels like Santa opened a tiki bar in Hawaii.
11. Organize a Christmas Karaoke Night
Who says caroling is just for December? Crank up the karaoke machine and belt out Mariah Carey while wearing Hawaiian shirts.
Last summer, my cousin sang “Feliz Navidad” with a ukulele, and it was so unexpectedly fun that it became the highlight of the night.
12. Hang Stockings with Summer Goodies
Skip the fireplaces. Hang stockings on a clothesline outdoors and stuff them with flip-flops, popsicles, or travel-sized sunscreen.
Guests love the novelty, and it doubles as both decor and party favors.
13. Ice Cream Sundae Bar with Christmas Toppings
Instead of fruitcake, offer an ice cream sundae bar. Stock toppings like crushed candy canes, red-and-green sprinkles, and gingerbread cookie crumbles.
Stat check: Ice cream sales in the U.S. peak in July, hitting around $134 million weekly (Nielsen data). Combine that with Christmas toppings, and you’re in dessert heaven.
14. Christmas in July Charity Drive
Use the event as a chance to give back. Collect school supplies, canned food, or donations for local shelters. Position it as “Santa’s mid-year stop.”
I once organized this with coworkers, and people gave more than expected because the timing felt refreshing—less pressure than December.
15. Outdoor Christmas Carol Dance-Off
Combine music and movement by hosting a dance-off to Christmas carols. Play remixes with upbeat tempos and let people show off their best moves.
Watching Uncle Bob attempt a moonwalk to “Jingle Bell Rock” is something you won’t forget.
16. DIY Ornament-Making Station
Crafting isn’t just for winter. Set up a table with clear ornaments, shells, sand, and glitter. Guests can make beachy Christmas ornaments as keepsakes.
Not only is it fun, but it also gives everyone something tangible to remember the party by.
17. Host a “Santa on Vacation” Costume Contest
Ask guests to dress up as how they imagine Santa would vacation in July—maybe in board shorts, sunglasses, and a Hawaiian shirt. Give small prizes for the funniest or most creative looks.
It’s lighthearted, photo-worthy, and sparks conversations immediately.
18. Christmas Piñata for the Kids (or Adults)
A star or tree-shaped piñata filled with candy is always a hit. If you want to level it up, fill it with mini pool toys, glow sticks, or beach balls.
At one party, adults ended up having more fun with it than the kids. Proof that we’re all just big kids when candy starts flying.
19. End the Night with Fireworks or Sparklers
Christmas lights are magical, but fireworks in July seal the deal. Hand out sparklers or, if your city allows, launch fireworks as a grand finale.
Fireworks sales in the U.S. reach $2.3 billion annually, and July is the prime season. Adding them to Christmas in July guarantees wide-eyed excitement.
Conclusion on 19 Christmas in July Ideas
Christmas in July isn’t just about decorations—it’s about shaking up routine and reminding yourself that joy doesn’t have to wait until December. From backyard BBQs and frozen hot chocolate to costume contests and charity drives, these ideas prove you can bring holiday magic to the hottest days of summer.
The beauty lies in mixing opposites: Santa with sunglasses, hot cocoa turned cold, snow cones in the sun. Try even two or three of these ideas, and you’ll discover that celebrating Christmas in July isn’t about recreating December—it’s about creating a tradition that’s playful, refreshing, and perfectly your own.
