25 Christmas In July Party Ideas
Christmas in July is one of those quirky traditions that turns the middle of the year into a playful holiday celebration.
While December is all about cold weather, snow, and cozy nights by the fire, July flips the script: sun, pool parties, BBQs, and a Christmas tree with sunglasses. If you’ve ever thought, “Why should all the holiday fun be saved for winter?”—this list is for you.
1. Set a Festive Tropical Theme
Since July isn’t about snow, blend Christmas decor with a beach vibe. Imagine Santa in flip-flops, pineapples wearing Santa hats, and stockings hanging on palm trees. A tropical Christmas theme lets you combine red and green with bright yellows, turquoise, and coral.
Pro tip: I once draped a strand of lights over a surfboard in my backyard, and it instantly became the photo booth centerpiece. It doesn’t have to be complicated—just playful.
2. Host a Backyard Pool Party
If you have access to a pool, this is the ultimate Christmas in July setting. Float inflatable reindeer, candy-cane rafts, or even Santa-shaped floaties. Add waterproof speakers with holiday tunes, and you’ve got yourself a festive summer twist.
Fun stat: According to a 2023 survey, over 70% of Christmas in July parties in the U.S. involve some form of water activity, whether it’s a pool, lake, or beach.
3. Decorate with Christmas Lights Outdoors
Christmas lights aren’t just for December. Wrap them around trees, fences, or even your BBQ station. The glow against a warm July evening sky makes everything feel magical. Use solar-powered lights to keep it budget- and eco-friendly.
I remember stringing multicolor lights across my patio one July, and neighbors literally stopped to ask why it felt like December. That’s the power of lighting—it transforms.
4. Serve Frozen Hot Chocolate
Hot cocoa doesn’t make sense in summer heat, but frozen hot chocolate does. Blend cocoa mix with ice, milk, and whipped cream. Add crushed candy canes on top for the Christmas feel.
Your guests will be hooked—this is always one of the first drinks to disappear at my parties.
5. Christmas BBQ Cook-Off
Swap the oven-roasted ham for grilled Christmas favorites. Think glazed ham skewers, BBQ turkey wings, or cinnamon-spiced ribs. Even grilled pineapple with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar feels Christmas-y.
Invite guests to bring their own holiday-inspired BBQ dish and vote on the best one. Winner gets a silly prize like a Santa hat or Christmas oven mitts.
6. Ugly Christmas Tank Tops
Ugly sweaters are out—it’s July, after all. Encourage guests to wear ugly Christmas tank tops or Hawaiian shirts with Santa prints. You’ll get all the festive spirit without the heatstroke.
Last year, my cousin showed up in a tank that said “Sleigh All Day” with a palm tree. The photos were priceless.
7. DIY Ornament Decorating Station
Set up a craft table where guests can decorate ornaments. Use clear plastic ornaments and fill them with beach sand, shells, or tropical glitter. It’s a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
Bonus: Guests can take their ornaments home as party favors.
8. Summer Snowball Fight
Yes, you can have a snowball fight in July. Use white water balloons or soft cotton snowballs. Split into teams and let chaos unfold.
The laughter alone is worth it. I once hosted one with just 30 balloons—it ended in 5 minutes, but everyone was doubled over laughing.
9. Holiday-Themed Cocktail Bar
Create a bar with Christmas-inspired cocktails. Think:
- “Mistletoe Mojito” – a minty mojito with a candy cane stir stick.
- “Santa’s Sangria” – red sangria with strawberries and green kiwi.
- “Frosty Margarita” – rimmed with crushed peppermint.
Having a signature cocktail always elevates the mood.
10. Christmas Carol Karaoke
Swap classic karaoke night with Christmas-only songs. Singing “Jingle Bells” in the middle of summer is a guaranteed mood booster.
Pro tip: Add silly tropical props like leis, sunglasses, or beach hats for performers.
11. Frozen Christmas Desserts
Serve treats like peppermint ice cream, gingerbread milkshakes, or snowflake-shaped popsicles. It’s unexpected, but refreshing.
One trick: Freeze sugar cookies into ice cream sandwiches. They vanish faster than any cake you put out.
12. Christmas Movie Under the Stars
Set up a projector and play Christmas classics outdoors. Movies like Elf, Home Alone, or The Grinch feel even funnier when you’re watching them in flip-flops.
Stat: Outdoor movie setups have risen by 40% since 2020, according to Eventbrite, and pairing it with Christmas is pure magic.
13. DIY Snow Cones Station
Buy a snow cone machine or use crushed ice with syrups. Offer red and green flavors like cherry and lime. Add sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a Christmas spin.
Kids love this, but trust me, adults sneak more snow cones than they’ll admit.
14. Santa’s Summer Photo Booth
Set up a backdrop with inflatable palm trees, Christmas wreaths, and a beach chair. Add props like Santa hats, sunglasses, and toy flamingos.
You’ll create a memory wall of hilarious photos. I still have one of me holding a pool noodle candy cane—it resurfaces every July.
15. Play Christmas Bingo
Make bingo cards with holiday images (stockings, ornaments, candy canes). Hand out small prizes like mini ornaments or gingerbread cookies.
It’s easy to set up, and everyone—from kids to grandparents—can join in.
16. Secret Santa Gift Exchange (Summer Edition)
Do a quick $10 gift exchange. Encourage silly or tropical-themed Christmas gifts like sunscreen wrapped in candy-cane paper or flip-flops in a stocking.
It doesn’t have to be expensive—it’s about the laughs.
17. Christmas Cookie Decorating Contest
Bake plain sugar cookies and set out frosting, sprinkles, and candy. Have everyone decorate, then judge for creativity.
Last year, my niece decorated a cookie that looked like Santa surfing. It was so bad it was brilliant—and she won.
18. Christmas Piñata
Fill a Santa or snowman piñata with summer candy (Skittles, gummy bears, popsicles in wrappers).
The mix of Christmas visuals and summer treats makes it unique.
19. Tropical Wreath Making
Instead of evergreen wreaths, let guests make ones with palm leaves, seashells, and faux flowers. Add a few mini ornaments to tie the Christmas theme in.
This doubles as a craft activity and decor for your home afterward.
20. Play a Christmas Trivia Game
Host a trivia game with holiday questions. Examples:
- “What year was Home Alone released?”
- “Which country started the tradition of the Christmas tree?”
Winner gets a Christmas-in-July crown (maybe made of tinsel).
21. Frozen Peppermint Bark
Instead of the classic chocolate bark, make a frozen version with white chocolate, peppermint, and crushed cookies. Store in the freezer until serving.
It’s cold, crunchy, and Christmas all at once.
22. Santa’s Summer Relay Races
Plan fun games like:
- Running with stockings filled with sand.
- Balancing ornaments on a spoon.
- Carrying a beach ball “snowball.”
Add silly prizes for winners—like inflatable reindeer antlers.
23. DIY Stocking Party Favors
Fill mini stockings with sunscreen, candy canes, and sunglasses. Hand them out as party favors so guests leave with a piece of the holiday spirit.
They’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness long after the party.
24. Host a White Elephant Gift Swap
Unlike Secret Santa, this involves stealing gifts. Encourage funny summer-Christmas gifts—like a snow globe with sand instead of snow.
It becomes the highlight of the night when guests start stealing gifts back and forth.
25. Fireworks or Sparklers Finale
End the night with sparklers or small fireworks. The mix of July tradition with Christmas music playing in the background feels surreal and unforgettable.
One year, we played Silent Night while lighting sparklers—it felt oddly beautiful under the summer stars.
Conclusion On 25 Christmas In July Party Ideas
Throwing a Christmas in July party is really about breaking rules in the most joyful way. It’s about sipping frozen hot chocolate while watching Elf on the lawn, decorating ornaments filled with beach sand, or battling your cousin in a water balloon “snowball fight.” The best part? It’s a low-pressure holiday. No one’s stressing over big budgets or complicated menus—it’s just fun, laughter, and a mid-year excuse to gather.
So whether you go big with a pool party and fireworks or keep it simple with ugly tank tops and frozen peppermint bark, remember this: Christmas in July isn’t about being perfect. It’s about creating memories that feel just as magical as December—without the frostbite.
