30+ Creative Christmas in July Party Ideas for 2024
Diane Hall
Editor
If there was any time to celebrate Christmas in July in North America, now is the time! Kids and adults alike could always use a bit of Christmas spirit, so why not bring cheer a few months early? We're here to help with plenty of unique Christmas in July party ideas.
If you’ve never hosted a Christmas in July party and exchanged gifts with loved ones over the summer, you’re missing out! A Christmas in July party theme is simple and fun because you already have all of the decorations lying around. Luckily, we’ve put together an awesome list of food and drinks, activities, and other Christmas in July party ideas that will put a summer spin on all of it. So, mark some mid-July dates on your calendar and get ready to party like it’s… December 25th!
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for Christmas in July office party ideas, you’ll want to check out Christmas in July Zoom backgrounds for your next video call.
What is Christmas in July?
If you’re not familiar with the origin, it was started as a girl’s summer camp activity in South Carolina on July 24, 1935, and included an appearance by Santa, carol singing, gift-giving, and camper laundry bags filled with candy. Shortly after in 1940, the concept was popularized by a Hollywood movie comedy, Christmas in July.
Over the decades, the holiday has evolved to include annual programs such as a Christmas movie marathon on the Hallmark Channel with heartwarming holiday movies airing daily until July 26 this year. Don’t forget the shopping! QVC offers a month-long sale on everything from holiday items to headphones, as well as other promotions—great for a little summer gift-giving or getting a jump on things for this December.
Pro Tip: You could also get a head start with holiday party planning on The Bash.
Christmas in July is sure to evolve even further in 2024. Borrow this summer camp idea and bring it to your own backyard or local beach. Of course, the idea lends itself to all types of occasions too like birthday parties, anniversaries, and even weddings!. You’ll also want to listen to our Christmas in July playlist throughout the month to get into the holiday spirit.
Christmas in July Activities and Entertainment
For your Christmas in July theme, you're going to need festive activities and entertainment to match. Surprise your friends and family with these Christmas in July party ideas that will get everyone into the holiday spirit.
Book a Santa Claus
One of the most important party ideas for Christmas in July is making sure there is an appearance from Santa. Book a Santa Claus to drop by your event, read some holiday stories, give out presents, and of course, take plenty of pictures with guests.
Pro Tip: If you’re on Santa’s naughty list, don’t worry! There are lots of other Christmas in July costumed characters you can hire instead.
Gift Exchange
What’s Christmas without gifts? You don’t necessarily want to shop for everyone on your usual Christmas list, so organizing a Secret Santa gift exchange game is the way to go. Assign presents ahead of time, or you can always opt for a rousing Yankee swap.
Outdoor Christmas Movie Screening
Obviously, you need to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather, so book an outdoor movie screen and stream your favorite holiday movies. Go for the classics like Elf, Home Alone, or The Grinch to watch on the big screen.
Lawn Games
Set up some lawn games for your Christmas in July party. We think that croquet, Corn Hole and treasure hunts are some good options to try—you can always put a Christmas spin on them to make them a little more festive and funny.
Photo Booth
Your list of party ideas for Christmas in July should definitely include a photo booth. This event only happens once (technically twice) a year, so you’re going to want to capture plenty of memories. Make sure to include a beachy backdrop, sunglasses, and Santa hats.
Sand Angels and Sand Men
If you’re celebrating at a beach, challenge your guests to make sand angels or sand men. Bring along a few props to dress up their creations. If you want to bring this Christmas in July party idea to your home, you can always assemble a sandbox for the festivities.
DJ
July in Christmas party ideas can be difficult to come by, so stick with the classics. Book a professional DJ to play all of your favorite summer tunes, holiday songs, and of course remixes that will definitely get the party started. For musical inspiration, check out our Christmas in July party playlist on Spotify.
Roaring Fire
Get that cozy Christmas feeling by lighting a fire when it gets a little chilly outside. Whether the conditions are right for a bonfire on the beach or you light a fire pit on your back patio, the flickering flames will have your guests singing The Christmas Song. Don’t forget the makings for s’mores and roasted chestnuts.
Christmas in July Party Decorations
The best party about Christmas in July party decorations is that you most likely already have everything you need. Take an inventory of your holiday decor as well as your summer time pieces to help create a magical party setting.
Christmas Tree
Your Christmas in July party decorations need to include a tree; we don't make the rules. If you’ve got an evergreen tree or shrub in the yard, great, but really any tree will do. You could even pull out your artificial Christmas tree if you have one! Decorate your tree with classic Christmas baubles (that will survive the elements, if outdoors) or get crafty and make summer themed decorations.
Popcorn Garland
One of the best ways to decorate your Christmas in July tree or your party venue is with traditional stands of popcorn garland. All you’ll need is a string threaded with a needle to create patterns using popcorn and cranberries. Not only will this Christmas in July decoration idea bring the jolly spirit, but it’ll be a fun activity for guests to craft.
Seashell Wreaths
Combine the summer and winter elements together by incorporating seashell wreaths into the Christmas in July party decor. You can also add other tropical elements like palm leaves or flowers to enhance the summer aesthetic.
Festive Tablescape
Set a festive table for a summer meal to remember. Pull out a classic red and white checkered tablecloth for a summer vibe and dress it up with silver, red and green accents. Pile on the candles, ornaments, cinnamon sticks, and greenery as a feast for the eyes. If this is a Christmas in July birthday party, don't forget the party hats and confetti.
Pro Tip: Looking for something more informal? Make it a casual picnic or BBQ instead of a seated meal—perfect for young children.
Holiday Surfboards
Creatively accent your Christmas in July party space with surfboards wrapped in Christmas lights. Choose colors that go with your scheme like red, green, or white, to help add ambient lighting to your party venue.
Christmas Lights
Plan on having your festivities go into the evening? String up some Christmas lights both inside and out for that familiar glow. This is also the perfect way to check if your lights will work this coming holiday season.
Christmas in July Party Food Ideas
Just about any summer appetizer, main dish, or dessert can be made a bit more Christmasy; it’s all in the presentation. So, get out your holiday cookie cutters and platters because it’s time to get creative.
Rudolph Burgers
If you’re looking for party ideas for Christmas in July, you can never go wrong with a backyard BBQ. To put a festive twist on the traditional food options, surprise guests with adorable Rudolph burgers. Garnish your classic cheeseburgers with a tomato nose, olive eyes, and of course pretzel antlers that might just be too cute to eat.
Christmas Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are one of the most popular picnic snacks, so easily incorporate it into your Christmas in July party food options by using holiday colors. Use fillings like avocado and roasted red pepper hummus, or you can always dye the egg whites with food coloring.
Caprese Christmas Wreath
Can you think of a better summertime appetizer than caprese salad? Get creative with the presentation of this Italian favorite by shaping it into a holiday wreath for a fun Christmas in July party food idea. The creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil will make a perfect addition to the spread that every guest will love.
Holiday Ham Sliders
Easily transform holiday traditions to fit your Christmas in July themed party to make it as Christmasy as possible. Rather than baking up a whole ham, keep the meal light by offering holiday ham inspired sliders. Use sweet Hawaiian rolls, slices of honey glazed ham, Swiss cheese, and a dollop of cranberry sauce to recreate the holiday tradition. Serve warm with a honey mustard dipping sauce for a delicious touch.
Fruit Christmas Tree
Every summer party has fresh fruit to take advantage of the season, so get creative with the presentation at your Christmas in July party. Arrange your fruit into a Christmas tree using a styrofoam cone, plastic wrap, and toothpicks, that’s it! For a Christmas in July birthday party, stick a candle on top just like the star on the tree.
Snow Cones
This classic summer treat can easily take on a Christmas in July theme with red and green syrups poured over. Choose simple flavors like raspberry or mint, or go with a gourmet lemon basil syrup for a more sophisticated version.
Gingerbread Cookies
You can't have Christmas without cookies! Make classic gingerbread men but decorate them in summer clothes, bathing suits, and bold colors for a summer touch. You can also make beach balls, flamingos, and other summer shapes, too!
Food Trucks
Keep the cooking and cleaning minimal at the Christmas in July party by booking a variety of food trucks. Offer different types of food like tacos, burgers, and even ice cream that will be fun for guests while also keeping the logistics simple.
Melted Snowman Cookies
Who doesn’t love those soft and chewy frosted cookies? Decorate them to look like melted snowmen in the heat with white frosting, a marshmallow head, chocolate chip eyes, and decorating gel for the nose and accessories.
Christmas in July Party Drink Ideas
After spending time in the summer sun, you’ll want to cool off with some festive beverages. Take inspiration from some of the most popular Christmas drinks, as well as, refreshing red and green summer drinks. Don’t forget to have lots of thirst-quenching non-alcoholic drinks to keep everyone hydrated.
Iced Mulled Wine
If you love mulled wine in the winter time, then you probably love sangria for a Christmas in July drink idea. Whether you make mulled wine and serve it chilled or add some spice to a sangria recipe, this is an easy pitcher drink to serve. Garnish it with slices of frozen fruit to keep everyone cool.
Candy Cane Martini
If you've been craving a candy cane martini since the last holiday party you attended, then it's time to indulge in this delicious minty drink this summer. Shake up vodka with peppermint schnapps, white creme de cacao, and half and half with ice. Pour into a frosted martini glass and obviously, garnish with a mini candy cane.
Minty Elf Lemonade
For a refreshing Christmas in July cocktail option, you can never go wrong with lemonade. To give this drink a little Christmas spirit, add fresh mint! Combine sparkling water, the juice of fresh lemons, sugar, and a few sprigs of mint for the perfect Christmas in July party drink.
Frozen Hot Chocolate
Unlike its hot counterpart, this cool version is a little more appropriate for summer. Frozen hot chocolate is great for kids, obviously, but is also yummy as a cocktail with a shot of liquor if you’re feeling a little naughty.
Eggnog Daiquiri
There may not be cartons of eggnog in grocery stores this time of year, but did you know it only takes 15 minutes to make eggnog from scratch? Serve a chilled glass after dinner for the perfect holiday inspired nightcap.
Rudolph Spritz
An Aperol Spritz makes the perfect drink for the summer. Using only Aperol, Prosecco, and club soda, it’s a simple party cocktail that’s easy to make in bulk. Add the Christamas cheer for this cocktail option by adding a splash of grenadine that will make it look just like Rudlop’s nose! For a non-alcoholic option, a Shirley Temple can also be renamed as a Rudloph Spritz.
What to Wear to a Christmas in July Party?
Wearing summer clothes or bathing suits in Christmas colors is a safe bet, but if you want to take it a step further, we’ve got a few ideas for you.
Ugly Christmas T-Shirts
An ugly Christmas sweater might not be the coolest idea in July, but if you really want to make a statement, an ugly Christmas t-shirt is the perfect alternative. This cooler option duplicates the pattern of a traditional sweater that makes the perfect Christmas in July party outfit.
Christmas Swimwear
If you’re hanging by the pool or headed to the beach, you’re definitely going to want to put on your most festive swimsuit. Stick with the red, green, and white color scheme or feel free to mix and match your ensemble to create the perfect Christmas in July party outfit.
Festive Accessories
If you want to keep your Christmas in July party outfit simple and let your accessories do the work, you might want to opt for a Santa hat, holiday patterned socks, Christmas eyewear, or a Christmas light necklace. These also make great Christmas in July party favor ideas!
Hawaiian Shirts
For tropical vibes for your Christmas in July party outfit, you can never go wrong with a classic Hawaiian printed shirt. This lightweight option is the perfect way to stay cool in the sun, and you can also find options with Christmas inspired patterns and colors.
Find more party themes and ideas here on The Bash.
