Christmas in July is the perfect excuse to blend the magic of the season with all the sunshine and fun of summer. Whether you’re planning a festive get-together or just looking for ways to add a little Christmas magic to this month, I’ve gathered some of my favorite Christmas in July ideas to get you started. From low-effort ideas to a full-on party plan, these Christmas in July activities will have you feeling merry and bright—even in flip-flops!
What is Christmas in July?
Christmas in July is a festive celebration in the United States that brings the spirit of Christmas to the summer season, featuring traditional elements like decorations, gift-giving, and holiday-themed activities. It offers a fun way to beat the heat, enjoy seasonal treats, and gather with loved ones. In the Southern Hemisphere, where December is summertime, it provides a chance to experience a winter-style Christmas atmosphere with snow-themed decor, cozy clothing, and hot cocoa. For a deeper dive into the origins and history of Christmas in July, check out this blog post.
Ways to Celebrate Christmas in July
Listen to Music
I know what you’re thinking—Christmas carols in July? It might sound a little over-the-top. But hear me out! There are actually some Christmas songs that feel just right for those sunny summer days. I’ve put together a Christmas in July YouTube playlist full of tunes that’ll have you getting super excited fo Christmas, all while soaking up the sunshine. Give it a listen—it’s the perfect way to sprinkle a little holiday magic into your summer!
Watch Hallmark Christmas in July Movies
Every year, just after the 4th of July, Hallmark kicks off its Christmas in July celebration. It’s the ultimate mid-year celebration for holiday lovers! Throughout the month of July, Hallmark Channel delivers cozy classics and brand-new original films—bringing the warmth and joy of Christmas to life, even in flip-flops.
This year, it includes Christmas at Sea, a four‑part docuseries filmed aboard Hallmark’s cruise from Miami to Nassau. “Unwrapping Christmas,” a movie quartet that centers around the festive adventures—and romances—of four friends who work together at the small‑town gift shop, All Wrapped Up. And, Holidazed, an eight‑episode holiday drama about neighbors reuniting for Christmas
Shop for Christmas Decorations
As a huge vintage Christmas lover, I have found that there is no better time to hunt for vintage Christmas decor than in the summer. Check out my blog post, The 7 Best Places to Find Vintage Christmas Decorations, for all the tips and tricks to finding great deals on vintage Christmas decor.
But it doesn’t have to be just vintage; there are decor deals from all decades just waiting to be snatched up. Facebook Marketplace is a treasure trove of good deals on Christmas decor during the summer months.
Start Planning your Christmas Village
If you are a “Christmas Villager” (okay, we definitely need a fun name for ourselves!), you know that we NEVER stop thinking about our Christmas Village. And let’s be real, Christmas in July feels like the official countdown—some of us are just two months away from starting to set up our villages!
July is the perfect time to snag those dreamy new village pieces you’ve been eyeing and to start sketching out this year’s layout or any fun updates you’re planning. It’s also a great time to purchase the products you need to set up an epic Christmas Village – and maybe even discover a few unexpected setup heroes.
Start a Christmas Gift Idea List
I do this every single year—and trust me, it makes gift-giving so much easier! Now’s the perfect time to start your Christmas Gift Idea List. I like to keep those elf ears on high alert —whenever a friend or family member mentions something they love or wish they had, I jot it down right away. I just use the note app on my phone to track the gift idea, add a price estimate, and voilà! By the time December rolls around, I’ve got a head start on gifts that feel thoughtful and stress-free.
Christmas Dinner: BBQ Edition
Raise your hand if you think Christmas dinner is one of the best meals you have all year!🙋🏼♀️ Ok, so why do we only eat it once a year? That stops now!
Christmas in July is the perfect time to recreate Christmas dinner with a summer twist. Think backyard BBQ meets Christmas dinner. Here’s a Christmas dinner: BBQ edition menu plan.
- Ham or Turkey Cooked on the Grill – Look to “summer it up” a bit by using BBQ seasoning and sauce. If you are really looking for a summer grill event, look to smoke your turkey!
- Baked Potatoes on the Grill – Instead of mashed potatoes, maybe you opt for baked potatoes cooked on the grill or even take it up a notch with stuffed baked potatoes.
- Stuffing – Maybe not something you can cook on the grill, but a must for Christmas in July Dinner.
- Green Bean casserole – It only makes sense for a vegetable that we harvest in July to make its way from the garden to your Christmas in July dinner table.
- Grilled Romine Salad – I LOVE a grilled romaine salad. This would be an easy way to round out your Christmas dinner: BBQ edition.
- Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches: Every Christmas dinner has to have a dessert, and THIS ONE IS AMAZING! You have to try it even if you don’t do the whole dinner.
Throw a Christmas in July Party
If you’re ready to dive headfirst into the Christmas in July spirit, there is no better way than a CHRISTMAS IN JULY PARTY! I have two festive and fun party ideas below – each includes theme, decor, food, and activity ideas to make your summer party sparkle with holiday cheer.
Santa’s Island Vacation
THEME
Imagine Santa on an island catching some rays and listening to the waves roll in and out. Pina colada in hand, Hawaiian Tropic sun screen in place, and his best red swimsuit and swim hat.
DECOR
- Add in tropical patterns. You can have the party guests wear tropical shirts and/or you can use tropical fabric to decorate your area. i.e., tablecloths, pillows, napkins.
- You can use palm trees, sand, and sunglasses, and tie in Christmas with Santa Hats and candy canes.
- Use beachy candles or wax melts to get the beachy smell.
- Christmas music with a more beachy island theme (check my Christmas in July playlist above for some good picks), steel drum Christmas music mixed in with island music. Look for steel drum Christmas music on streaming platforms like Apple Music or Spotify.
FOOD
Light and fresh island-inspired foods like chips with mango salsa, fish tacos, rice and beans, pina coladas
ACTIVITIES
Make a beach-themed Christmas ornament for friends and family to hang on their Christmas tree. Here is a really cute one by H2O Bungalow.
Downunder Christmas Campout
THEME
What’s it like celebrating Christmas Downunder? Santa decided to spend his Summer vacation finding out by going camping. Toasting marshmallows for s’mores, cooking a turkey on the grill, and hanging out around the fire under twinkling lights make the perfect Christmas Campout.
DECOR
- Encourage guests to dress in their camping best. Hiking boots, breathable fabric, and sun hats.
- Camping gear like lanterns, camping chairs, and grills would make for adorable decorations. You could even bring in Vintage items like thermos’s, tins, and lanterns.
- Scatter in decorations that nod to Christmas, like pine trees, pine cones, and woodland creatures
- Buffalo Check flannel and pine tree theme fabric would be a cute way to tie in Christmas vibes.
- Candles or wax melts with smoky, woodsie but sweet smells would set a great background.
FOOD
It’s a Christmas campout, so of course we need to grill out! Christmas Dinner: BBQ Edition from earlier in the blog post would be a great option. Turkey and potatoes on the grill with a green bean casserole made from green beans from the garden and warm sugary peaches.
ACTIVITIES
This DIY Cinnamon Stick Tree garland would be a great craft. Instead of the garland, you could make them as ornaments.
Christmas in July is all about embracing the joy, fun, and togetherness that makes the holiday season so special—just with a sunny twist! I hope these Christmas in July ideas and activities inspire you to create a little magic in the middle of summer. Whether it’s a backyard party, a cozy movie night, or simply listening to your favorite holiday tunes by the pool, there’s no wrong way to celebrate.
