How To Plan A Christmas In July Party That Rocks!

Wondering how to plan a Christmas in July party, how to have a Christmas in summer party, need a fun summer camp idea, July office party theme, summer senior party ideas, seasonal campsite decorating ideas, or want Christmas in July party theme ideas?

How To Plan A Christmas In July Party text over different images of July Christmas party decorations and July holiday party foods

How To Plan A Christmas In July Party For A Fun Summer Theme Party!

Whether you’re looking for Christmas in July office party ideas, reverse Christmas in July party gifts, or Christmas In July party games ideas, you’ll find something in this fun party guide!

Ideas For Christmas In July

Fun Ways to Celebrate Christmas in July:

 
Affiliate links are used on this site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more in our DISCLOSURE.
 
  • Have a mixed playlist for a fun vibe – do Christmas tunes, tropical music, and beach music!
  • Decorate a non-traditional Christmas tree with beach or summer themed decorations
  • Served iced peppermint cocoa or frozen hot chocolate for Christmas drinks with a twist (definitely no hot cocoa)
  • Put a twist on traditional holiday foods (like these ham sliders instead of baked ham or grilled turkey legs instead of roasted turkey)
  • Have a Christmas gift treasure hunt
  • Have a white water balloon snowball fight
  • Make melting snowmen or sand snowmen
  • Do holiday themed sack races or Christmas obstacle course
  • Ditch the White Elephant Gift exchange and play Summer Holiday Bingo Gift Exchange (get free Christmas printable cards here)
  • Serve cranberry cocktails or mocktails
  • Decorate with beach themed fairy lights
  • Serve melting snowman cookies or melting snowman cupcakes
  • Play the Christmas Saran Wrap game with summer themed prizes
  • Freeze cranberries in ice for festive fruit ice cubes in punch

Keep scrolling for a huge ideas for Christmas in July party, including Christmas in July food ideas, Christmas decoration ideas for party, and fun ideas for Christmas in July activities! Great Christmas in July party ideas for adults, kids, and Christmas in July fun for family parties! Everything you need for a stress-free Christmas party for the summer!

Christmas In July Activities Summer Theme Party Idea text over different July Christmas party images

What is a Christmas in July party?

A Christmas in July party is a party that celebrates Christmas in the middle of summer. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and to celebrate with friends and family.

There are many ways to throw a Christmas in July party, and it can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be.

Christmas in July parties are fun because they’re different summer party themes than everyone else is throwing!

Party Ideas For Christmas In July

Tips on how to throw your own Christmas in July party:

1. Choose a theme for your party.

This can be anything from a winter wonderland theme to a Santa’s workshop theme to beach Santa to Christmas in July pool party.

2. Decorate for your summer Christmas party.

For Christmas in July decorating ideas, use Christmas lights, holiday decorations, and holiday-themed props.

Think of what you would use for a winter holiday party and put a summer spin on it.

For example, may you put up a Christmas tree, but use beach lights like this instead of traditional lights.

Get creative with your Christmas in July decoration ideas!

3. Serve festive food and drinks.

Again, think of what you would serve at a winter Christmas party and serves those things — Christmas cookies, candy canes, and eggnog are all great choices, but , put a warm weather twist on them.

For example, instead of a roasted turkey or baked ham, may you grill or smoke them.

4. Have fun Christmas-themed games and holiday activities for your guests to enjoy.

This could include things like a snowball toss, a gingerbread summer house decorating contest, melting snowman contest, or a backyard reindeer relay race.

We have a list of summer Christmas party games below. So don’t miss those!

FUN PARTY GAMES – This holiday themed printable pack full of fun games and activities is great for all ages!

Printable Christmas Party Games

GET THE PRINTABLE PARTY PACK OF GAMES

You may be wondering why celebrate Christmas in July?

Why have a Christmas in July party?

There are many reasons to have a Christmas in July party.

Most people throw a party like this because it’s a funny summer theme and different than all the other beach parties or pool parties for summer.

Others celebrate a July Christmas because it’s the time when they can get all their friends and family together outside of the hectic holiday times.

CHECK OUT MORE HOLIDAY PARTY IDEAS!

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR FUN CHRISTMAS PARTY THEMES THAT CAN BE ADAPTED TO JULY CHRISTMAS PARTIES, TRY:

Elf movie themed Christmas decorations, supplies for Elf party and more Elves Movie ideas

BUDDY ELF CHRISTMAS PARTY THEME

CHRISTMAS VACATION PARTY IDEAS - different cartoon images of Christmas Vacation movie props

GRISWOLD CHRISTMAS VACATION PARTY

The BEST Christmas Story Party Ideas - cartoon images of party props from the Christmas Story movie

CHRISTMAS STORY PARTY THEME

33 Christmas In July Theme Party Ideas

These are great to use for your July Christmas party invitations!

PRO PARTY TIP: A theme name helps you focus your party decorations and foods!

Party Titles And Christmas In July Themes:

  1. Summer Santa’s Workshop
  2. Flip Flop Frosty Fest
  3. Seaside Snowman Celebration
  4. Sandy Claws Summer Soirée
  5. July Jingle Jam
  6. Beachy Christmas Bash
  7. Christmas Luau
  8. Christmas in the Tropics
  9. North Pole Pool Party
  10. Yuletide Beach Bash
  11. Surfing Santa’s Party
  12. Island Holiday Celebration
  13. Tropical Winter Wonderland
  14. Sunny Snowman Soiree
  15. Seaside Sleigh Ride
  16. Caribbean Christmas Cruise
  17. Palm Tree Christmas Party
  18. Santa’s Summer Solstice
  19. Christmas Fiesta
  20. Christmas Carnival
  21. Summer Snowflake Soirée
  22. Christmas in Paradise
  23. Christmas on the Boardwalk
  24. Red, White and Blue Christmas
  25. Christmas in the Sun
  26. Christmas Island Escape
  27. Christmas Beach Bash
  28. Christmas BBQ Bash
  29. Sun, Sand and Santa Claus
  30. Surf’s Up Santa
  31. Tiki Tinsel Time
  32. Merry & Bright Beach Party
  33. Jingle Bell Beach Bash

Here’s how to throw a Christmas in July party with all the fun ideas for your party!

How do I plan a Christmas in July party?

To plan a Christmas in July party, you’ll need to start by deciding on a date and time.

Once you have that nailed down, you’ll need to create an invitation list and send out invitations.

You’ll also need to decide on a theme for your party and make sure to stock up on party supplies, but don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with this list of awesome July Christmas holiday party ideas!

BEST CHRISTMAS IN JULY OUTFIT IDEAS Santa in shorts and suspenders and santa hat for July Christmas beach party

What should I wear to a Christmas in July party?

There is no one answer to this question, but you should definitely look toward the party host for direction.

Some people might choose to dress in their Christmas best for a more formal Christmas in July party, while others might choose to dress in festive beachwear with a Christmas twist.

If you’re throwing a July Christmas party, be sure to include the dress code on the party invitations.

Christmas in July party outfit ideas:

  • Red and green elf hats
  • Elf shoes with shorts
  • Red and green scarf
  • Reindeer antlers
  • Santa hat
  • Red and green shorts outfits with a Rudolph nose
  • Christmas tree skirt as a cape or a wrap skirt
  • Festive shirt with a snowflake, funny holiday saying, or Santa pattern
  • Grinch t-shirt

Let us know your favorite Christmas in July dress up ideas!

EXPERT PARTY TIP: Be sure to ask the host about your Christmas in July party outfit!

What should I serve at my Christmas in July party?

Put a summer day spin on traditional holiday treats for your July in Christmas party!

Here are fun Christmas in July themed party food ideas…

CHRISTMAS IN JULY FOOD IDEAS TEXT OVER DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS IN JULY RECIPES

Christmas In July Party Menu Ideas

When planning your party menu, it’s important to include a variety of Christmas favorites.

Some ideas for food items to serve at your party include traditional holiday foods like Christmas cookies, candy canes, gingerbread houses, cranberry sauce, roast turkey, and eggnog.

For other party recipes, put a creative summer spin on traditional holiday food favorites. Instead of baked ham, serve a ham and pineapple pizza.

Try these for Christmas in July appetizers, snacks, dinner, or Christmas in July desserts…

Christmas In July Party Food Ideas:

  • Grilled or barbecued turkey or ham
  • Seafood platters, including prawns, oysters, and lobsters
  • Summer fruit platters, such as watermelon, mango, and pineapple in the shape of a Santa’s face or a snowman
  • Iced sugar Christmas cookies except in shaped like palm trees, surfboards, or beach balls (or do a mix of summer cookie shapes and Christmas cookie shapes)
  • Frozen hot chocolate or eggnog
  • Fruity Christmas cocktails like a cranberry margarita or a layered Christmas drink
  • Gingerbread ice cream sandwiches
  • Christmas-themed popsicles (like Christmas tree shaped popsicles)
  • Snowman cheeseball
  • BBQ pork sliders with cranberry barbecue sauce
  • Pineapple and ham pizza
  • Tomatoes and mozzarella cheese in the shape of a candy cane and garnished with basil leaves

  • Charcuterie board with seasonal fruits and cheeses in the shape of a Christmas tree
  • S’mores made with Christmas-themed marshmallows
  • Christmas tree-shaped cheese platters with grapes and crackers
  • Fruit salsa with cinnamon tortilla chips
  • Strawberry Santa hats made with whipped cream and strawberries
  • Iced peppermint hot chocolate
  • Edible gingerbread house decorated like a beach house
  • Apple and cranberry salad
  • Smoked turkey
  • Red and green tortilla chip taco salad
  • Snowman dacquiries
  • Santa Sun Tea

Do you have fun food for Christmas in July party? Let us know and we’ll add them to our party foods list!

Christmas in July Centerpieces Party Decorations with text over it

Pro Party Tip: Having a Christmas in July party at night? Freeze some festive ice lanterns for Christmas in July centerpieces or just to place around for party lighting! LEARN HOW TO MAKE ICE LIGHTS HERE

Christmas In July Party Decorations

You can have a lot of fun with Christmas in July decor ideas! Mesh together beach decor and Christmas decorations for fun decorating ideas for Christmas in July and Christmas decorations party ideas!

DIY Christmas In July Decorations Ideas:

  • Christmas tree with colorful lights or summer theme lights
  • Stockings hung up on a mantelpiece or from trees
  • Christmas tinsel in the trees in the backyard
  • Wreath on the front door
  • Snowmen dressed in beach clothes
  • Seashell Christmas tree ornaments
  • Make a pool noodle candy cane DIY with red pool noodles and white duct tape (I love this for Christmas in July pool party ideas)
  • Small Christmas tree in a beach pail for Christmas in July centerpieces
  • Beach ball garland
  • Festive Ice lanterns
  • Fill a baby pool with water for a melted snowman outdoor decoration (put a sign that says melted Frosty)
  • Christmas in July photo backdrop like this for for photo opps
  • North Pole signs for North Pole Christmas decorating ideas
  • Cut out palm trees for tropical Christmas party ideas

If you have fun ideas for Christmas in July party supplies or Christmas decoration for party ideas, let us know and we’ll add them to our list of decor!

PRO PARTY TIP: Ask everyone to bring a Christmas tree ornament to hang from the tree for your Christmas in July outdoor decorations. Then, you can raffle them off for a good cause or use them as gift exchange prizes. Not only do you get cute decorations for the party, but then everyone gets to leave with an ornament to remember the event!

Christmas In July Party Favors

These are great party favor ideas or game winner gifts for your Christmas in July celebration:

  • Miniature candy canes
  • Christmas cookies in a take-home party favor box
  • Christmas erasers
  • Mini snow globes
  • Ornament keychains
  • Christmas stickers
  • Christmas temporary tattoos
  • Beach ball ornaments
  • Candy cane glow sticks
  • Melting snowman

Christmas In July Party Activities Ideas

One of the best things about a Christmas in July party is that it can be as festive or as casual as you want it to be.

If you’re looking for some ideas to get started, here are a few of our holiday party in July ideas:

Have A Gift Exchange

This can be a lot of fun, and can add to the excitement of the party.

Have everyone bring a wrapped gag gift (no bigger than $10), and then have everyone take turns picking a gift from the pile.

Play Christmas Games

There are plenty of Christmas-themed games that you can play at your party, such as Christmas charades, the reindeer game, or gift exchange games.

(See a list of holiday games below!)

Do Christmas In July Crafts

You can really get creative with a party craft table for a summer holiday party!

Sing Christmas Carols Karaoke

Round up your guests and have a festive singalong with your favorite Christmas songs and holiday tunes.

Have a Santa Claus Visit

Send everyone home with a smile on their face by having a surprise visit from Santa Claus. Have Santa give everyone a little gift like a candy cane with Christmas stickers.

Plastic Wrap Ball Game for Parties step by step how to play the Christmas Saran Wrap Ball Game for parties

The Plastic Wrap Ball Game for Christmas or any party is one of the most fun group games we’ve ever played! It’s the most requested party game by guests! LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE SARAN WRAP GAME HERE

Christmas In July Party Games Ideas

Game Ideas For Christmas In July Party Themes:

  • Printable Christmas games like this
  • Pin the summer sunglasses on Rudolph
  • Pin the beach hat on Frosty
  • Christmas charades
  • Santa Says (like Simon Says)
  • Pass the parcel (left right Christmas game)
  • Jingle Bells relay race
  • Ornament bowling
  • Christmas Lawn Jenga
  • Come up with Santa hat decorating contest ideas and give out prizes for best Santa cap

ALSO CHECK OUT THIS HUGE LIST OF HOLIDAY GAME IDEAS

Christmas In July Gift Ideas

A fun thing to do is a Christmas in July gift exchange as part of your party activities.

One creative idea for a Christmas gift exchange is to do a Bingo gift exchange. (We did this one year and it was so much fun!)

We’ve also had a lot of fun with this Christmas sock gift exchange.

ALSO GREAT FOR A SUMMER PARTY THEME: Summer Themed Party Food Ideas

Summer Themed Party Food Ideas [Fun Recipe Themes for Parties] text over easy summer recipes on yellow table

Let us know your Christmas in July ideas and we’ll add them to our list!

We hope these helped with how to plan a Christmas in July party!

DISCLOSURE: Affiliate links are used on this site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please refer to our DISCLOSURE.

About the author

Friends have called Jackie the "Midwestern Martha" [Stewart] because of her 20 years of over-the-top theme parties, super fun sleepover tips, fun theme recipes, DIY game ideas and awesome party tips! LEARN MORE

Leave a Comment