Yay! It’s time to bring on the tinsel and the twinkle lights… in July!
Yep, we’re talking about Christmas in July — the ultimate mid-year excuse to crank up the festive vibes, sip on frozen hot chocolate, and host a party your friends will talk about until December.
So if you’re ready to ditch the snow (but keep the cheer), let’s dive into 10 creative Christmas in July party ideas that are super fun, totally doable, and perfect for warm-weather vibes.
Feel free to scroll, save ideas, or even start planning as you read — I’ve added image prompts too so you can actually picture it coming to life.
Let’s gooo…
Santa’s Beach Bash
Okay, imagine this… Santa, but he’s wearing sunglasses, flip-flops, and a Hawaiian shirt. That’s the vibe.
Decor: Think beach balls, inflatable palm trees, string lights, and red-and-green beach towels. Add seashells and faux snow for fun contrast.
Food: Watermelon slices shaped like Christmas trees (use a cookie cutter), snow cone cocktails, and coconut shrimp.
Games: Limbo under a candy cane stick or a “decorate your own flip-flop” station.
Frozen Hot Chocolate Bar
Too hot for cocoa? No problem. Let’s flip the script.
Setup a frozen hot chocolate station where guests can DIY their drinks with toppings like whipped cream, crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, and chocolate drizzle.
You could also spike it for the adults — Kahlúa or peppermint schnapps work great.
Also, add a sign that says “Sleigh All Day” for extra cuteness.
Ornament Crafting Corner
This one’s perfect if you want a chill, hands-on activity. Set up a crafting table with clear ornaments, glitter, mini pom poms, paint pens, ribbon, and stickers.
Guests can make and take home their own ornament creations. It’s surprisingly therapeutic… and makes for cute memories too.
Bonus points if you make a playlist of Christmas songs with a beachy twist.
Poolside Reindeer Games
If you’ve got a pool (or access to one), this is your time to shine.
Play “reindeer ring toss” using antler headbands and floating rings. Or set up pool noodles in the shape of candy canes for a swim-through race.
Even more fun? A cannonball contest judged by “Santa.”
Tropical Ugly Christmas Swimsuit Contest
Okay so we’ve all heard of ugly Christmas sweaters… but have you tried ugly Christmas swimsuits?
Encourage guests to wear red-and-green bathing suits, or bedazzle their bikinis and trunks with tinsel, ornaments, and bows.
Then host a mini fashion show and give out funny awards like “Most Jingle,” “Festive but Make It Fashion,” and “Santa Would Be Proud.”
Christmas-Inspired BBQ
Let’s fire up the grill… Christmas-style.
Serve hot dogs and burgers with red-and-green toppings (think tomatoes, spinach, green relish). Add grilled pineapple for a tropical touch. And don’t forget cranberry BBQ sauce — yes, it’s a thing, and it’s delicious.
Instead of eggnog, offer cranberry spritzers or iced cider.
Holiday Movie Under the Stars
Movie night, but make it Christmas… in shorts and sandals.
Set up a projector and hang a white sheet outdoors. Lay down blankets, inflatable loungers, and offer popcorn in festive cups. Play a light-hearted holiday classic like Elf, The Grinch, or Home Alone.
And yes — popsicles > hot cocoa. Especially in July.
Christmas Karaoke with a Summer Twist
Time to jingle those bells with your best Mariah Carey impression.
Set up a karaoke machine and only allow Christmas songs… with a twist. Change the lyrics to be summer-themed or tropical. For example: “Last Christmas, I gave you my lime (margarita)” — you get the idea.
Bonus: Record everyone and play the best clips during dessert!
Gingerbread House Decorating — with a twist
Why wait ‘til December? Bring out the gingerbread kits now… but turn them into beach huts instead of snowy cabins.
Swap out white icing for bright neon colors. Add cocktail umbrellas, candy surfboards, and crushed graham crackers for “sand.”
It’s fun, creative, and totally Instagram-worthy.
Secret Santa — Summer Edition
And finally… what’s Christmas without gifts?
Do a quick and silly Secret Santa gift exchange. Keep it summer-themed — think: inflatable pool toys, sunglasses, beach towels, or funny tees. Set a small budget like $5–$10 so it’s low-pressure.
You can even have everyone draw names at the beginning of the party and exchange gifts at the end!
Christmas in July is one of those things that sounds silly at first… but turns out to be the most joy-filled, low-stress celebration. It’s about gathering your people, embracing the weirdness, and turning tradition on its head — in the best way.
Also, planning it doesn’t have to be complicated. Just pick a few of these ideas, throw on some music, whip up a few summery snacks, and let the good vibes roll.
Even more fun? Snap tons of pics and make it a yearly tradition. I mean… who says you can’t have two Christmases?
Let me know which idea you’re loving most — or if you’ve ever hosted one before! And if you use any of these at your party, tag me in the pics so I can hype you up!
Merry (Half) Christmas, friend! 🎄🎉
P.S. Want a printable version of these party ideas or a checklist to make planning easier? Just say the word — I got you.