When you think of Christmas, twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, and chilly evenings probably come to mind. But what if we told you there’s a way to experience the magic of Christmas without waiting for December? That’s where Christmas in July comes in! A sun-drenched, joy-filled excuse to throw a holiday bash in the middle of summer.
Christmas in July is a fun, tongue-in-cheek celebration that brings the festive cheer of the winter holidays into the sunny, beachy vibe of mid-year. Imagine Santa in board shorts, frozen eggnog, twinkling lights, and pool floaties dripping in tinsel… the possibilities are endless! Curious about its origin and growing popularity? We’ve got the full backstory on our blog Christmas in July – From Origins to Celebrations and Beyond.
If you’re thinking of hosting a merry summer soiree, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas in July party ideas for adults, from games and decor to office-friendly fun and cocktails that “sleigh.”
Christmas in July Party Games & Ideas
Whether you’re gathering your closest friends or throwing an epic backyard bash, these games and ideas will keep the vibes jolly and the spirits high:
Ugly Tank Top or Swimsuit Contest
Swap those traditional itchy holiday sweaters for the summer equivalent with ridiculously festive tank tops or swimsuits. Encourage your guests to get creative with glitter, tinsel, and summer jingle bells. Offer a prize for the most hilariously hideous look. Bonus points if someone shows up dressed as Santa on a surfboard.
Christmas Carol Karaoke
Yes, you absolutely can belt out “All I Want for Christmas Is You” in July. Set up a karaoke machine or throw on your favorite Spotify Christmas playlist and let the holiday hits roll. Add a twist by having contestants sing Christmas songs in tropical accents or remixing them to reggae beats. It's like Christmas meets cruise ship talent night!
Christmas Treasure Hunt
Create a summer-friendly scavenger hunt by hiding mini gifts wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper around your party area. Include holiday-themed riddles or challenges at each stop. Keep the vibe light and funny with inflatable pool toys adorned with Santa hats or beach umbrellas wrapped up like candy canes as the main prizes.
Photo Booth with Seasonal Props
Set up a tropical beach scene backdrop and supply guests with a basket of props like Santa hats, elf ears, flamingo sunglasses, reindeer statues, and candy cane. The comical contrast will make for picture perfect moments.
Christmas Quiz
Gather your group for a holiday-themed trivia game. Mix in classic Christmas questions with a few like “Which country started the tradition of Christmas in July?” or “What’s the most-streamed holiday song in summer?” Offer small prizes for the winners like snow globes or peppermint bark.
Gourmet Cocktails & Small Appetizers
Set up a “Merry Mixology” bar with seasonal twists on summer drinks: frozen cranberry margaritas, peppermint mojitos, and spiked eggnog milkshakes. Pair them with small plates like Christmas-themed cheese and charcuterie boards or candy cane skewers with fruit.
Christmas in July Ideas for Work
Why not bring the celebration to your workplace? Here are some fun and appropriate ideas that balance festive fun with office camaraderie:
Secret Santa (Summer Edition)
Put a sunny spin on the traditional Secret Santa. Encourage participants to gift beachy or tropical-themed items like mini coolers, quirky drink tumblers, or summer-scented candles. Set a price cap and have everyone reveal their “Secret Sandy Santa” in a brief gift exchange.
Door Decorating Contest
Challenge departments to deck their doors in Christmas-meets-summer decor. Pineapples in Santa hats, palm tree lights, and sand-filled snow globes are a few ideal starters. Award prizes for categories like “Most Creative” and “Best Use of Pool Noodles.”
Decorating a Summer Christmas Tree
Set up an artificial tree and let teams decorate it using both traditional and summer items: sunglasses, flip-flops, beach balls, mini surfboards, and string lights. It becomes a collaborative activity and a festive office centerpiece.
Charity Activities
Embrace the giving spirit of the holiday season by organizing a donation drive for local food banks, shelters, or summer youth programs. Create a “Christmas in July Giving Tree” where coworkers can choose tags with specific donation needs. It’s a beautiful way to connect your celebration with a cause.
Decorating and Ambience Ideas
Set the mood with a merry mashup of Christmas and summer! Here’s how to create that perfect fusion:
Summer + Christmas Decor
Combine red and green with beachy blues, flamingo pinks, and sunshine yellow. Wrap palm trees in tinsel, hang wreaths made from seashells, and use stockings as utensil holders for your outdoor picnic.
Hanging Ornaments on Trees
Instead of pines, decorate whatever trees are around you like tropical palm trees or even large indoor plants. Use summer ornaments, fairy lights, and velvet ribbon alongside nautical rope. It’s whimsical and celebrates the summer season in an extra special way.
Large Christmas Decorations
Don’t be afraid to go big! A Santa statue wearing sunglasses, oversized candy canes next to your grill, or a giant flamingo dressed as a reindeer add a playful, surreal touch to your party landscape.
Infinity Lights Collection
Add some sophisticated sparkle to your party setup with pieces from our Infinity Lights Collection. Available in both summer and Christmas themes, these sculptural lights double as stunning centerpieces and ambient lighting. They’re also super easy to assemble and reuse all year round.
Christmas Music Playlist
Create a curated playlist that blends holiday classics with summer beats. Start with “Christmas Island” and mix in some classic tunes or acoustic covers of festive favorites. Make sure to sneak in “Mele Kalikimaka” by Bing Crosby for Hawaiian holiday wishes.
Don’t Miss Our Christmas in July Sale!
Ready to stock up on decor, gifts, and party supplies? Check out our Christmas in July Sale and grab everything you need to sleigh your summer celebration. From quirky ornaments to outdoor lights, we’ve got everything to make your party sparkle.
Conclusion
Christmas in July is the perfect excuse to gather your favorite people, sip festive cocktails under the sun, and bring a little holiday magic into the summer season. Whether you're planning a poolside party, a fun office get-together, or a backyard BBQ with a North Pole twist, there are endless ways to make it uniquely yours.
Dig out those ornaments, fire up the grill, and start planning your most unforgettable Christmas in July party today. At Christmas in America, we’re here to help you make it magical, no matter the month!
