Last summer, you added to your cart, the very next day, you forgot all about it. This year, to save you from tears, we’ll help you plan something special!
Look, we all meant to plan something fun for Christmas in July last year… then real life showed up, and suddenly it was August. But THIS year? We’re showing up big time! Whether you’re the hostess with the mostest or just trying to vibe with your besties, we’ve got 5 Zamazing Christmas in July party ideas that’ll have you all rockin’ around the palm trees. Let’s get into it!
Santa’s Luau
Christmas party in the tropics? Yes please! Start by tossing some leis into a bag, making playlists for Christmas songs with a summer twist, and decking out the venue with string lights, bunting, and fake snow! Then all you need to do is start going merry and calling it a holi-slay celebration!
Party Ideas:
- Serve grilled pineapple skewers, gingerbread cookies, coconut shrimp, and rum punch.
- Set up a DIY flower crown- or lei-making station.
- Use tropical–inspired wrapping paper for Christmas party games.
Zazzle Finds:
Yuletide Backyard BBQ
Now that we’ve chilled in Santa’s Luau, it’s time to fire up the grill. A Yuletide BBQ is ideal if you love a good cookout but want to sprinkle in some holiday fun. You just need to cover the 3 P’s – pork ribs, pink paper cups, and poinsettias. Don’t forget the Christmas in July decorations, cooking utensils, and drink coolers, along with plenty of red-and-green tableware!
Party Ideas:
- DIY burger or hot dog bar with festive toppings like cranberry sauce or spiced pickles.
- Backyard games with a holiday twist – Christmas cornhole, anyone?
- Decorate tables with ornaments, string lights, and BBQ signs.
- Dress code with ugly Christmas t-shirts.
Zazzle Finds:
- Grill aprons
- Buffalo plaid can coolers or koozies
- Fast Four and cornhole sets
- Score cards.
Christmas Picnic In the Park
Now let’s slow things down a little. Well… maybe a lot! This is the chillest way to celebrate – just you, your people, and a bunch of snacks under the sun. A Christmas picnic is simple to pull off but still totally Instagrammable. It’s even great for families, social groups, or as a sweet date idea! This one’s all about easy setup and maximum chill!
Party Ideas:
- Set the scene with gingham blankets, Christmas throw pillows and holiday party supplies.
- Pack picnic baskets with seasonal sandwiches (turkey cranberry sliders, chicken and ham with stuffing, and brie and honey bites), fruit and leaf salads, and chocolate-dipped pretzels.
- Use candy tabletop signs to turn your picnic area into a mini North Pole.
- Organize an arts and crafts table with ornament crafting and a coloring station for the kids.
Zazzle Finds:
- Christmas in July plates
- Citrus fruit napkins
- Festive trucker hats or visors for guests
- Playing cards or teddy bears for the kids.
Jingle and Mingle Brunch
Now here’s an idea for the people who love air conditioning and the indoors! Our Jingle and Mingle theme brings cozy holiday energy to a summery morning or early afternoon. It’s a great option for smaller groups who want an elevated but easy get-together. Serve iced coffees and cranberry mimosas in festive glassware, alongside cinnamon rolls and mini pancakes on Christmas paper plates.
Party Ideas:
- Set up a buffet with Christmas brunch favorites: cinnamon pastries, fruit skewers, and a chocolate fountain.
- Dress code in matching PJs, holiday tank tops, or themed brunch gear.
- Funny seating charts or place cards (‘Naughty’ or ‘Nice’ list optional).
Zazzle Finds:
- Jingle and Mingle Christmas invitations
- Mini menu cards
- Holiday place cards
- Monogram coasters for the brunch bar.
Poolside Polar Express
Nothing says “Christmas in July” quite like floating in a pool with a snowman-shaped drink floatie. The Poolside Polar Express theme is your chance to go big with color, props, and pure summertime holiday chaos. For a budget-friendly alternative, grab a few inflatable kiddie pools instead of splashing out on a rental. And hey, if you’ve got your own backyard pool, use that, we’re not jealous (okay, maybe just a little).
Party Ideas:
- Have a line of inflatable floaties for your guest to choose from.
- Serve frozen cocoa, candy cane snow cones, and popsicles with sprinkles.
Play pool games like ‘reindeer ring toss, ’floating scavenger hunts,’ or volleyball. - Create a DIY snowball fight with white beach balls or foam balls.
Zazzle Finds:
So we’ve got the grill’s going, the pools are full, and the vibes are festive; it’s officially Christmas in July! We pulled that out of the bag (we hope) and turned you into a total party legend. From backyard BBQs to brunch with a side of jingle, every theme is a chance to bring your own kind of cheer to the sunniest time of the year! For all the knowledge seekers out there, we’ve got the ins-and-outs of why Christmas in July is so popular to give you an extra push to start organizing your get-together!
Hazel is a content specialist that reigns from the amazing land of Cork, Ireland. If her natural red hair doesn’t showcase her Irish roots, her love of humor and spontaneous outbursts would be a clear indicator. When she’s not looking out for her amazing team mates, she’s usually re-writing song lyrics – tirelessly trying to incorporate them into her writing pieces. She has a quirky, lively, and caring personality and her little dog Eddie makes her the happiest overall.
