BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details
Menu
 
Expert Shopper Home

How to plan a Christmas-in-July party

If you love the festive decorations, gift exchanges and gatherings with friends and family that come with Christmastime, there’s no reason to wait until December to celebrate. Hosting a Christmas-in-July party is a fun way to take part in some of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday even though it’s still months away.

Hosting a July Christmas party is similar to one you’d plan in December, but with a few twists. Combining the best of holiday parties with items and activities for the warm summer month will help you pull off a memorable mid-year Christmas celebration. 

Christmas-in-July party planning considerations 

To ensure that your summer Christmas party is enjoyable for everyone who attends, there are few factors to think about as you plan the event. 

Consider your guest list  

Who’s attending your party determines things like how to decorate, what you serve and the types of party activities you include, so the first step to planning the party is determining who’s invited. For example, the theme will vary greatly between a child’s party and one for adults. 

Indoors vs. outdoors  

A Christmas party in July can be held indoors or outdoors. However, the warm, sunny weather of summer inspires many hosts to hold the party outdoors. Whether at a park, on the beach or in your own backyard, having a holiday-themed party is an exciting way to celebrate Christmas. This is especially true for people who live in parts of the country where an outdoor Christmas party wouldn’t be possible in December. 

Decorations 

Decorating for a Christmas-in-July party is similar to the way you’d deck the halls in December. In other words, the options are limitless for decorating both inside and outside of your home. 

Because many parties this time of year are outdoors, decorating the outdoor living area is a must. There are several key ways to make a backyard look Christmasy:

  • Decorate a pine tree or evergreen shrubs with bulbs, garlands and lights 
  • Add a faux Christmas tree to the deck, patio or porch
  • String lights around the exterior of a home and around the area where guests will gather 
  • Include your favorite holiday decorations, such as inflatables and door decor

Party activities for Christmas parties in July

Gift exchange 

Just like Christmas on December 25, exchanging gifts during a Christmas-in-July party is a tradition. Affordable, thoughtful or funny items are good options, such as handmade ornaments or whimsical T-shirts. 

Holiday music

Another fun way to celebrate Christmas in July is to play Christmas music during your party. After all, playing popular sounds of the season gets everybody in the mood for the holiday, even if it isn’t December. Using a smart speaker is an easy way to play your guests’ favorite holiday tunes. 

Yard games  

If your party is held outside, including yard games is a great way to keep guests entertained. Horseshoes, croquet, cornhole, badminton and volleyball are some options for incorporating fun competitions into a backyard party. 

Holiday meal 

There are several ways to serve food during your party, from offering treats and snack foods to serving an entire Christmas meal. The best option for your event depends on several factors, such as the number of guests and duration of the party. 

FAQ

Q. When should I celebrate Christmas in July?

A. Because Christmas falls on the twenty-fifth of December, many people like to plan their summer Christmas party on or around July 25. However, there’s no right or wrong answer to this question, as any date in the month of July works for a Christmas-in-July party.

Q. What do you eat for Christmas in July?

A. There’s a lot of flexibility on what you offer guests during a July Christmas party. A traditional dinner with turkey or ham and all the trimmings is a possibility. However, since many of these events are held outdoors, some hosts opt to prepare a wide variety of foods on the grill

What you need to buy for a Christmas-in-July party

Costway 6-Foot Snow Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree

If you don’t have a real tree to decorate for your July Christmas party, you may want to add an artificial tree to your decor. This tree sports faux snow-flocked branches to give your event a touch of winter. 

Sold by Home Depot

 

Bayou Breeze Laffollete Globe String Lights

Lights are essential to any Christmas party. This string of globe lights emits a pleasant soft glow that looks great with other holiday decor. It’s weather-resistant and can be used outdoors or indoors. 

Sold by Wayfair

 

Symple Stuff Rectangular Picnic Table 

There’s no need to set the dining room table if you’re taking your Christmas-in-July party outdoors. A picnic table like this durable model is ideal for an outdoor celebration. It accommodates eight people and can be folded for storage. 

Sold by Wayfair

 

Saro Lifestyle Christmas Trees Holiday Table Runner

Whether your summertime Christmas dinner is indoors or outdoors, you’ll want to make your table look inviting. This festive tree-themed runner is simple but perfect for giving any table a touch of holiday cheer.  

Sold by Macy’s and Amazon  

 

GoSports Cornhole Bean Bag Toss Game Set

Cornhole is a fun game to play during outdoor gatherings, including when the event is a July Christmas party. This well-made set comes with the components necessary for a little friendly competition. It’s compact and easy to transport. 

Sold by Amazon

 

Party Funny Christmas Gift Bags

Simplify your summer Christmas party gift exchange by stuffing your gifts in pretty bags. This set includes 24 bags of various sizes, each with festive Christmas graphics. 

Sold by Amazon

 

Christmas in July T-Shirt

A Christmas in July T-shirt is the perfect attire or gift for a summertime holiday party. This one features fun graphics, is available in numerous colors and comes in sizes for men, women and kids. 

Sold by Amazon

 

OFILA Tropical Christmas Backdrop

A decorative backdrop is a nice addition to other Christmas decorations and makes a pleasant scene for photos. This model has a beach and snowman theme that’s made for Christmas-in-July parties. 

Sold by Amazon

 

Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals. 

Jennifer Manfrin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

Share this post: