Updated 6/13/25
Who says the holiday fun has to wait ‘til winter? Christmas in July is your sun-soaked excuse to deck the halls, crank the carols, and throw a festive bash right in the middle of summer! Add a Secret Santa gift exchange, and boom—everyone leaves with a little merry magic in tow.
🎅 What Is Christmas in July?
Christmas in July is a playful, off-season celebration that brings the festive spirit of December to the middle of summer. It’s all about capturing the joy, nostalgia, and fun of the holiday season—without the cold weather! While it’s not an official holiday, people love it as a lighthearted way to gather, give gifts, and spread cheer when summer is in full swing.
👯 How Is It Celebrated?
🎁 Gift Exchanges – Think Secret Santa, but with sunscreen! Friends, families, or coworkers exchange fun, summery gifts—often using wishlists to keep it stress-free.
🎄 Decorations – Out come the twinkle lights, ornaments, and tinsel—but with a tropical twist! Inflatable Santas in sunglasses, palm trees wrapped in lights, and snowmen made of sand all bring the “cool” vibes.
🍹 Themed Parties – From backyard BBQs to beachside bashes, Christmas in July parties mix classic holiday tunes with summer treats like popsicles, grilled goodies, and fruity cocktails.
📸 Photos and Cards – Some people even take silly holiday photos in swimsuits and Santa hats or send out “halfway to Christmas” cards to keep the tradition alive.
🎬 Movie Marathons – Cozy up in the A/C with your favorite holiday films—because nothing says summer like watching Home Alone with a popsicle in hand.
🎁 Bonus idea: Swap mini stockings or gift bags filled with sunny surprises. Think tropical snacks, poolside must-haves, or beachy candles—it’s festive, flexible, and full of cheer.
Whether you go all out or keep it simple, Christmas in July is about fun, connection, and celebrating for no other reason than because you can.
✨ Why Start a Christmas in July Secret Santa Tradition?
A Secret Santa gift exchange is a fun, easy way to surprise someone with a little midyear magic. Everyone joins in, gets randomly matched, and shops from their person’s Elfster Wishlist—no guessing, just gifting!
Set it up in minutes, customize it for any group (friends, family, coworkers, even your summer camp squad!), and let the holiday fun shine.
Here’s why the tradition is heating up:
💌 Stay close—even miles apart.
Bring long-distance friends and family together with a virtual gift exchange. Not gonna be in person this summer? No problem. You can still share a magical moment.
👯 Perfect for any group.
From youth groups to coworkers, campers to community circles—it’s fun, easy, and flexible enough to work anywhere joy is welcome.
📝 How to Make a Christmas in July Wishlist
This is the move if you want a gift you actually love (and give one they’ll adore too!).
Here’s how to Wishlist like a pro:
- Log in or sign up for your free Elfster account.
- Browse our gift guides—we’ve got summer beauty must-haves, trending faves, and warm weather goodies galore.
- Add your must-haves to your Wishlist with one easy click.
Boom—you’re ready. Your Secret Santa shops from your list, and you’ll shop from theirs. No awkward guesses, no stress. Just gifts that hit just right.
Go to Elfster to send your invites via email or text. We draw names for you, plus take care of the rest. Celebrate in person or virtually to find out why a Summer Gift Exchange is the best!
🎁 Top Gift Themes to Celebrate Christmas in July
Need some inspo for your summery Secret Santa? Check out these top gift themes, and encourage your guests to participate in the fun. Elfster makes it easy to create a themed gift exchange and even allows you to set a budget and allow your guests to make Wishlists.
FANCY FLOATS
Lavish pool floats are always in season for summer fun. Lounge on the tail of a Mermaid, float like an Avocado or even a Pineapple.
Mermaid Tail Float | Amazon, $19.99
REINDEER GAMES
It’s no longer just about bocce ball and frisbee, there’s a new crop of fun outdoor summer games popping up, and they aren’t just for the kiddies. Gift this Inflatable Reindeer Antler Ring Toss, Giant Toppling Tower or Prosecco Pong and you’re sure to score an invite back to every summer party all season long.
Reindeer Ring Toss | Amazon, $14.99
SUMMER LIBATIONS
Long days and Fridays off are meant to be enjoyed. Here are some gifts perfect for those who love to let loose. Gift this Summery Mixer Set for sweet cocktails or mocktails, an On-The-Go Patio Cooler on Wheels or this Tropical Inflatable Drink Holder Set to your favorite summer party animal.
Summery Mixer Cocktail/Mocktail Set | Amazon, $13.49
SWEET TREATS
You can never go wrong with gifting something yummy and delicious. Just aim for something a little out of the ordinary and seasonal to make more of a gifting impact. Try a Mini Electric Ice Cream Machine or a Tabletop S’mores Maker to create the summery sweet treats galore.
Mini Electric Ice Cream Maker | Amazon, $23.34
✨ Looking for More Christmas in July Gifting Inspo?
Explore our curated Summer Vacation Gift Guide for gifts sure to make your summer sizzle. Add these gifts to your own Elfster Wishlist – it’s an easy way to let everyone know what you really want that’s perfect for birthdays too!
Connect with Elfster for gifts, giveaways, and great news on Facebook and Instagram for more ideas that are sure to heat up Christmas in July.
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