Ho, Ho, How to Celebrate Christmas in July

watermelon treats in July

Christmas in July is the perfect excuse to plan a festive summer soiree and give guests all the holiday feels smack dab in the middle of the summer. Add a Secret Santa gift exchange and you’ve got a party where everyone will take home a gift, too!  

🎅 Planning A Christmas in July Party

Snag that stowed box of wrapping paper, get your blender handy, and follow these tips below to party like it’s Christmas in July!

Add Holiday Decor

First off, you need some festive decor to get everyone in the spirit. Try adding some summer-inspired touches to the holiday decor you already own. Swap the fancy metallic ornaments for natural seashells hung on a tree or make a wreath out of cocktail umbrellas.

Fix Festive Food

Next, the food. For festive, yet weather appropriate treats, try cutting watermelon in the shape of christmas trees or having a s’mores roasting station with some peppermint additions. Let guests cool off with some frozen hot chocolate or yummy sugar cookie popsicles.

Start a Secret Santa Gift Exchange

What’s a Christmas in July party without a Secret Santa? Make it easy on yourself by using Elfster to organize a festive game of secret gifting. It’ll be the party of the summer that everyone will remember!  

Start a Summer Secret Santa gift exchange

🎁 Top Gift Themes to Celebrate Christmas in July

Need some inspo for your summer 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.

A mermaid tale float for summer fun

Mermaid Tail Float | Amazon, $19.79

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 game to play by the pool this summer

Reindeer Ring Toss | Amazon, $12.99

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.

Craftmix Variety Cocktail gift set makes a great Christmas in July gift

Summery Mixer Cocktail/Mocktail Set | Amazon, $14.99

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.

Make homemade treats with an electric ice cream maker

Mini Electric Ice Cream Maker | Amazon, $23.49

Looking for More Christmas in July Gifting Inspo?

Summer Vacation gift guide

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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About Lindsay Roberts Schey 4 Articles
Lindsay Roberts Schey is the founder and gift expert of TheGiftInsider.com, a gifting resource that helps users find hand-selected and creative gift ideas. Lindsay scours the web, boutiques and magazines to discover the most unique and creative gift finds along with thoughtful ways to give them. In addition to curating the site, Lindsay is regularly interviewed about her favorite gift picks on morning news shows across the country, is a gift trend contributor to for various publications and has been mentioned on prominent outlets including E!News.com, Forbes.com and New York Magazine.