How to Throw the Ultimate Christmas in July Party: Decorations, Activities, Food & More

Summer is heating up, and what better way to cool off than by celebrating the most wonderful time of the year — in July? A Christmas in July party is the perfect excuse to gather friends and family for a fun, festive, and slightly ridiculous mid-year celebration. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, a pool party, or a cozy evening under the stars, this guide will walk you through everything you need to create a memorable and Instagram-worthy event.

In this ultimate guide, you'll find:

• Creative Christmas in July decoration ideas
• Fun and inclusive party activities
• Delicious, themed food and drink recipes
• Tips for party planning success

Let’s unwrap the magic! 🎁

🎉 Unique Christmas in July Decorations

Skip the snow, but keep the sparkle! The key to nailing your Christmas in July aesthetic is mixing winter cheer with summer vibes. Here are original and fun decoration ideas to transform your space:

1. Inflatable Christmas Tree Cooler

Set up a large inflatable Christmas tree (available on Amazon) and fill the base with ice to chill your drinks. Not only is it functional, but it’s also a hilarious conversation starter.

2. Red, Green & White Balloon Garland

Create a DIY balloon arch or garland in traditional Christmas colors. Add metallic accents for sparkle. Position it over your snack table or at the entrance for an eye-catching effect.

3. Christmas Hats Everywhere

Stock up on Santa hats, elf ears, and even reindeer antlers. Drape them on chairs, hand them out to guests, or use them to mark drink stations.

4. Christmas-Themed Pool Inflatables

Deck out the pool with holiday-themed floats like flamingo Santas, reindeer rafts, or even a sleigh-shaped float!

5. Pineapple Tree Centerpieces

Top pineapples with mini ornaments and fairy lights to create tropical-meets-Christmas table centerpieces. Use a hot glue gun or mini command hooks to hang baubles.

DIY Tip: Add mini sunglasses to each pineapple for personality!

6. Decorated Palm Tree

If you have a palm or any tall plant, decorate it like a Christmas tree with solar-powered lights and mini ornaments. You can also place a your fake Christmas tree outside.

7. Life-Size Surfing Santa Cutout

Make or buy a cardboard cutout of Santa on a surfboard for guests to take pictures with.

8. Christmas Sock Clothesline

Hang colorful Christmas socks across your backyard with clothespins. Fill them with treats or notes for guests to pull randomly.

🎁 Fun Christmas in July Party Activities

Whether you're hosting kids, adults, or a mix, these Christmas in July party games and activities will keep everyone entertained.

1. Summer Secret Santa or White Elephant

Ask guests to bring a fun or silly gift (under $10) and host a White Elephant gift exchange poolside. Wrap gifts in beach towels or summer-themed bags for a twist.

Explore Creative and Fun Secret Santa Games to Spice Up Your Holiday Gift Exchange

2. Candy Cane Hunt

Hide peppermint candy canes or mini treats around the yard, pool, or even indoors. Turn it into a timed competition with prizes!

Make it easier: Use red-and-white striped pool noodles as clues!

3. Outdoor Christmas Movie Night

Set up a projector and screen to show holiday favorites like Elf, The Grinch, or Home Alone — with everyone lounging on beach towels and inflatables.

Explore 10 Essentials for Hosting the Perfect Backyard Movie Night

4. Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest

When the sun sets and the air cools, break out the ugly sweaters. Bonus points for summer-themed Christmas sweaters (think Santa in swim trunks).

5. Gingerbread House Decorating — Beach Edition

Use graham crackers and frosting to build "beach huts" or "sandcastles." Decorate with candy, sprinkles, and umbrellas for tropical flair.

Fun upgrade: Add cocktail parasols and gummy sharks for beachy details.

6. Reindeer Ring Toss (Pool Edition)

Float reindeer antler inflatables in the pool and toss rings while balancing on floaties.

Reindeer Ring Toss Inflatable Set – Amazon

7. Snowman-Shaped Piñata

Hang a giant Snowman-shaped piñata filled with mini fans, candy, stickers, and sunscreen samples.

8. Snowball Toss with White Water Balloons

Use white water balloons as “snowballs.” Set up targets with point values and give out prizes for accuracy.

🍓 Delicious Christmas in July Food & Drinks

Pair your party with food and drinks that celebrate both the holiday and the season. These ideas are festive, fresh, and super photogenic.

1. Watermelon Christmas Trees

Cut watermelon slices into Christmas tree shapes using cookie cutters. Sprinkle with coconut for a snowy look.

2. Santa Hat Strawberries

Top halved strawberries with whipped cream and a mini marshmallow to make adorable, bite-sized Santa hats.

Serve on skewers with blueberries for a red-white-blue twist if you're in the U.S.

3. Ornament Cocktails

Serve cocktails in clear plastic ornaments with a straw hole, or let guests pour them into glasses for a magical drink experience.

4. Jack Frost Frozen Cocktail

Blend blue curaçao, vodka, pineapple juice, and ice for a frosty, tropical drink with a snowy rim of shredded coconut.

Non-alcoholic version: Use blue Gatorade and lemonade.

5. "Melted Snowman" Ice Cubes

Freeze gummy eyes and carrot bits inside ice cubes. Drop them in drinks and call them "melted snowmen."

6. “Snowball” Coconut Balls

Mix coconut, condensed milk, and crushed graham crackers into chilled truffle-sized "snowballs."

7. Christmas Tree Ice Cream Cones

Dip waffle cones in green candy melts, decorate with sprinkles, and stand them upside down for tree-shaped ice cream holders.

🎅 Conclusion: Make This Christmas in July Unforgettable

Hosting a Christmas in July party is all about bringing together the warmth of summer with the joy of the holidays. From pineapple ornaments to floating Santas, it’s your chance to get silly, stay cool, and celebrate with your loved ones in the most unexpected way possible. With the decorations, activities, and treats above, you’ll throw a party people will be talking about until the real Christmas comes around.

So grab your Santa hat and flip-flops, and start planning the most festive summer bash ever. And don’t forget to check out the Amazon links above for easy, affordable party supplies that’ll make hosting a breeze (and help support the blog!).

Happy (half) holidays! 🎄☀️