Planning a Christmas in July Party: A Mid-Year Festive Celebration

Who says Christmas magic is just for December? If you find yourself humming festive tunes in the middle of summer, you're not alone! 

Christmas in July is the perfect excuse to bring out the baubles, indulge in mince pies, and host a merry gathering — without the winter chill. 

Whether you're craving a second dose of Christmas cheer or simply love throwing themed parties, here’s your ultimate guide to planning a joyful Christmas in July celebration.

1. Pick a Theme with a Twist

Traditional Christmas decor meets summer sunshine — the beauty of Christmas in July is blending cosy with quirky. Here are a few fun theme ideas:

Tropical Christmas – Think Santa in sunglasses, palm tree fairy lights, and cocktails served in coconuts.

Retro Christmas Movie Night – Classic films like Home Alone, Elf, or The Muppet Christmas Carol under the stars or with indoor picnic vibes.

Christmas BBQ – Fire up the grill and serve turkey burgers, cranberry-glazed sausages, and chilled mulled wine.

2. Send Invites Early

July can be a busy month with holidays and family trips, so send invitations well in advance. Digital invites via email or WhatsApp work perfectly — just don’t forget to include the dress code if you want guests to don festive jumpers or Hawaiian shirts with Santa hats!

3. Deck the Halls... Lightly

You don’t need a full-blown grotto. Think summery takes on festive décor:

Fairy lights in jam jars

A table runner of holly and ivy with seashells or citrus fruits

Mini trees decorated with summery baubles and paper fans

Bonus: Use leftover decorations from last December for a sustainable twist!

4. Plan a Fun (and Festive) Menu

Serve classic Christmas dishes with a summer upgrade:

Cold roast turkey and ham platters

Festive salads (e.g. cranberry and goat’s cheese, or sage and roasted squash)

Frozen yule log or Christmas pudding ice cream

Iced mulled wine, sparkling elderflower, and summer-themed cocktails with festive names like “Jingle Juice”

5. Organise Games and Entertainment

Keep the party lively with:

A Christmas quiz

Secret Santa (with a £5-£10 limit for summer-themed gifts)

Pass the parcel with silly seasonal dares

Karaoke featuring Christmas hits and cheesy summer anthems

6. Create a Festive Playlist

Mix Mariah and Michael Bublé with upbeat summer classics. Your playlist could include:

All I Want for Christmas Is You

Last Christmas

Walking on Sunshine

Club Tropicana

Make sure it’s long enough to last the whole party — or better yet, let guests add their favourite tunes to a shared playlist.

7. Give It a Purpose

Christmas in July is also a lovely opportunity to give back. Consider supporting a local charity with a small fundraising game or collection, like a summer raffle or festive bake sale.

Final Thoughts:

Hosting a Christmas in July party is all about light-hearted fun, nostalgia, and celebrating the spirit of togetherness — without the pressure of December’s packed calendar. So grab your tinsel, whip up some eggnog slushies, and start spreading that mid-year cheer!