But why wait until December to spread some festive cheer?
Hosting a Christmas-themed charity event in summer is a brilliant way to fundraise, stand out, and make a difference – all while enjoying the (hopefully) sunny British weather!
Whether you're supporting a local cause or a national charity, here’s how to plan a memorable and impactful event that blends holiday spirit with summer fun.
1. Pick a Theme That Mixes Christmas and Summer
Your theme will set the tone for the entire event, so have fun with it! Think outside the (gift) box:
Christmas in July – a classic twist with decorations, music, and traditional food.
Tropical Christmas – palm trees, Santa in sunglasses, and frozen cocktails.
Festive Picnic – think mince pies with Pimm’s, crackers on picnic blankets, and lawn games with a yuletide twist.
Keep your audience in mind when choosing – families, corporate groups, or the general public may respond differently to various styles.
2. Choose a Suitable Venue
You’re not bound by cold weather, so take advantage of it!
Public parks and green spaces (check local council permissions and/or help)
Community halls with outdoor areas
Private gardens for more intimate events
Beachfronts or riversides for a relaxed, scenic backdrop
Ensure there's access to toilets, shade or shelter in case of rain, and enough parking or transport options.
3. Plan Activities With Festive Flair
Here are some summer-friendly but Christmas-themed activity ideas:
Christmas BBQ or picnic with a twist – grilled turkey skewers, cranberry chutney burgers
Outdoor Secret Santa – people draw names ahead of time and bring small gifts
Carols and live music – swap sleigh bells for steel drums or acoustic guitars
Craft stalls and kids’ games – ornament painting, gingerbread decorating
Santa’s Grotto in a gazebo – with a sunhat and sunscreen, of course!
Include donation stations, raffles, and games like tombolas to encourage giving.
4. Get the Word Out Early
People plan their summers well in advance, so early promotion is key. Use:
Social media countdowns and themed graphics
Local community groups and event boards
Flyers at summer fêtes and local cafés
Email newsletters with teaser content
Press releases to local papers or radio stations
Emphasise the fun, the cause, and the novelty of “Christmas in Summer” to draw people in.
5. Work With Charities and Local Businesses
Partnering with a registered charity not only ensures transparency, but they may also help with marketing, donation tracking, or even volunteers.
Local businesses might offer:
Sponsorship or raffle prizes
Event space or equipment
Food and drink in-kind donations
Staff volunteers
Make sure to acknowledge their support publicly and in post-event content.
6. Dress the Part
Encourage guests and volunteers to don festive attire – Hawaiian shirts with Santa hats, summer dresses with tinsel, or Christmas jumpers with shorts! Consider offering a prize for the best outfit.
7. Don’t Forget the Purpose
While it’s important to create a joyful, summery atmosphere, remember your mission: raising funds or awareness for a cause. Include clear signage, donation QR codes, and short speeches or videos from the charity you're supporting. You could also have a “Wall of Giving” where people share who they’re donating in honour of.
8. Follow Up and Share the Love
After the event:
Thank attendees, donors, and volunteers on social media
Share photos and total funds raised
Send a thank-you email with a link for additional donations
Consider setting a date for next year’s event!
A summer Christmas charity event is a brilliant way to harness festive generosity and summer social vibes. With thoughtful planning and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create an unforgettable experience that brings people together for a good cause – no snow required!
Have you hosted a Christmas-in-summer event before? Share your tips or tag us in your photos!