Whoever said Christmas only happens in December clearly never experienced the joy of Christmas in July.
The idea is simple: take everything you love about the holiday season, the decorations, the movies, the cookies, the magic, and bring it into the heart of summer. No waiting until winter. No calendar required. Just a whole lot of festive fun when you least expect it.
Here is everything you need to know about Christmas in July and how to make it a tradition your family looks forward to every year.
What Is Christmas in July?
Christmas in July started as a quirky tradition that has grown into a genuine cultural moment. Retailers often run summer sales under the Christmas in July banner, but for families, it has become something much more fun, a mid-year excuse to revisit all the cozy, magical things that make the holiday season so special.
There is no official date, but Christmas in July is most commonly celebrated on July 25th — exactly six months from Christmas Day. Some families celebrate the whole week or make it a weekend event.
The best part? Santa is very much involved.
Decorate for the Season
Nothing sets the mood like decorations. You do not have to go full Christmas tree in July (though no one is stopping you), but a few festive touches can instantly transform your home into a Christmas in July wonderland.
Easy Christmas in July decoration ideas:
- Hang a few strands of twinkle lights inside or outside
- Put out a small tabletop Christmas tree
- Hang stockings on the mantel or wall
- Set out any holiday figurines or snow globes you have packed away
- Make paper snowflakes to hang in the windows
For extra fun, let the kids be in charge of decorating. They will love the novelty of pulling out Christmas decorations in the middle of summer.
Have a Christmas Movie Marathon
This is non-negotiable. A Christmas in July celebration is not complete without settling in for a movie marathon with popcorn, blankets, and your favorite holiday films.
Christmas movies to add to your July watchlist:
- Elf
- Home Alone
- The Polar Express
- A Christmas Story
- Klaus
- The Santa Clause
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Make it a multi-night event and let each family member pick their favorite. Bonus points for watching in pajamas with hot cocoa. Yes, even in July.
Bake Christmas Cookies
The smell of Christmas cookies baking in the oven is one of the most universally beloved scents in the world. There is absolutely no rule that says you can only enjoy it in December.
Christmas cookie ideas for July:
- Classic sugar cookies with red and green icing
- Gingerbread men (or gingerbread elves)
- Snickerdoodles
- Peanut butter blossoms
- Snowball cookies
You could even do a summer twist. Cut sugar cookies into sun and star shapes, or decorate them with summery colors. Santa would approve.
Write Letters to Santa
Christmas in July is the perfect time to get a head start on the most important correspondence of the year. Have the kids sit down and write their letters to Santa, there is plenty of time for him to read them before December.
Make it an event: set up a special letter-writing station with holiday stationery, stickers, and colored pencils. Kids can write about what they have been up to, what they are hoping for, and any questions they have for the big man himself.
It is also a fun way to start thinking about the holidays without the stress that sometimes comes in December when everything happens at once.
Send a Christmas in July Ecard
Nothing spreads Christmas in July cheer quite like surprising someone with a holiday card in the middle of summer. A festive ecard from Pixie Post Greetings is the perfect way to let your favorite people know you are thinking of them — and that you take Christmas very seriously, even in July.
Pixie Post makes it easy to create and send beautiful, personalized digital greeting cards instantly. So while everyone else is sending beach photos, you can be the person who drops a Christmas card into someone's inbox on a random Tuesday in July. You will absolutely make their day.
Ideas for who to send a Christmas in July ecard to:
- Grandparents who would love the unexpected surprise
- Friends who are fellow Christmas fanatics
- Family members you haven't caught up with since the holidays
- Anyone who could use a little extra magic this summer
Head to pixiepostgreetings.com to browse their holiday card collection and send a little Christmas joy — no snow required.
Play Christmas Games
Bring the family together for some festive competition with Christmas-themed games that work just as well in July as they do in winter.
Fun Christmas in July games:
- Holiday trivia for all ages
- Wrap the present relay race — teams race to wrap a gift using only oven mitts
- Christmas song lip sync battle
- Guess the Christmas movie from a one-sentence description
- Build-a-snowman with craft supplies
Give a Mid-Year Gift
One of the sweetest Christmas in July traditions is giving a small, unexpected gift. It does not have to be elaborate — a book, a game, a small treat, or a handmade card is more than enough.
The surprise of receiving a gift in July, wrapped in holiday paper and tied with a bow, is something kids (and adults) will talk about for years.
Make It a Tradition
The best thing about Christmas in July is that it keeps the magic of the holiday season alive all year long. For families who love everything about Christmas, the warmth, the togetherness, the wonder, so why limit it to one month?
Start small this year. A movie night, some cookies, and a letter to Santa. See how your family responds. Chances are, they will be asking for it again next July before the summer is even over.
After all, Santa does not take the summer off. He is always watching, always preparing, and always ready to spread a little magic, no matter the season.
Want to track where Santa is year-round? Explore everything Where Is Santa has to offer — holiday traditions, gift guides, and family activities for every season.
