Everything You Need to Celebrate Christmas in July

Believe it or not, Christmas cheer isn't reserved for December anymore! Christmas in July is a playful twist on the traditional holiday, offering a chance to embrace the festive spirit in the summer sun.  Whether you're looking for family fun, a quirky photoshoot, or just an excuse to belt out carols in the sunshine, Christmas in July has something for everyone.

What is Christmas in July? The exact origins are unclear, but there are theories linking it to a summer camp wanting wintery fun in the heat. People celebrate Christmas in July in various ways, including decorating with summery Christmas themes, watching Christmas movies, having Christmas-themed parties with carols and gift exchanges, or enjoying special Christmas in July treats. 

1. Celebrate Christmas in July with the Whole Family with Fun Summer Activities

Christmas Craft Extravaganza:

Get crafty! Design your own Christmas ornaments, decorate sugar cookies with festive flair, or have a family competition for the wackiest Santa hat. Keep the creativity flowing by downloading these Christmas in July activity sheets.

Christmas Scavenger Hunt:

Hide Christmas-themed items around your house or backyard and have the kids race to find them. For an extra challenge, make the items summer-themed, like red and green balloons or candy canes.

Backyard Bonanza:

Quality time is the best time. Try some of these fun yard games below with your kids on those hot summer days.

Reindeer Ring Toss:

This is a twist on the classic ring toss game. Inflate a pool reindeer float and decorate its antlers with pool noodles or hula hoops. Then toss inflatable candy cane rings and see how many land on the antlers! Click here to get yours.

Watermelon Bowling:

This is a refreshing twist on regular bowling! Set up empty tin cans or bottles as pins and use watermelons as bowling balls. Award points based on how many pins are knocked down. 🍉

Christmas Movie Marathon:

Pop some popcorn, grab your beach towel, and cuddle up for a movie marathon featuring your favorite Christmas classics.

Are you a Hallmark Family? The Hallmark Channel, the network famous for heartwarming Christmas romances, is gearing up for their 12th annual 'Christmas in July' celebration. Check out the line-up below and plan your movie marathon accordingly!

Falling Like Snowflakes

Premieres Saturday, June 29 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
Starring Rebecca Dalton, Marcus Rosner

Three Wise Men and a Baby: Extended Cut 

Premieres Saturday, July 6 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
Starring Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, Andrew Walker, Margaret Colin

Rescuing Christmas

Premieres Saturday, July 13 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
Starring Rachael Leigh Cook, Sam Page

A Very Vermont Christmas

Premieres Saturday, July 20 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel.
Stars: Katie Leclerc, Ryan McPartlin

An Ice Palace Romance

Premieres Saturday, July 27 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
Starring Celeste Desjardins, Marcus Rosner

Operation Nutcracker

Premieres Monday, July 1 on Hallmark Movies Now
Stars: Ashley Newbrough, Christopher Russell

2. Capture the Magic of Christmas in July with a Summertime Santa Photo Experience!

Cherry Hill Programs is partnering with retail and souvenir locations across the United States! Imagine yourself soaking up the sun with Santa this July - flip flops, beach vibes and Santa in summer atmosphere! Click here to explore Christmas in July events.

3. Get your Pets Involved in the Summer Fun

It's So Entertaining and Something They've Never Seen Before

For pets, a change in routine is always exciting! Surprise them with some special summer holiday treats (be sure to check with your vet first!) after their visit with Santa. Check out this Watermelon Banana Bite dog treat recipe below! 🐾

Tips:

• Make sure to remove all seeds from the watermelon before mashing it.
• If you don't have rolled oats, you can use another type of dog-safe flour, such as oat flour, almond flour, or coconut flour.
• You can decorate the treats with a dollop of plain yogurt (frozen yogurt is a fun, hot weather option!) once they are cool.
• Be sure to supervise your dog when they are eating any treats.
  

4. Check Out why Parents Love Christmas in July

Break from the Holiday Rush:

For parents who dread the December holiday craziness, Christmas in July offers a chance to experience some Christmas cheer in a more relaxed way. They can enjoy the carols, decorations, and gift-giving without the stress of shopping, baking, and entertaining during the busy holiday season.

A Chance to Repurpose Decorations:

Do you have a box of Christmas decorations gathering dust in the attic? Christmas in July is the perfect excuse to pull them out and give them a summery spin. Think red and green pool floats instead of a tree, or string lights on your patio instead of the house

Capturing Unique Memories:

Many parents have fond memories of Christmas from their own childhood. Christmas in July can be a way to share those memories with their children and create new ones with the family.

So there you have it!  Christmas in July is a chance to create new traditions, embrace the festive spirit, and make some unforgettable summer memories.  We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Discover more tips and trips to celebrate with your friends and family all year long and subscribe to The Holiday Blog.