Christmas in July
Celebrate Christmas in July with a summer gift exchange
Break up the summer heat with a bit of holiday fun! Put on a Christmas movie, fire up the BBQ, and gather your favourite people for a relaxed, stress-free gift exchange to celebrate Christmas in July.
Make this summer a little more magical. Start your Christmas in July gift exchange in just a few taps with the drawnames app or right from your screen!
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Why do people celebrate Christmas in July?
Because creating magic moments only one holiday season a year isn’t enough!
Christmas in July is a fun, lighthearted tradition where people enjoy all the best parts of Christmas: gifts, games, decorations, and quality time together without the winter chill. It’s the perfect excuse to reconnect, especially with family and friends you haven’t seen in a while.
And yes… Christmas movies, Santa hats, and a casual Secret Santa by the BBQ are definitely part of the deal.
How is Christmas in July celebrated?
In Canada, Christmas in July offers a fun twist on the traditional holiday, celebrated in the warmth of summer. It’s a chance to bring some of the festive cheer of Christmas into the middle of the year, when people typically enjoy outdoor activities and relaxed get-togethers.
Rather than the usual winter festivities, Christmas in July celebrations often feature outdoor BBQs, beach picnics, and casual gatherings. Families and friends come together to exchange gifts, play games, and enjoy holiday-themed moments without the winter chill.
Christmas in July ideas
Not sure how to celebrate Christmas in July? We’ve got fun, easy ideas and activites that’ll bring everyone together.
Christmas in July BBQ gift exchange
Host a relaxed BBQ with family and friends, and add a touch of Christmas by swapping gifts during the meal. Set a price limit for the gift exchange, draw names, and enjoy a laid-back evening with good food, laughter, and holiday fun!Start gift exchange
Wishlist workshop
Gather your most organized friends and kick off your Christmas prep early but make it fun. Wrap a gift for your future self, work on handmade gifts, or create your wishlist together. Add music, snacks, and cold drinks to make it feel more like a party than a to-do list.
Red, green and sunscreen
Just because it’s July doesn’t mean your decorations have to stay boxed up. Bring out the lights, garlands, and even your tree but give it a summer twist. Think seashells instead of snowflakes, beachy blues in place of classic red and green, and maybe a flamingo topper instead of a star. Whether you go all out or keep it simple with fairy lights and a few festive touches, decorating is an easy way to set the mood and make your Christmas in July feel special.
Start your gift exchange and pick the perfect present
Once your group is ready and the party plans are set, it’s time to start the fun. Use our Secret Santa Generator to quickly draw names and get everyone matched up. No spreadsheets, no pieces of paper, just an easy way to kick off your Christmas in July gift exchange.
Find the perfect gift to give and receive
Once your group is set, names are drawn and the party details are in place, there’s one more piece to pull it all together: choosing the perfect gift. Whether you're shopping for someone else or building your own wish list, our gift finder is filled with popular, well-loved Christmas in July gift ideas that make giving (and receiving) easier than ever.Browse gift ideas