Christmas in July

What is Christmas in July?

Christmas in July is a second Christmas celebration held in July. The event is centered around Christmas-themed activities with the goal of getting in the spirit of Christmas during July. Christmas in July is a phenomenon that has gradually spread across the globe. It does not replace Christmas in December, but is enjoyed as an extra celebration. Unlike many other holidays there is no cultural significance behind Christmas in July.

Ready to plan your own Christmas in July Secret Santa gift exchange? Invite your friends and/or family to draw names online.
Start Drawing Names

Christmas in July origins

Invented by Fannie Holt, Christmas in July was first celebrated on July 24th and 25th 1933 at a girls' camp called Keystone Camp in Brevard, North Carolina, USA. This first Christmas in July included carolers, a Christmas Tree, Santa Claus, presents, and fake snow made of cotton.

Throughout the years, for much of the 20th century, Christmas in July had little to do with family gatherings. In post-World War II, the event was best known for retail sales. In recent years, Christmas in July has shifted towards more traditional Christmas celebrations with friends and family.

During modern Christmas in July celebrations, it’s common for people to invite friends and family over to celebrate. In the last few years, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, some people also started to celebrate Christmas in July to make up for missed Christmas celebrations in December. This makes the notion and significance of Christmas in July even stronger, especially for those who weren’t able to spend time with family during Christmas in December due to pandemic restrictions.

How is Christmas in July celebrated?

In Northern Hemisphere countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, a Christmas in July celebration is deliberately ironic. The Summer climate is typically warm and sunny, as opposed to the cold and snowy conditions traditionally associated with Christmas. Christmas in July is usually celebrated on July 25 but can be celebrated at any time in the month of July. Some people throw parties that are similar to Christmas parties. Celebrations can also include gift-giving events such as a Christmas gift exchange.

Christmas in July in Canada is celebrated similarly to how it is celebrated in the United States. However, it seems to be less popular than it is in the United States.

Christmas in July ideas

Looking for ideas to celebrate Christmas in July yourself? We have thought of some fun and festive ways to celebrate Christmas in July with friends and family.

Bring out your Christmas decorations

Just because the calendar says July doesn’t mean you can’t set up a Christmas tree! One of the main draws of celebrating Christmas in July is that you can bring out your Christmas decorations. Instead of red and green ornaments, you could also do a coastal theme and decorate your tree with sea shells, and marine life themed ornaments.

Send out Christmas in July party invites

How about having a Christmas in July party? July is a great month to roll out some party ideas at a time when there aren't too many holidays being celebrated. Invite your friends and family to celebrate Christmas on the beach or host a backyard Christmas BBQ.

Liven things up with a potluck dinner

Potluck dinners are events where each attendee brings a homemade dish to dinner. Everything becomes more festive when everyone brings along their own picks of food for everyone to enjoy. The great benefit here is that you don't have to prepare all the food yourself.

Host a Christmas in July gift exchange

Similar to Christmas in December you can host a Secret Santa gift exchange to celebrate Christmas in July. The first step to a Secret Santa gift exchange is to determine who will participate, and then draw names. You can draw names from a hat, but it's much easier and more convenient to draw names online using an online Secret Santa generator.

Draw Names online - How does it work?

Drawing names online is the fastest way to draw names for your Christmas in July Secret Santa. Draw names online in a few simple steps: enter the names, set a gift budget and pick a date, send the invitations and draw names. Try it yourself:
Draw Names Online

Popular Christmas in July gifts

Looking for Christmas in July gift inspiration for your Secret Santa gift exchange? Our gift finder is packed with popular gifts. Browse the best gifts for your wish list or giftee, or simply get inspired by the most popular Secret Santa gifts of the moment.
Browse Gift Ideas