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Christmas In July - Twice The Joy!

Christmas in July is typically celebrated on July 25th or during the week leading up to it. However, it’s important to note that the exact date may vary depending on individual preferences or local traditions. Some people choose to celebrate Christmas in July on different dates within the month, allowing for flexibility in planning events and gatherings.

The exact date when the tradition started is not all that clear.  One theory is that Christmas in July originated because of a few Irish tourists back in 1980.  They were on holiday in Sydney’s Blue Mountains in New South Wales during July and spotted some snow. Super excited about the snow, they convinced the local hotel to hold a “Yulefest”, meaning a mid-winter feast. Everyone had a ball and the owner saw it as another opportunity for his growing business. Soon the owner’s initiative was so popular that others also jumped in. Such as gift stores, restaurants, and clubs offering discounts and even creating special menus for dinner reservations. 

Another theory is more simplistic. Namely that Christmas in July originated in Europe from a desire to celebrate Christmas in the European summer.

In time, the concept spread over to the Southern Hemisphere and today it’s very popular to celebrate Christmas also in July!

Christmas in July, the Southern Hemisphere

Countries such as South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia have their winter season in July.  They celebrate Christmas in July to get that warm, cozy, and fuzzy feeling their northern counterparts enjoy on December 25th.

That’s why Southerners celebrate Christmas with their loved ones in July. Since July is smack in the middle of winter, this is the time to experience a winter “Christmas” without having to travel! A cozy fireplace, the smell of cinnamon, a Christmas movie (scroll down to watch the full 2020 Christmas In July movie) or two, warm food, hot red wine, and small token gifts… it’s Christmas in the South. 

Suggested Read: Visit Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi.

For centuries men have kept an appointment with Christmas. Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good cheer, home.

Set the mood, starting from your front door...

The Christmas spirit can start from before your front door, i.e. in your garden. A great way to involve children in the tradition of Christmas in July is to equip them with the materials to make their own DIY decorations. Some ideas are shared below.

Comfort Food

Santa's summer visit in the Northern Hemisphere

I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for reasons to celebrate, and what better excuse than a Christmas in July party? That’s right, we’re going to bring a little bit of that holiday magic to the middle of summer, Northern Hemisphere style!

Up north, the July climate is just the opposite. July is associated with the famous summer holiday when schools have closed for the year and temperatures are soaring after a cold winter.  The exact opposite of the cold and snowy Christmas vibes on December 25th. 

Set the mood

Now, planning a Christmas in July party might sound a bit unconventional, but trust me, it’s a blast. First things first, we need to set the mood. Imagine twinkling lights, festive decorations, and some good old-fashioned holiday tunes playing in the background. It’s all about creating that cozy, Christmassy atmosphere, even if it’s sweltering outside.

So go ahead, and dust off the December decorations. Don’t forget to order your Christmas in July banner well ahead of time.

Christmas Party Backdrop Decorations Christmas Face in Hole Photo Props Door Cover Photo Booth Props Santa
Photobooth backdrop that also serves as a door decoration.
Christmas July Decorations Fence Banner
Christmas in July fence banner.

Let's talk about the menu

Traditional holiday dishes might not be the best fit for a summer soirée, so we’ll put a warm-weather twist on them. How about a barbecue with a Christmas twist? Grilled turkey burgers with cranberry sauce, grilled veggies skewers, and maybe some shrimp cocktail with a tangy sauce. And of course, we can’t forget the refreshing drinks like homemade lemonade or maybe even a fruity punch with a splash of holiday cheer. And let’s not forget ginger! However, this time it’s in liquid form to quench the thirst.

Dress the part

Of course, we’ll want to dress the part too. Forget the sweaters and scarves—this is summer, after all! We can rock our most festive Hawaiian shirts, Christmas headbands (it’s too hot for the traditional Santa hats), or even wear flip-flops with jingle bells attached. It’s all about combining the best of both worlds and embracing the quirky spirit of Christmas in July.

How are you celebrating Christmas in July?

Maybe you’ve never celebrated the trendy July Christmas celebrations and would like to start this year. Or, you’re already well into planning the upcoming festivities. We’d love to hear from you. Share your ideas and/or photos on our Facebook group. …can’t wait to read all about it!