25 Fun Christmas in July Activities for Kids and Adults

Who says you have to wait until December to enjoy the magic of Christmas? My first Christmas in July was at Disney World in 2017. Disney Springs was decorated for Christmas complete with a “Summer Santa” in shorts and sandals.

So what if it’s not an official holiday? Christmas in July parties are a fantastic way to bring the holiday spirit to the middle of summer. 

Who doesn’t love the joy and festive spirit of Christmas? Bringing that magic into the middle of summer is a great way to spread happiness and make everyone feel special.

Here are 25 fun party games for a Christmas in July celebration that will delight kids and adults alike!

Hint: School supplies would make appropriate prizes for game winners!

Many of these ideas can be easily modified for a July office party or a church fundraiser!

Use the occasion to collect donations for a local charity. The spirit of giving is central to Christmas, and bringing it to July can help those in need during a less traditional time.

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25 Ideas for your Christmas in July party

Melted Snowball Fight

It’s a perfect way to cool down in the summer heat. Fill balloons with water, split into teams, and let the fun begin!

For small groups allow about 10 filled balloons per person.

For an epic Melted Snowball Fight invest in a Zuru Bunch o’ Balloons to fill hundreds of balloons in just seconds.

Frozen Hot Chocolate Bar

Beat the summer heat with a frozen hot chocolate bar. Set up different toppings like marshmallows, sprinkles, and whipped cream for a fun way to enjoy a winter treat.

In a blender mix 2 cups of chocolate milk, 3 packets of cocoa mix, and 3 cups crushed ice and blend until the consistency of a Slurpee. Or an Icee, totally your preference. Please keep ’em coming barkeep!

Christmas in July Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of holiday-themed items for guests to find around your house or yard. This is a great activity for both kids and adults.

Christmas in July Charades

Write down summer-related activities or characters (like swimming, mowing the lawn, etc.) on slips of paper and have guests act them out.

Pass-the-gift Gift Exchange

This twist on the classic White Elephant Gift Exchange is always a hit. Set a budget and have everyone bring a wrapped gift. Draw numbers or roll the dice to determine who picks a gift or steals from someone else. 

Christmas Cookie Decorating

Don’t feel like baking Christmas cookies? Use store-bought sugar cookies, frost with cookie icing, and let everyone decorate their cookies using edible frosting pens and sprinkles. This is a great activity for kids and adults to enjoy together.

Holiday Bow and Spatula Relay Race

Divide into teams and race while balancing a holiday bow on a spatula. It’s trickier than it sounds and so much fun! No fair sticking the bow to the spatula!

Christmas Movie Marathon

Bring the magic of Christmas to your living room with a Christmas movie marathon. Think classics like “Home Alone” or “Elf,” or dive into the Hallmark Channel’s holiday lineup.

Beach Ball Volleyball

Swap out the volleyball for a giant beach ball and let the games begin! Repurpose a badminton/pickleball net to play. This summer spin on a traditional game is a lot of fun for everyone.

Summer Snowball Fight

Make sock balls with rolled-up (clean) white socks for a safe and fun snowball fight.

Christmas Carol Karaoke

Set up a karaoke machine or download a free karaoke app and sing your favorite Christmas carols. This is a great way to spread holiday cheer and give everyone a taste of Christmas spirit.

Candy Cane Hunt

Hide candy canes around the party area and let the kids (and adults!) hunt for them. Use Lifesaver, Sweetart, or Jolly Rancher candy canes for a fruity, tropical twist.

Christmas Lights Limbo

Use a string of Christmas lights as your limbo stick and see how low you can go! Bonus points for using flamingo and palm tree string lights!

Ugly Teeshirt Contest

A warm weather version of an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, have everyone wear their ugliest tee shirt. Vote on Ugliest, Oldest, Most Obscure, etc.  You can find some amazing options online if you don’t already have a few in your closet.

Christmas in July Piñata

Fill a summer-themed piñata with candy and toys. For non-candy items use:

• snack bags filled with goldfish crackers or fruit chews
• erasers, stickers, or small notebooks
• hair ties or barrettes

 It’s a great way to add a festive touch to your July event.

Holiday Bingo

Create Bingo cards with Christmas symbols and use red and green M&Ms as markers. A fun way to keep everyone entertained.

Holiday Music Freeze Dance

Play Christmas music and have everyone dance until the music stops. When it does, everyone has to freeze. If you move, you’re out!

Use a device that easily allows you to pause/play to keep the game going.

Hula Hoop Contest

The object is to be the one who keeps their hula hoop swinging the longest. Get everyone involved in this contest.

DIY Holiday Ornament

Have a craft station where guests can create a holiday decoration of their own. This is a fun Christmas-in-July activity that gives everyone a head start on holiday preparations.

Check out Michael’s or any dollar store for supplies. Do a quick inventory of your craft supplies before shopping for more. Remember those small wreath forms you bought 2 years ago???

Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest

Pick a judge or panel of judges ahead of time. Using sidewalk chalk guests create their masterpieces on sections of the sidewalk or driveway. Set a time limit for artists to complete their contribution to the “art show”.

The chalk washes away after a couple of heavy rains.

Snowman Bowling

A fun way to recycle water bottles! Fill with cotton balls. Draw a snowman on each bottle. Set the “pins” up at the end of an uncarpeted hallway, a driveway, or a sidewalk. Bowl with a softball, or rubber ball. Keep score the same way as regular bowling.

Santa Claus Says

A festive twist on “Simon Says.” Have one person play “Santa Claus Says” and give commands for everyone to follow.

Pool Party with Christmas Decorations

Deck out your pool area with Christmas decorations, like inflatable Santas and Christmas lights, for a unique and fun July party idea. Pink and lime green pool noodles, pink flamingos and palm tree string lights add a summer Christmas vibe.

Christmas in July Trivia

Test everyone’s knowledge with a Christmas in July trivia game.

Snow Cone Station

Set up a snow cone station with various flavors and toppings. This is a great way to cool off and enjoy a tasty treat.

Final Tips:

• Plan Ahead: Create a guest list and send out invitations early to ensure a good turnout.
• Decorate: Use July decorations with a Christmas twist. Think red pool noodles, pink flamingos, Christmas lights, and a life-sized cutout of Santa Claus at the front door.
• Menu: Plan a party menu with colorful foods like strawberries, watermelon, decorated sugar cookies, and a trail mix with red and green M&M’s.
• Party Favors: Send guests home with small party favors like mini Christmas ornaments or candy canes.

Make it the best Christmas in July with these fun activities and spread the holiday cheer in the middle of summer. Happy partying!