13 Exciting Christmas in July Ideas for a Truly Australian Celebration
Imagine a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, roaring fireplaces, and the delightful aroma of warm, hearty meals. While it may sound like a scene from a traditional Christmas celebrated in December, it’s not always the truth!
Australia has discovered a way to embrace the Yuletide spirit in the midst of their chilly July winter. Christmas in July has become a beloved tradition down under, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate the magic of Christmas outside its usual season.
Read on to find 13 amazing Christmas in July ideas and reasons why you should celebrate.
Christmas in July Ideas
Transform your mid-year into a winter wonderland with these delightful Christmas in July ideas. Bring the spirit of the holiday season to the Australian winter.
1. Christmas Dinner
You don’t have to wait an entire year to munch on your Christmas favourites and throw a special Christmas in July dinner. Invite your family and friends for hearty dishes like slow-roasted lamb, crispy roast potatoes, or steamed pudding. Swap the cold beer for a mulled wine and an iced latte for hot cocoa.
If you’re a fan of the traditional Australian Christmas dinner of grilled prawns and fresh salads, don’t let the chill stop you! Use a grilling pan instead of an outdoor grill, and enjoy the Australian spirit of the celebration even in the middle of winter.
2. Cooking Class
You would like to throw a Christmas dinner but don’t really know how to cook one? Well, maybe this is the time to learn! Take a cooking class (alone or with your friends) to learn how to make the most popular Christmas dishes. With still a few months before December, when real Christmas takes place, you will have plenty of time to hone your Christmas cooking skills. This December, your pie will be the first one to vanish from the Christmas table!
3. Cocktail Party
This one is definitely a Christmas in July idea for adults. Enjoy the spirits of Christmas in this special Christmas edition cocktail party. Go for mulled wine, an eggnog cocktail, and peppermint and cranberry flavoured drinks. Ask your guests to wear something red or green, or go for an elegant, white and gold theme to make the occasion feel extra special.
Don’t forget to serve mocktails as well!
4. DIY Workshop
Do you love DIY Christmas ornaments and always promise yourself you’ll get to your Christmas prep earlier than last year? Well, if you actually follow your own promise, I salute you! But if you always struggle to get the Christmas prep going, Christmas in July is the best excuse to actually do it! So, get your supplies out, put on your favourite Christmas tunes and start prepping!
This idea can be easily turned into a group affair. Simply invite your friends over and work together on your crafts. Or, if you’re up for a challenge to learn something new, find a workshop class nearby and attend it with your friends!
5. Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
With traditional Christmas falling during the warmer months here in Australia, wearing Christmas sweaters on the actual date isn’t really an option. That’s why Christmas in July is such a cool affair to organise! Get your friends, family, or even coworkers to wear an ugly Christmas sweater for the occasion. Make it a competition for the ugliest sweater for some extra fun.
Read some more on how to elevate your ugly Christmas sweater party.
6. Movie Marathon
Now that the weather is cold, it’s a perfect time to snuggle up in a warm blanket and watch a movie. Christmas classics like The Polar Express or anything by Hallmark will actually make much more sense with the cold weather outside. Pair it with hot cocoa or mulled wine, and you have a recipe for a perfect Christmas in July celebration.
7. Christmas Karaoke
Who says Christmas songs are only for December? Embrace the joyful spirit of the holiday year-round with Christmas Karaoke and belt out classic tunes like Jingle Bells or All I Want for Christmas is You. Apart from the numerous benefits singing can bring, singing Christmas songs in July adds a touch of festive cheer to any gathering, proving that the magic of these beloved melodies knows no bounds or seasons.
And with the tax year ending in June, even ‘… and a happy new year’ makes sense, so don’t shy away from the classic Christmas songs either!
8. Gift Exchange
Let’s be real, giving and receiving gifts is one of the highlights of the Christmas celebrations, so why not relive that joy in July? You don’t have to go all out with extravagant presents, as you would usually do in December, but small tokens of appreciation will be welcomed by everyone.
To make the gift exchange even more exciting, you can turn it into a game. Encourage everyone to bring a neutral gift of similar value, and let the fun begin as participants battle it out to claim the presents they want the most.
9. Gather Around the Fire
July finally offers an opportunity to organise a night around the fireplace. As the cold winter nights set in, gathering around a crackling fire brings a warm and magical atmosphere. You can make S’mores and sing some tunes (any guitar player in your group who could play some live music?). You can also play games that don’t require cards or boards, like Heads Up, Two Truths and a Lie, or Never Have I Ever.
10. A Themed Party
Any occasion is good for a party, and Christmas in July is no exception. To make it feel more special than any other celebration, give your party a theme, preferably a Christmas or wintery one. The popular Christmas themes that will also work for your July celebrations include Winter Wonderland, Red and Green Carpet, or Grinchmas, but you can use any theme you and your friends will enjoy.
For more inspo for your themed party, check out our Christmas category or our ultimate list of 170 party themes.
11. Candle Painting
Candle painting is all the rage, and it seems like the perfect activity for a cosy afternoon with your friends to celebrate Christmas in July. Simply grab a pillar or taper candle (white or any other light colour), a few colourful tealights or wax melts, and paint brushes and start decorating. Check out the video below to see what’s the craze all about.
12. Volunteer
One of the most beautiful traditions of the Christmas season is embracing the spirit of giving. It’s popular to support charities around Christmas, but many organisations need support all year long. So this July, embrace the true Christmas spirit and organise a charity event or fundraiser, or go volunteer for an organisation.
13. Winter Trip
With kids having a winter break around June/July it might be the best occasion to go on a trip. Ideally, Blue Mountains is the go-to spot for a Christmas in July celebration, but if that is not possible, then even a relaxing day at a spa will give you a nice break away from the daily grind and something to look forward to during the wintertime.
Why Should You Celebrate Christmas in July
Why should you celebrate Christmas in July? Because, honestly, why not? Celebrating Christmas in July gives you one more reason to meet with friends and family, be jolly, and indulge in good food. When we get all busy with work and life, slowing down for a moment is all we need. Here are some more reasons to celebrate:
- Enjoy the charm of a winter wonderland.
- Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere without the hustle and bustle that is often present in December.
- If you’re a die-hard fan of Christmas, it’s a perfect excuse to celebrate your favourite holiday twice a year.
- Take advantage of mid-year sales, as many retailers offer promotions and specials during this time, making it an ideal opportunity to tick off items from your Christmas shopping list.
- Embrace a unique tradition and create your own with friends and family.
Final Thoughts
As the winter chill sets in, celebrating Christmas in July offers an opportunity to experience the festive season in a whole new light. Whether you decide to indulge in the traditional Christmas dinner, put on an ugly Christmas sweater, or help out those in need, the mid-year celebration brings warmth, laughter, and a sense of togetherness to the winter season. And we hope our list of Christmas in July ideas will help you make the occasion extra special.
So, gather your loved ones, immerse yourself in the spirit of giving, and let the magic of Christmas fill the air, even in the midst of July.
Happy Christmas in July to all!
FAQ
Which day should I celebrate Christmas in July?
The specific day to celebrate Christmas in July is flexible and can vary based on personal preference. Many people choose to celebrate on July 25th, the same date as in December, but you can choose any day in July, or even June or August, that works best for you.
What are some Christmas in July ideas for adults?
There are many Christmas in July ideas for adults to make the celebration memorable. These include hosting a festive cocktail party, organising a Christmas movie marathon, having a themed costume party, arranging a gift exchange, planning a candle painting, or even going on a winter trip.
Is Christmas in July an Australian thing?
While the concept of Christmas in July originated in the Northern Hemisphere, it has gained popularity and become a beloved tradition in Australia. Australians embrace this mid-year celebration as a way to experience a winter-like Christmas and indulge in festive activities during their cooler winter season.
Is Christmas in July an official holiday in Australia?
Christmas in July is not an official holiday in Australia. It is a cultural tradition and a way to celebrate and enjoy the festive spirit during Australian winter. Many individuals, communities, and organisations host events and gatherings to commemorate the occasion.
Why should you celebrate Christmas in July?
Celebrating Christmas in July offers a range of benefits. It’s an opportunity to gather with loved ones, exchange gifts, and indulge in festive food. It allows you to experience a wintery Christmas atmosphere during Australia’s colder season, extend the holiday season and take advantage of mid-year sales and discounts in preparation for December Christmas.
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