Christmas in July: Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Recipes and Celebration Ideas

That special time of year has rolled around again, but with a delightful summer twist: it’s Christmas in July! This unique celebration offers a fantastic opportunity to gather your favorite people, indulge in wonderful food and drink, and enjoy the festive spirit without the usual winter chill (unless you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, of course!). Whether you’re planning a full-blown party or a cozy get-together, this guide is packed with inspiration to make your mid-year Christmas truly memorable.

To help you host an unforgettable Christmas in July bash, I’ve curated a spectacular collection of recipes featuring both sweet and savory delights, alongside refreshing drinks. But before we dive into these mouth-watering creations, let’s explore the intriguing story behind why we celebrate Christmas in July in the first place. After all, you can always find a reason to celebrate, right? Let’s take a quick journey into the origins of this charming tradition.

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What is Christmas in July All About?

Christmas in July, also sometimes called Christmas in Summer, is an unofficial second Christmas celebration that typically takes place during the summer months, most notably in July. This festive occasion is designed to evoke the joy and spirit of the traditional December holiday, but with a seasonal twist. It’s an opportunity for people in the Northern Hemisphere to experience the warmth and merriment of Christmas during their summer, often complete with themed activities, seasonal music, special shopping events, and, of course, delicious food and drink. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, it offers a chance to experience a “traditional” winter Christmas, complete with hearty meals and cozy festivities, mirroring the imagery often seen in popular media.

The Intriguing Origin of Christmas in July

The concept of celebrating Christmas during summer months has a fascinating history with several points of origin:

• Literary Roots: One of the earliest mentions of “Christmas in July” can be traced back to the 1892 French opera, Werther. In an 1894 English translation of the libretto by Édouard Blau, Paul Milliet, and Georges Hartmann, a scene depicts children rehearsing a Christmas song in July. A character remarks, “When you sing Christmas in July, you rush the season,” a direct translation of the French line: “vous chantez Noël en juillet… c’est s’y prendre à l’avance.” While Goethe’s novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, on which the opera is based, features Christmas, it does not mention a July celebration.
• Camp Traditions: By 1935, the idea was gaining traction. The National Recreation Association’s journal, Recreation, published an article detailing a “Christmas in July” celebration at a girls’ camp. It described the event as being surrounded by “mystery and wonder,” highlighting how summer camps created their own festive traditions to entertain campers during the warmer months.
• Hollywood’s Influence: The term truly entered the national consciousness with the release of the 1940 Hollywood comedy film, Christmas in July. Written and directed by Preston Sturges, the movie tells the story of a man mistakenly believing he’s won a substantial prize in a slogan contest. His ensuing generosity, buying presents for everyone and proposing to his girlfriend, showcases the festive spirit associated with the holiday, even in the middle of summer.
• Southern Hemisphere Seasonal Swap: Perhaps the most practical and enduring reason for Christmas in July stems from the Southern Hemisphere. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa experience winter in July. For residents there, a “traditional” white Christmas with fireplaces and heavy roasts isn’t possible in December, which falls during their summer. Celebrating in July offers them the chance to enjoy a festive holiday closer to the Northern Hemisphere’s winter experience, complete with all the hearty Christmas cuisine, warm drinks, and even the joy of wearing those “ugly Christmas sweaters” often seen in movies. Many shops and restaurants in these regions embrace the idea, offering special sales and meals, making it a significant cultural event.

Source: Wikipedia and pudforallseasons.com

How to Celebrate Christmas in July?

Embracing Christmas in July offers a wonderful chance to get creative and spread some mid-year cheer. Here are some popular ways to celebrate:

• Deck Your Halls (or Backyard): Don’t limit the decorations to just December! Bring out some fairy lights, festive ornaments, and maybe even a small summer-themed Christmas tree. If you’re celebrating outdoors, think about red and green patio lanterns or festive tablecloths.
• Get Creative with Your Christmas in July Menu: This is where the fun truly begins! While traditional roasts are welcome, you can also adapt your menu for the season. Think lighter appetizers, festive salads, and cool desserts. The best part is, you can blend traditional holiday flavors with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Bring Back the Elf on the Shelf: If you have kids, a surprise reappearance of the Elf on the Shelf can bring an extra layer of magic and mischief to the summer months, reminding everyone of the upcoming “mini-Christmas.”
• Keep it Simple with Your Christmas in July Gifts: Unlike the pressure of December, gifts for Christmas in July are often more symbolic and fun. Think small tokens of appreciation, homemade treats, or “white elephant” exchanges that focus on laughter rather than expense.
• Find Other Ways to Bring Some Holiday Fun to Your Summer: Beyond food and gifts, consider a Christmas movie marathon (even if it’s 90 degrees outside!), singing carols, or crafting festive decorations. The goal is simply to enjoy the spirit and community of the holiday.

Source: realsimple.com

Which Countries Actively Celebrate Christmas in July?

While people worldwide might enjoy a festive moment in July, certain countries have embraced Christmas in July as a notable, even semi-official, event. These are primarily nations in the Southern Hemisphere, seeking that winter holiday experience, alongside the USA and UK, where it’s more of a whimsical novelty or marketing opportunity:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• USA
• UK

Source: pudforallseasons.com

Quite interesting, isn’t it? The fusion of summer fun and winter warmth makes this celebration truly unique. But now, without further ado, it’s time for the promised recipes that will elevate your Christmas in July party!

36 Delightful Christmas in July Recipes for Your Awesome Party

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter – the fantastic food and drinks that will make your Christmas in July celebration legendary! Whether you’re planning a casual gathering or an elaborate feast, this collection covers all the bases, from sparkling beverages to delectable savory snacks and irresistible sweet treats. Get ready to impress your guests with these festive culinary creations!

Festive Party Drinks

No Christmas party, whether in July or December, is complete without a selection of delicious and festive beverages. From sparkling and fruity concoctions to rich, warming (or cooling!) options, these drinks are sure to get the party started and keep the good times flowing. Cheers to a merry Christmas in July!

Christmas Morning Mimosas – The Short Order Cook

Christmas in July needs a fun red pomegranate mimosa to start the day. Cocktails that are this easy & delicious will get the party started.

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Christmas Cosmopolitan

Enjoy a festive drink with my Christmas Cosmopolitan. It is a great way to begin a celebration and you can be certain that it is a crowd pleaser.

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Frozen Hot Chocolate Frappe – The Stress-Free Christmas

Enjoy all the fun of Christmas even during hot weather with this frozen hot chocolate frappé. It’s delicious and easy to make and share with friends.

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Irish Coffee Milkshake Shooters

Irish coffee ice milkshake shooters are a year round treat for adults. Festive enough for summer cooling, it cost winter nights.

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Peppermint Martini Recipe

Peppermint Martini is a festive and delicious mint cocktail that is so refreshing. This mint martini is great for holiday entertaining.

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Scrumptious Savory Party Food Recipes

While sweet treats are essential, a well-rounded Christmas in July party needs some delicious savory options too! Here, you’ll discover an array of appetizers and light bites that are perfect for summer gatherings, yet still evoke that special holiday feeling. These recipes are designed to be crowd-pleasers, balancing festive flavors with ease of preparation.

Christmas Salad

Contains all the colors of Christmas! This fresh, bright salad is made with broccoli, cauliflower, red onion and cherry tomatoes mixed with a creamy dressing.

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Caprese Christmas Wreath

This Caprese Christmas Wreath is the ideal addition to your festive table. It is delicious, easy to prepare and works well with so many things.

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Ranch Snowman Cheeseball

Tangy cream cheese and zesty ranch come together in this super simple appetizer. It is easier to make than it looks. Guaranteed to be the cutest item on the holiday buffet!

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Beef Crostini with Mascarpone Sauce

Christmas in July wouldn’t be complete without a savory appetizer of beef crostini. It’s thinly sliced beef tenderloin served on a piece of toasted baguette with a delicious and creamy mascarpone sauce.

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Easy Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls

Easy and filling, these puff pastry sausage rolls are filled with ground beef and potato and are packed with flavor. Can be prepared ahead of time for easy entertaining.

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Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce

Baked brie cheese with cranberry sauce is a crowd pleasing party appetizer. This vegetarian cheese appetizer is gluten-free. You will love this easy recipe that makes a showstopper, elegant and festive appetizer!

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4 Cheese Ball Recipes

4 Cheese Ball Recipes for Christmas holiday appetizers, and this party food looks like tree ornaments!
Learn how to make four Festive flavors: White Cheddar Rosemary Pomegranate, Cheddar Pimiento, Garlic Chive Goat Cheese, and Blue Cheese Cranberry Pecan.
These will be the star holiday party appetizer on a cheese board, and don’t they just say Merry Christmas..

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Christmas CookieBook!

Snag that Recipe eBook!

20 delicious Christmas Cookie recipes!

Yes, please!

Irresistible Sweet Party Food Recipes

Every festive gathering demands an array of tempting sweet treats, and a Christmas in July party is no exception! This section brings you an enchanting selection of desserts that are both delicious and visually appealing. From classic holiday flavors to creative summer-friendly concoctions, you’re sure to find the perfect sugary delights to round off your celebration.

Candy Cane Cupcakes | Christmas Dessert | Holiday | EmilyFabulous

These cute and festive Candy Cane Cupcakes are the perfect Christmas or Holiday treat. Topped with homemade peppermint buttercream frosting, these cupcakes taste just like a candy cane!

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Strawberry Santas

Try this great snack for the kids, simple and easy Strawberry Santas will be a huge hit for Christmas day dessert or Christmas Parties.

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Christmas pudding ice cream

This Christmas pudding ice cream has just three ingredients and is super easy. Perfect for Christmas in July or if you are looking for a festive dessert to wow your guests with this Christmas.

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Eggnog Cheesecake {no bake}

This no bake eggnog cheesecake is a creamy and delicious holiday dessert perfect for a Christmas party or to enjoy at home. The subtle ginger flavor in the crust and the nutmeg notes in the filling make this cheesecake a true taste sensation.

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Poinsettia Cookies – Sula and Spice

These pinwheel shaped cookies look just like poinsettias when you use colored sugar to decorate. So fun!

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Moist Christmas Cake Balls (My Most Requested Holiday Dessert)| Aleka’s Get-Together

This recipe for Cake Balls is one of my most requested every Christmas. But they can be made for ANY holiday, including birthdays! They are so moist and the one sweet treat that everyone goes crazy for every year.

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Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Christmas Tree Cupcakes look impressive but are quite easy and so much fun to make! Making these gorgeous and delicious Christmas cupcakes is a perfect way to celebrate the season.

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Snowmen Vegan Meringue Cookies

These snowman-shaped Vegan Meringue Cookies will be a hit at your Christmas in July. They are sweet, crisp, airy and completely adorable!

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Grinch Jello Shots

These Grinch Christmas Jello Shots are guaranteed to liven up the party! An easy video tutorial and step-by-step recipe included!

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Strawberry Christmas Lights

These Christmas Strawberries are chocolate covered strawberries disguised as adorable Christmas lights! Yummy and decorative!

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Festive Eggnog Pancakes That Will Make Santa Proud

Add some joy to your breakfast table with these festive and fluffy eggnog pancakes, served with a cinnamon nutmeg whipped butter and hot drunken maple syrup.

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Decadent Whiskey Chocolate Truffles | Marley’s Menu

These decadent bite-sized Whiskey Chocolate Truffles are the ultimate pop-in-your-mouth treat, with intense chocolate flavor and a touch of boozy bliss.

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Host an ugly Christmas sweater cookie decorating party

Too hot to wear an ugly Christmas sweater in July? Let everyone decorate their own ugly Christmas sweater cookie instead!

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Christmas Pudding Protein Balls

Keep your summer figure with these healthy Christmas pudding protein balls. They are filled with traditional warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, cocoa, and a touch of orange then sweetened with dates and raisins.

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Cake Pop Maker Ginger Bread Pops

What better way to spread the joy than with gingerbread cake pops? These delightful, flavorful pops are a quick and tasty treat.

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How To Make Stained Glass Cookies

Stained glass cookies start as a buttery sugar cookie, but with a little holiday magic to make the center of the cookie see-thru with sweet candy. This cookie is perfect for a cookie platter, cookie exchange or just delicious holiday baking!

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Christmas Tree Cookies

This easy shortbread recipe is the perfect way to make quick Christmas tree cookies that you can decorate in many different ways. The dough comes together with 3 simple ingredients and then is cut out into tree shapes to be baked and dressed up for the holiday spirit or turned into an edible 3D Christmas Tree farm.

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Christmas Chocolate Salad

What could bring more festive joy than a Christmas Chocolate Salad? Appealing to the young and old, this easy to make platter of chocolate and fruits will be a fitting end to any Christmas gathering be it in July or December!

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Candied Pecans | Sometimes you feel like a nut

Sometimes you feel like a nut… Sometimes you just want some candied pecans. Low in carbohydrates and sodium, these gluten-free treats are sure to go fast at your next holiday party or get together!

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Vegan White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)

The perfect holiday cookie recipe that tastes just like Christmas! These Vegan White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are gluten-free, allergy-free, and full of dairy-free white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies! Easy and delicious, they’re a fun addition to your seasonal cookie swap and dessert platters!

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Homemade Marshmallows

Anecia Hero
You won’t believe how easy homemade marshmallows are to make! With a few simple ingredients, you’ll have all-natural, sweet and fluffy marshmallows, and they’re fun to make!

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No-bake Vanilla Christmas Cheesecake

A beautiful no-bake vanilla cheesecake with festive reindeer decoration that will bring Christmas cheer to all!

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Easy Christmas cake

A simple Christmas cake, packed with fruit and easy to ice.

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Vegan Chocolate Star Bread – Sugar Spice ‘N Everything Nice

For Christmas in July, we bring to you our chocolate filled, crunchy, vegan star bread to start your holiday season!

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Looking for even more festive recipe collections? Don’t miss out on our extensive Christmas Appetizer Recipe Collection Part I and Christmas Appetizer Recipe Collection Part II, our warming Christmas Dinner Soup Collection, and the impressive Christmas Dinner Main Course Recipe Collection for more culinary inspiration throughout the year!

With this incredible assortment of sweet and savory party food recipes, plus delightful drinks, you now have a treasure trove of ideas for your upcoming Christmas in July celebration! I hope you have an absolutely wonderful time planning and hosting your festivities. Be sure to let me know which recipes became the stars of your party – I’d be absolutely thrilled to hear about your culinary adventures!

To make your planning even easier, you can download a convenient PDF link list featuring all these amazing recipes. Keep it handy for when inspiration strikes or when you need a quick reference for your festive cooking!

Have a truly fantastic summer! And a very Merry Christmas in July! 😎 🎄