Are you ready to bring a little Christmas cheer to the winter months? While December's summer heat might not match the traditional Christmas imagery of snowy landscapes and cozy fireplaces, July gives Australians the perfect opportunity to experience the festive season in cooler weather.
In our latest guide, we'll explore all the best Christmas in July ideas for party decorations, food, activities, and much more! So grab your ugly Christmas sweater and let's dive into some fun ways to create festive cheer this winter!
Christmas in July has its origins in the Blue Mountains, where locals began celebrating the winter season with festive cheer. In 1980, a group of Irish tourists mentioned to a Blue Mountains hotelier that the cold July weather reminded them of the festive season back home in the northern hemisphere. This sparked the idea of a mid-year Christmas celebration that has since spread across Australia.
This special holiday tradition allows families and friends to gather and enjoy a winter-themed celebration that more closely resembles the traditional white Christmas experience of the Northern Hemisphere.
Unlike our December celebrations that often involve seafood and outdoor activities in the warmer months, Christmas in July gives us the chance to enjoy traditional roast dinners, mulled wine, and cozy indoor gatherings that capture the true Christmas spirit.
If you're just beginning to plan your party to celebrate Christmas in July, consider the following steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event:
Transform your space into a winter wonderland with these decoration ideas from our Christmas in July range:
Christmas Tree: Set up a beautifully decorated Christmas tree as the focal point of your celebration. Our Christmas tree ornaments in winter blue, silver, and white create the perfect winter theme.
Festive Lighting: Warm white fairy lights create a magical atmosphere. Drape them around your venue to add a soft glow that mimics the warmth of Christmas.
Table Decorations: Create a stunning Christmas table with themed runners, candles, and centrepieces. Our festive tablescape collection offers everything you need for an impressive dining setup.
Wall and Ceiling Decorations: Hanging snowflakes, paper chains, and festive bunting add dimension to your space and transform it into a true winter wonderland.
Handmade Wreaths: Create beautiful winter wreaths using materials from our craft supplies section. Pine cones, berries, and silver sprays make stunning seasonal decorations.
Paper Snowflakes: Get the whole family involved in cutting intricate paper snowflakes to hang from the ceiling or display in windows.
Festive Mason Jars: Transform simple jars into beautiful lanterns using tea lights and decorative elements like twine, artificial snow, and miniature figurines.8
Food plays a central role in any celebration. Here are some festive menu ideas that capture the Christmas spirit:
Warm up your guests with these delightful drink options, perfect for the holiday season:
Create an interactive hot chocolate station where guests can customise their drinks:
Nothing says winter celebration like the aroma of mulled wine or spiced cider:
Christmas is always magical for children, and your Christmas in July celebration should include special activities to keep the little ones engaged and entertained. With thoughtful planning, these kid-focused activities can become highlights of your celebration while creating lasting memories.
Winter Craft Projects: Engage children's creativity with winter-themed craft projects they'll enjoy making and be proud to display.
Making Decorations: Involve children in the decoration process through fun activities that produce beautiful results.
Christmas Movie Marathon: Create a cozy retreat within your party space for watching favourite Christmas movies that evoke nostalgia and festive feelings.
Gift Exchange Ideas: Organise a Secret Santa exchange to add gift-giving fun to your Christmas in July party without excessive expense.
Here are a few ideas for popular themes and dress codes that bring the special Christmas cheer:
Embrace the fun and slightly tacky tradition of ugly Christmas sweaters by making them the centrepiece of your celebration. Organise a contest with prizes for the most creative, ugliest, and funniest sweaters to encourage participation and creative expression. The friendly competition adds an element of anticipation and conversation as guests admire each other's festive fashion choices.
Enhance the experience by setting up a designated photo area for sweater photos. Include props from our photo booth collection, such as oversized frames, Christmas signs, and festive accessories that complement the sweater theme. These photos become cherished mementos of your unique celebration and often become social media highlights.
Winter Wonderland Theme
Create an ethereal atmosphere with an all-white dress code that mimics the beauty of snow and ice. Encouraging guests to wear white creates a visually stunning effect, particularly when combined with silver decorations and cool blue lighting.
If you're hosting a Christmas in July dinner, this sophisticated approach transforms your space into an elegant winter wonderland, perfect for wining and dining.
Add sparkle to your winter wonderland with silver accents throughout your decor and suggested attire. Silver table runners, candle holders, and ornaments reflect light and create a magical shimmer that enhances the snowy atmosphere. Suggest that guests incorporate silver accessories like scarves, ties, or jewellery to complement the theme.
Evoke Christmas nostalgia with traditional decorations in the classic colours of red and green. These familiar colours instantly communicate "Christmas" to guests and create a warm, festive atmosphere rich in holiday tradition. The contrast between these complementary colours creates a visual impact that feels both festive and timeless.
Encourage festive accessories, such as Christmas-themed ties, socks, earrings, and other small touches, that allow guests to participate in the theme without requiring complete outfit changes. These small elements of festive dress add to the celebratory atmosphere while allowing for personal comfort and expression.
Christmas in July offers a unique opportunity to celebrate festive traditions during the Australian winter. It's the perfect chance to enjoy all those cozy Christmas activities that don't quite fit with our summer December celebrations – from mulled wine and hot chocolate to ugly Christmas sweaters and movie marathons by the fire.
Whether you're planning an intimate family gathering or a larger celebration with friends, we have everything you need to create the perfect winter Christmas atmosphere.
© 2003 - 2025 Shindigs. ABN: 51101315502.