Look, I love December as much as the next parent. The lights, the cocoa, the chaos. But let’s be honest—by the time the 25th rolls around, I’m usually so frazzled from gift-wrapping and coordinating family visits that I forget to actually enjoy the magic. That’s why my family started celebrating Christmas in July a few years ago. It’s the perfect excuse to break out the candy canes, crank up “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” and have some totally low-stakes fun when the weather actually cooperates. No pressure, no awkward family politics—just pure, silly holiday joy.
So, grab a notepad (or just keep scrolling), because I’ve rounded up 15 ridiculously fun Christmas in July activities for kids that will make your summer feel festive without melting the ice cream.
1. Host a “Christmas in July” Movie Marathon
You can’t have a holiday party without movies, right? But here’s the twist: you take it outside.
Set Up an Outdoor Cinema
I’m talking about stringing up some fairy lights, dragging the sheets outside (or using a proper projector screen if you’re fancy), and watching classics like The Polar Express or Elf under the stars. The best part? You can serve hot chocolate with a summer twist—think whipped cream AND a scoop of vanilla ice cream floating on top. It’s genius, IMO. 🙂
Don’t Forget the “Snow”
Grab a few bags of fake snow from the dollar store and let the kids throw it at each other during the credits. It’s messy, but it’s also the kind of chaos that builds core memories.
2. Make Ice Cream Ornaments
This is one of those activities that sounds insane but works perfectly. You know those cheap, clear plastic ornaments? Forget the glitter for a minute.
The How-To
Gather up some mini ice cream cones (the cake-cone style works best), fill the ornament with a scoop of polymer clay shaped like ice cream, and let the kids decorate the outside with sprinkles, pom-poms, and ribbon. Hang them on a fake mini tree or even a potted palm outside. They look adorable, and they won’t melt in the sun!
A Personal Confession
Last year, my youngest tried to lick one. I’m not saying that’s a guarantee, but I’m also not saying it didn’t happen. :/
3. DIY Christmas Cookies (With a Summer Palette)
We usually associate cookies with snowflakes and reindeer, but July is all about bright colors.
Swap the Shapes
Instead of stars and trees, make cookies shaped like suns, flip-flops, and beach balls. Use royal icing in neon colors. The kids will go nuts, and you get to eat the mistakes. Ever wondered why cookie dough tastes better in the summer? It’s the heat. (That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.)
4. Build a Sand Snowman
If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach—or even a sandbox—this is a no-brainer.
It’s a Frosty… But Sandy?
Build a snowman using wet sand. Use shells for eyes, a starfish for a nose, and maybe a strip of seaweed for a scarf. It’s basically Frosty’s cousin, Sandy. When the kids ask why he’s melting, you just shrug and say, “It’s July, buddy.”
5. Create “Christmas in July” Cards
Why wait until December to send holiday cheer? Have the kids craft cards for grandparents, friends, or even neighbors.
Craft Supplies You’ll Need
- Construction paper (red, green, and maybe some tropical prints)
- Glitter glue
- Markers
- Stickers of both snowflakes AND pineapples
Mixing winter and summer themes is surprisingly charming. Think penguins wearing sunglasses. It’s the little things that make people smile.
6. Have a Tropical Ugly Sweater Party
Okay, hear me out. The ugly sweater concept is hilarious, but wearing wool in July is a recipe for heatstroke.
The Summer Version
Take a plain white t-shirt and let the kids glue on felt flames, flip-flops, or even little plastic sunglasses. You can also use those foam stickers shaped like luau leaves. The goal is to make it as tacky and bright as possible. Winner gets the first popsicle.
7. Go on a “Christmas Lights” Hunt
Yes, it’s the middle of the year, but I promise you—some people never take down their lights. 😉
Make It a Game
Drive around the neighborhood after dark and see who can spot the most holiday decorations still hanging. It’s like an Easter egg hunt, but for lazy decorators. You can even make bingo cards with items like “blue lights,” “plastic Santa,” or “reindeer on the roof.” It’s a blast, and it costs nothing.
8. Wrapping Paper Olympics
You know all that leftover wrapping paper from December? Dig it out of the closet.
The Activities
- Wrap Race: Who can wrap a beach ball the fastest?
- Ribbon Tug-of-War: Use thick holiday ribbon instead of rope.
- Bow Toss: See who can toss those sticky bows into a bucket from the farthest distance.
It’s silly, it’s active, and it wears the kids out. Mission accomplished.
9. Make Popsicle Stick Ornaments
This is a classic craft, but we’re giving it a July twist.
The Craft
Grab some popsicle sticks, paint them in bright summer colors (hot pink, turquoise, yellow), and glue them into shapes like stars or simple Christmas trees. Then, decorate with tiny seashells instead of glitter. Hang them on a ribbon, and you’ve got a beachy ornament that screams “Christmas in July.”
10. Write Letters to Santa… From the Beach
Let’s be real: Santa probably gets bored reading the same letters from cold kids all December. Why not send him a summer edition?
What to Include
Encourage the kids to tell Santa what they want for Christmas, but also ask them to describe their favorite summer activity. Ask questions like, “Do you think the elves ever go swimming?” or “Does Mrs. Claus like sunscreen?” It’s a fun way to stretch their imagination.
11. Water Balloon “Snowball” Fight
This is the ultimate summer-versus-winter mashup.
The Rules
Fill up a bunch of white water balloons. Divide the kids into teams. Yell “Snowball fight!” and let them go to town. The “snow” melts on impact, which means zero cleanup and maximum giggles. FYI, this works best if you do it right before bath time. 😉
12. Decorate a “Christmas Tree” Outside
You don’t need to chop down a pine tree for this.
Use a Bush or a Potted Plant
Find a nice, full bush in your yard or a large potted fern. Let the kids decorate it with waterproof ornaments (think plastic or wood) and maybe some ribbon. You can even hang popsicles from the branches for a snack they can pluck and eat. It’s like a piñata, but classier.
13. Make Holiday Slime
Slime is a staple in my house, unfortunately. But for Christmas in July, we make “Snow Slime.”
The Recipe
Mix clear glue, liquid starch, and a ton of white glitter and silver sequins. You can also add small foam snowflake shapes. The kids love the stretchy, sparkly mess. I love that it keeps them busy for at least 45 minutes. We call it a win-win.
14. Cook a “Reverse” Holiday Dinner
Here’s where you get to have some fun with food.
The Menu
Instead of turkey and mashed potatoes, grill up some hot dogs and burgers. But serve them with a holiday twist: cranberry sauce on the side and maybe some green and red potato salad (thanks to some food coloring). For dessert, make a watermelon cake shaped like a wreath. It’s unexpected, and it tricks the kids into eating fruit.
15. Host a Gift Swap (Thrift Edition)
You don’t need to break the bank on summer gifts.
How It Works
Take the kids to a thrift store and give each of them $5. The mission: find the most ridiculous, fun, or interesting “gift” for someone else in the family. It teaches them the spirit of giving without the commercial pressure. Plus, watching your six-year-old unwrap a ceramic cat figurine is genuinely hilarious.
So, there you have it—15 ridiculously fun ways to celebrate Christmas in July with your kids. Honestly, my favorite part of this whole tradition is how it reminds us that holidays are really just about spending time together. Whether you’re eating ice cream ornaments or throwing water balloons, the goal is the same: make some noise, make a mess, and make some memories.
Now, I’m off to find that fake snow that’s probably still stuck in the carpet from last year. You’re welcome for the inspiration. 😉
Got any other ideas? Drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for more ways to keep the kids entertained!
