Who says you have to wait until December to deck the halls? Christmas in July is your perfect excuse to blend merry traditions with sunny summer vibes. Think palm trees wrapped in tinsel, Santa sporting sunglasses, and icy treats with a festive twist! Whether you’re hosting a themed party or just craving a splash of holiday cheer in the middle of the year, we’ve got you covered with the most creative, colorful, and cool decorating ideas.
From poolside garlands to citrusy centerpieces, these 20+ Christmas in July ideas will help you celebrate the season with a fun-in-the-sun flair. So grab your flip-flops and your favorite holiday playlist—it’s time to sleigh the summer in style!
20+ Christmas in July Decorating Ideas
1. Tropical Christmas Tree
Swap your traditional pine tree for something delightfully unexpected—like a mini palm tree or a sleek white artificial tree. These unconventional “Christmas trees” instantly bring summer vibes into your holiday décor and make perfect centerpieces for a Christmas in July celebration.
Deck your tree with flamingo ornaments, pineapple garlands, and miniature sunglasses for a tropical twist. Add seashells, surfboard shapes, and pops of neon color to emphasize the beachy feel. The result is a fun, festive tree that’s all sunshine and joy.
Don’t forget the topper! Replace the classic star with a vibrant hibiscus flower or a sun hat. Place your tropical Christmas tree on a patio or in the living room to become the talk of your summer holiday party.
2. Red, Green & Citrus Tablescape
Transform your dining setup by combining traditional red and green Christmas colors with zesty citrus tones. Think lemons, oranges, and limes artfully arranged alongside evergreen sprigs for a tablescape that feels both fresh and festive.
Incorporate plaid tablecloths with contrasting tropical napkins or citrus-patterned runners for a playful mix of holiday cheer and summer warmth. The mix-and-match approach keeps things lighthearted and welcoming.
Add finishing touches with citrus slice name cards, glassware rimmed with sugar and lime, or small jars of holiday-themed lemonade. This table setting balances Christmas nostalgia with a breezy summer spirit.
3. Beach Ball Ornaments
Bring a splash of summer fun to your decorations with DIY beach ball ornaments. Use clear ornament balls and paint them in bright colors to mimic beach balls or even watermelon slices for a quirky seasonal blend.
Hang these ornaments from your Christmas in July tree, string them into a garland, or even float them in a kiddie pool for an unexpected twist. Their lightweight and playful look make them ideal for both indoor and outdoor décor.
This is also a great family activity—set up a crafting station where kids and adults alike can design their own beach ball ornaments. It adds a personal touch and becomes a memorable part of the celebration.
4. Summer Wreath with Christmas Flair
Give your front door or patio a seasonal crossover look with a summer wreath featuring Christmas charm. Start with a traditional greenery base and weave in vibrant hibiscus flowers, seashells, and red berries for a colorful touch.
Amp up the festive fun with additions like tiny flip flops, drink umbrellas, and oversized ribbon bows. You can even tuck in a few small ornaments or Christmas figurines to bring the holidays home.
Hang it proudly on your door or above your outdoor dining area. It’s a great way to welcome guests into your Christmas in July festivities while showing off your unique sense of style.
5. Santa in Swim Trunks Decor
Santa’s ditching the sleigh for a beach day! Look for or craft your own figurines of Santa sporting swim trunks, flip flops, and sunglasses. It’s a cheeky nod to tradition with a tropical twist.
Place these summery Santas in prominent places like the entryway, dining table, or as part of a centerpiece. They’ll add instant humor and light-heartedness to your décor while staying on theme.
If you’re feeling creative, DIY your own beach-ready Santa with craft supplies or a dressed-up garden gnome. Either way, it’s bound to bring smiles and laughs from guests of all ages.
6. Poolside Garland
Give your backyard some merry flair with a poolside garland. String together traditional ornaments with beach toys, floatie-themed cutouts, and even flip flop shapes for a playful yet festive accent.
Drape the garland along your pool fence, patio railing, or across a pergola. It sets the tone for fun and effortlessly blends two iconic elements—summer relaxation and Christmas celebration.
Use waterproof or outdoor-safe materials so your decorations can withstand sun and splashes. For nighttime gatherings, weave in fairy lights or solar string lights to keep the area glowing after dark.
7. Christmas-Inspired Outdoor Lanterns
Outdoor lanterns get a festive makeover with the help of a few Christmas trinkets. Fill clear lanterns with miniature ornaments, fairy lights, and holiday-themed fillers like peppermint candies or fake snow.
Add in summer-inspired elements such as seashells, tiny beach balls, or citrus slices for a refreshing seasonal twist. The mixture of textures and colors makes these lanterns enchanting both day and night.
Place them on patio tables, around your pool area, or hang them from hooks or trees to create a magical summer-night holiday atmosphere. These lanterns are perfect for cozy gatherings or bigger backyard bashes.
8. Holiday-Themed Bar Cart
Deck out your bar cart with holiday pizzazz and summer sass. Think tropical drinks garnished with candy canes, festive glassware, and a garland threaded through the shelves.
Add in fun items like flamingo lights, coconut cups, and a small sign that says “Santa’s Summer Sips” or “Beachy & Bright.” It becomes both a functional and decorative focal point for your party.
Stock the cart with colorful cocktail mixers, Christmas-themed straws, and frozen fruit for a refreshing touch. Guests will love grabbing a drink and snapping pics with your charming setup.
9. Snowflake String Lights with Summer Vibes
Give your evening gathering some sparkle with snowflake string lights infused with summer style. Choose lights in pastel hues or bright neon colors to pair with the cool snowflake shapes.
Hang them along fences, drape them through trees, or string them overhead for a whimsical, frosty-in-the-heat kind of ambiance. It’s a subtle yet effective way to blend the seasons.
For added flair, clip on paper flamingos, tiny palm trees, or mini sunglasses between the snowflakes. It’s the perfect backdrop for your evening festivities and brings a touch of magic to the warm summer nights.
10. DIY Pineapple “Snowman”
Nothing says Christmas in July like a snowman made from pineapples! Stack two or three pineapples, add stick arms, sunglasses, and a mini sunhat to complete the look.
Wrap a summer-themed scarf around its “neck” and use felt or paper for the eyes and buttons. This DIY project makes for a fun porch or patio decoration and a great conversation starter.
Kids will love helping out with this quirky craft. Place your pineapple snowman next to beach chairs or by the pool for maximum impact. Don’t forget to snap a pic before it gets too ripe!
11. Patriotic + Christmas Blend
July is also the heart of patriotic season, so why not blend red, white, and blue with Christmas greens and golds? Use this color scheme across your decorations for a unique twist.
Hang star-shaped ornaments next to candy canes, or set out throw pillows that feature both fireworks and Christmas trees. This blend is especially great if your party falls right after the Fourth of July.
It’s a seamless way to transition from one celebration to the next, keeping your décor relevant while still nodding to the spirit of the holidays. Plus, it gives you more use out of your red and white decorations!
12. Frozen-Themed Decor (Cool Down in Style)
Beat the heat with a Frozen-inspired decorating scheme using cool tones like icy blues, silver, and white. Think snowflakes, frosty garlands, and shimmering table runners.
Add in clear balloons filled with glitter, iridescent streamers, and soft blue lighting for a chill ambiance that still feels celebratory. This look is perfect for indoor parties or shaded patio setups.
Complement the theme with a frozen drink station or DIY snow cones for guests to enjoy. It’s a whimsical way to bring a “cool” touch to the hot summer months.
13. Tinsel & Seashell Centerpieces
Create eye-catching centerpieces by mixing sparkly tinsel with natural seashells, coral pieces, and starfish. The contrast of textures adds visual interest and captures both Christmas sparkle and beachy charm.
Place your mixed elements in clear bowls or hurricane vases and display them on coffee tables, dining tables, or outdoor bars. Layer the base with colored sand or glass beads for extra flair.
You can even insert battery-operated fairy lights inside the vases for a gentle evening glow. These versatile centerpieces work for both casual backyard parties and more elegant get-togethers.
14. Holiday Pool Floaties
Level up your pool party with floaties shaped like Christmas icons—trees, candy canes, gifts, or even Santa himself. You can buy themed floaties or create your own with vinyl decals.
These floaties double as décor and functional party gear. Kids will have a blast splashing around while the adults appreciate the festive atmosphere.
Use a red-and-green color palette for other pool accessories, too—like towels, umbrellas, and drink holders. It’s a clever way to bring holiday cheer to your summer splash zone.
15. Festive Porch or Patio Decor
Wrap garland around porch banisters and columns but use summery materials like raffia, burlap, or brightly colored ribbon. Add outdoor-safe ornaments and tropical flowers to complete the look.
Place potted mini trees around your outdoor space and decorate them with beach-themed items like tiny sunglasses, flip flops, or hibiscus blooms.
Use colorful Christmas lights in pinks, yellows, and aquas to brighten the space at night. Your porch or patio will feel like a Christmas beach party ready for any occasion.
16. Christmas Cookie Decorating Station (Summer Edition)
Turn your dessert table into a festive, hands-on cookie decorating station. Offer sugar cookies in shapes like palm trees, flip flops, and suns alongside traditional stars and stockings.
Provide red and green icing, as well as summery hues like yellow, aqua, and coral. Don’t forget the sprinkles—tropical fruits, flowers, and glitter sugar are all great options.
This is a fun, interactive element that kids and adults can enjoy. It’s also a great way to incorporate a traditional Christmas activity with a warm-weather twist.
17. Frozen Hot Cocoa Bar
Cool off with a frozen version of this holiday favorite. Serve chilled hot chocolate, peppermint milkshakes, or iced mochas in festive cups with candy cane stirrers.
Decorate the bar with classic Christmas elements like tinsel and holly mixed with summer fruits like strawberries and limes. Use a sign that says “Chillin’ with Cocoa” to set the tone.
Offer fun toppings like whipped cream, chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or even tropical marshmallows. It’s an easy way to blend holiday cheer with summertime refreshment.
18. Christmas Cabana Setup
Transform your patio, porch, or backyard into a festive Christmas cabana! Start with a pop-up canopy or pergola and drape it in red, green, and tropical-themed fabrics. Hang ornaments, faux garland, and twinkle lights from the frame. You can even include paper lanterns with holly or flamingo motifs for that perfect blend of holiday cheer and summer cool.
Inside your cabana, place cozy seating with Christmas-themed pillows in tropical colors—think pink flamingos wearing Santa hats or pineapples with ornaments. Add a small side table topped with a mini tree decorated with seashells, sunglasses, and festive fruit-themed baubles. String fairy lights around the edges for a magical glow in the evening.
This makes a great lounge area for guests during a Christmas in July party or a fun escape for the family to enjoy summer evenings with holiday flair. Pair it with a Bluetooth speaker playing steel-drum versions of Christmas classics for an extra island vibe. It’s like a beach vacation with a sprinkle of the North Pole!
19. Christmas Popsicle Garland
Add a sweet twist to your decor with a DIY popsicle garland that combines summer treats with Christmas hues. Craft popsicle shapes from colorful felt or foam in red, green, white, and metallic gold. Add glitter, faux snow, or holiday stickers to give each one a cheerful and unique look. Attach wooden sticks to the bottom to make them resemble real popsicles.
String them together with twine or ribbon and drape the garland across your mantel, porch railings, or above a snack table. You can even mix in mini ornaments, candy canes, or tropical shapes like palm trees and pineapples. It’s an easy project that kids can help with, too!
Not only is this garland eye-catching and playful, but it also adds an unexpected twist to your decorations. Guests will love the creativity, and it’s a great conversation starter. It’s the perfect mashup of icy fun and festive flavor—just like Christmas in July should be.
20. Christmas Campfire Corner
For a cozy evening touch, set up a “Christmas Campfire Corner” in your backyard or patio. Use a fire pit or a safe flameless alternative surrounded by Adirondack chairs and Christmas-themed throws in red and green plaids or coastal pastels. Hang string lights or faux icicles above the space to create a magical, glowing canopy.
Decorate the surrounding area with small potted trees adorned with summer ornaments, seashell garland, or even a few tropical bird figurines wearing Santa hats. Add large lanterns with LED candles and jars filled with red-and-green sand or sea glass. You can even include wrapped “presents” made from decorated cardboard boxes stacked beside the fire.
This is the perfect spot for roasting marshmallows, sipping on frozen hot chocolate, or watching a holiday movie under the stars. Whether you’re telling Christmas stories or simply enjoying a summer night with a festive flair, this campfire setup will warm hearts and spark smiles.
Final Thoughts
Christmas in July is your chance to mix merry traditions with summer fun and sunshine. It’s a creative celebration that encourages you to think outside the (gift) box and play with bold colors, quirky decorations, and cheerful vibes.
Whether you’re planning a party or just spicing up your home for the season, these ideas help bridge the best of both worlds. Feel free to adapt, mix, and personalize each one to make your own perfect blend of holiday happiness.
Try a few of these ideas and don’t forget to tag your creations on social media—we’d love to see them!