Ever wondered, “What is Christmas in July?” It’s a fun, festive way to bring the joy of the holidays into the heart of summer—complete with palm trees, tropical vibes, and sun-soaked celebrations. Whether you’re in West Palm Beach or planning a coastal gathering anywhere warm, this guide is packed with Christmas in July party ideas, tropical decor inspiration, and creative food options to help you plan a celebration to remember.
What Is Christmas in July?
Christmas in July is a festive tradition that flips the calendar and brings the magic of Christmas into the summertime. It’s popular in warm-weather regions like Florida and in Australia, where December can be hot and sunny. In Florida, hosting a party in July gives people the chance to wear tropical Santa shirts, sip frozen cocktails, and decorate with beachy ornaments—all while enjoying sunshine and sand.
Why Host a Christmas in July Beach Party?
- Seasonal fun without the stress of the winter holidays
- A unique reason to gather with friends and family
- Great opportunity for themed content, photos, or business marketing for both small businesses and large corporate functions
Christmas in July Beach Party Planning Checklist
Here’s a handy free party planning checklist to keep your planning on track:
Christmas in July Food Ideas
Surprise your guests with a blend of classic holiday flavors and summer favorites. Keep scrolling for recipes and more Christmas in July food ideas on our Pinterest board.
Appetizers
- Mini Hawaiian ham sliders
- Fruit skewers with pineapple, strawberries, and mint
- A custom tropical-inspired charcuterie board. For professional boards and party platters, contact Joel Villahermosa and his team at Graze Craze in North Palm Beach and follow them on Instagram: Follow Graze Craze North Palm Beach
Main Dishes
- Grilled jerk chicken or pulled pork
- Coconut-lime fish tacos
- Veggie kabobs with red and green peppers
Desserts
- Christmas sugar cookies with beach-themed icing
- Pineapple upside-down cake
- Frozen peppermint bark parfaits
Drinks
- Frozen cranberry margaritas
- Eggnog piña coladas
- Sparkling hibiscus mocktails
Design Process Behind the Collection
Each item in my Watercolor Tropical Christmas Collection was hand-painted using professional artist-grade watercolors. Inspired by coastal Florida, I combined traditional Christmas elements like ornaments and gifts with tropical symbols such as flamingos, sea turtles, and surfboards.
Get a behind the scenes look at some of the watercolor techniques used to create the artwork for this Christmas in July party theme.
All items are printed through West Palm Beach custom invitations printing partners using premium paper stock. Available paper types include smooth white, linen, and textured felt finishes—ideal for high-end events or beachside parties.
You’ll find:
- Customizable invitation templates
- Coordinating Christmas cards, party signs, and labels
- Holiday shirts and themed beachwear
Christmas in July Shirts and Outfit Ideas
Looking for themed attire? Here are a few fun options:
- Tropical Santa t-shirts with surfboards or hibiscus flowers
- Holiday swimwear paired with red and green coverups
- Matching party shirts for guests, ideal for family photos or group selfies
Best Tropical Christmas Cards for July
Sending holiday cheer in the middle of summer is a fun way to surprise your friends and family. These tropical Christmas cards feature watercolor illustrations and blank interiors for your message.