drawnames.com | Christmas in July

Celebrate Christmas in July with a summer gift exchange

Break up the summer heat with a little holiday cheer! Throw on a Hallmark movie, fire up the grill, and bring your favorite people together for a fun, easy, and stress-free gift exchange to celebrate Christmas in July.

Make this summer a little more magical. Start your Christmas in July gift exchange in just a few taps with the drawnames app or right from your screen!

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Santa on the beach

Why do people celebrate Christmas in July?

Because creating magic moments only one holiday season a year isn’t enough!

Christmas in July is a lighthearted tradition where people enjoy the best parts of Christmas: gifts, games, decorations, and quality time without the winter chill. It’s the perfect excuse to reconnect, especially with family and friends you don’t see often.

And yes…Hallmark movies, Santa hats, and Secret Santa by the pool are absolutely part of the deal.

Christmas in July

How is Christmas in July celebrated?

In places like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, Christmas in July brings a festive holiday feel to the middle of summer. It is a lighthearted (and deliberately ironic) way to enjoy some of the magic of the season, even when it is sunny and warm outside.

Although many people celebrate on July 25, it can happen any time during the month. The focus is often on fun, gathering with loved ones, and creating magic moments. Some host summer-themed Christmas parties, complete with holiday music, frozen treats, and twinkle lights. Others plan gift exchanges, organize simple Secret Santas, or just enjoy a themed get-together with friends and family.

It is a great moment to bring people together and enjoy the season in a new way without the winter weather or the usual holiday stress.

Secret Santa gift exchange

Christmas in July ideas

Not sure how to celebrate Christmas in July? We’ve got fun, easy ideas and activites that’ll bring everyone together.

Grill & gift

Bring everyone together for a backyard BBQ with a festive twist. Everyone draws a name ahead of time, adds a wish list, and shows up with a surprise to swap under the summer lights. You handle the grill (or just the invites), and let drawnames take care of the gift exchange. Start gift exchange

Wishlist workshop

Gather your most organized friends and kick off your Christmas prep early but make it fun. Wrap a gift for your future self, work on handmade gifts, or create your wishlist together. Add music, snacks, and cold drinks to make it feel more like a party than a to-do list.

White Elephant summer edition

Swap the snow for sunshine in this summer take on White Elephant. Everyone brings a wrapped gift. Think beach accessories, funny summer gadgets, or something totally unexpected. Use drawnames to assign the swap order, then let the gift-stealing fun begin

Red, green and sunscreen

Just because it’s July doesn’t mean your decorations have to stay boxed up. Bring out the lights, garlands, and even your tree but give it a summer twist. Think seashells instead of snowflakes, beachy blues in place of classic red and green, and maybe a flamingo topper instead of a star. Whether you go all out or keep it simple with fairy lights and a few festive touches, decorating is an easy way to set the mood and make your Christmas in July feel special.

Christmas in July gift exchange

Get your gift exchange started and pick the perfect present

Once your group is ready and the party plans are set, it’s time to start the fun. Use our Secret Santa Generator to quickly draw names and get everyone matched up. No spreadsheets, no pieces of paper, just an easy way to kick off your Christmas in July gift exchange.