7 Festive Christmas In July Party Ideas

It’s that special time of year again… July? Aussies love any excuse for a party, and a real winter(ish) occasion makes it easier to don the festive accessories and eat all the traditional food we’re normally too hot to have an appetite for during December.

But beyond the overdone ‘ugly Christmas sweater’ and ‘Secret Santa’ tropes, how else can you celebrate Christmas in July, whether you’re looking for a party theme to put on over the winter holidays, or you’re planning a corporate event?

Once again, you can seek help from the experts at Canvas House for some more event inspiration, as we delve into unique mid-winter Christmas party themes in Australia.

Here are our top 7 festive Christmas in July party ideas.

1. A Christmas Feast For The Senses
2. Christmas In A Shoebox
3. Traditional Christmas Roast Dinner
4. Winter Wonderland Transformation
5. Christmas Movie Night
6. Who Sleighed Santa? Murder Mystery
7. European Christmas Markets

1. A Christmas Feast For The Senses

Winter here rarely resembles the imagery we see in Christmas films and visuals. So while we might not be surrounded by snowflakes and coniferous Christmas trees, we can indulge our other senses to get into the Christmas spirit.

Fill your space with scented candles and wax melts with red berry, pine forest or cinnamon tones. Make mulled wine to warm your stomachs and scent the room with a delectable, rich aroma of clove and stewed fruit. Hang tinsel in your Christmas party venue for a tactile decoration, and serve Christmas themed cocktails, from eggnog to chocolate dusted espresso martinis. Soundtrack with a crackling fire or traditional Christmas folk songs in the background.

The sights, smells, sounds and flavours of the festive season will make you feel like it’s Christmas in no time.

2. Christmas In A Shoebox

A slightly different way to celebrate the colder weather in July is to host Christmas ‘in a shoebox.’ Since you’ll likely be saving most of your gift-giving for *actual* Christmas in December, why not donate a small amount to a local charity this time instead? The idea is simple: fill an empty shoebox with essentials and small items that a child or person in need could benefit from.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money, but your contribution can still be significant. Pack your shoebox with sanitary items, school essentials, a small tech gadget such as headphones or a mobile charger, and one or two ‘wow’ items that can act as a small gift. Ask each of your guests to come with their own shoebox, and you’ll have a Christmas party that gathers friends or colleagues while helping the community at the same time.

3. Traditional Christmas Roast Dinner

Christmas Day on the 25th of December in Australia is not the ideal time to be slaving over an oven when it’s normally as hot as one outside. Besides, we’d all much rather be having a barbecue and enjoying the late sunsets! If you’re planning to host a more intimate, cosy Christmas in July party as an excuse to gather close friends and family, now is a great time to test your cooking skills and attempt a traditional Christmas roast dinner with all the trimmings.

We’re talking Brussel sprouts, stuffing, bread pudding, and mince pies. Of course, you don’t have to get your own hands dirty. Reach out to a local Melbourne venue with a commercial-scale kitchen, and hire caterers to do the job for you (then take all the credit).

4. Winter Wonderland Transformation

Most mid-winter parties in Australia nod to Christmas, but how many go the full hog and truly commit to the idea? This year, why not transform your venue into the Arctic Tundra or the North Pole itself, and go all out in creating a winter wonderland that’s decorated carpet to ceiling, from hanging icicles to fake snow scattered over the floor.

Tell your guests to prepare for a night with Father Christmas and the elves busy preparing all the presents. If you love a traditional party game, incorporate this theme through ‘pass the parcel’ and similar ‘icebreakers’. Working with experienced event planners for your party like you’ll find here at Canvas House will widen your imagination even more, with extra ideas and inspiration from the team.

5. Christmas Movie Night

On those rainy winter days, what’s more perfect than curling up in front of the TV or in bed and switching off from the world for a night of feelgood films? Invite your nearest and dearest for a sleepover-style party with pizza and pyjamas, and catch up over the soundtrack to your favourite shows, films and Christmas musicals.

If you’re the type who can’t host a party sitting down, host guests for a Christmas movie-themed party, with the dress code inviting people to don their best ‘Elf’ costume, or channel their inner Kevin McCallister.

6. Who Sleighed Santa? Murder Mystery

Let off some steam at your EOFY party or gather your most theatrical friends and host a Christmas-themed murder mystery. When festive themes generally focus on wholesome fun and child-friendly decor, a Christmas in July gathering is the perfect occasion to flip another tradition on its head.

You can be as minimal or maximalist with this festive party idea as you want, from asking your guests to dress as their characters to practicing short sequences that develop the storyline of the game. The most creative may choose to curate their own company or household-specific murder mystery, however, you can find plenty of structured game packages online, complete with props and printable clues.

7. European Christmas Markets

Rekindle memories (or Pinterest boards) of European Christmas markets, and put a pretzel twist on your festive theme. You could work with local vendors to supply your event with homemade crafts and traditional gifts; an especially great idea if you’re a local business yourself. Alternatively, host a craft seminar or gingerbread-house-making workshop so your guests or colleagues can delve into their creative side and learn how to make something new.

Set up stalls for pretzels, bratwurst, spiced wine and cider, with roasting marshmallows and fairy lights strung up to add to the warm ambience. Put on your best indistinguishable ‘European’ accent, and you’ll feel as though you were strolling through a German or Swiss or Austrian or Polish Christmas Market in no time.

Recap On Christmas In July Party Ideas

Which was your favourite of our Christmas in July party ideas? Whether you’re a low-key host seeking a refined cocktail party or you want all the jingle bells and whistles at your event, we hope you’re feeling icy and inspired.

If you’re looking for a venue to host your Christmas corporate party, or a well-kitted out space to gather your loved ones, Canvas House is the perfect pick. Featuring stylish vaulted ceilings, a cosy, intimate fireplace, and a full bar to stock all your festive tipples, our function venue is a stonesthrow from the Melbourne CBD and a hop-skip-and-a-jump away from the North Pole – in spirit.

Send us an enquiry or your desired date and party size, and we’ll get to work on putting together a memorable Christmas party in July, or August… or September.