Christmas in July

Celebrate Christmas in July with a winter gift exchange

Embrace the winter chill with some festive fun! Get cosy with a hot drink, gather your mates, and enjoy a relaxed, easygoing gift exchange to celebrate Christmas in July!

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

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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 fun, lighthearted tradition that allows people to enjoy all the best parts of Christmas, from gift-giving and games to festive decorations and quality time with family and friends. It’s the perfect excuse to reconnect, especially with those you haven’t seen in a while, and share in the Christmas spirit.

And yes… Santa hats, Kris Kringle, and a bit of festive fun by the BBQ are absolutely part of the deal.

How is Christmas in July celebrated?

In New Zealand, Christmas in July is all about enjoying the festive spirit in the middle of winter. With colder temperatures, Kiwis love gathering with family and friends for a warm Christmas feast, complete with roast meats, hearty casseroles, and classic desserts like pavlova. It’s the perfect excuse to swap gifts, share some laughs, and enjoy the holiday cheer without the usual end-of-year rush.

Although many people celebrate on July 25, it can happen at any time during the month. The focus is all about having fun, gathering with loved ones, and enjoying each other's company. Some host winter-themed Christmas parties, complete with festive music, warming treats, and twinkling lights. Others organise gift swaps, simple Kris Kringles, or just enjoy a relaxed get-together with family and friends.

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.

Host an early Kris Kringle gift exchange

Get the festive spirit rolling with a fun Kris Kringle gift exchange. Set a price limit, and have everyone draw names to exchange gifts. It’s a laid-back way to swap presents and have some laughs with mates, all while embracing the Christmas cheer. Start gift exchange

Warm up with a Christmas in July feast

A BBQ doesn’t have to be reserved for summer! Set up a winter BBQ with hearty, warming dishes like roast lamb, sausages, and warming sides like roasted potatoes or veggie skewers. Gather your mates or family around the BBQ for a relaxed and fun celebration.

Deck the halls with a winter theme

Transform your home into a winter wonderland for Christmas in July! Instead of traditional summer-themed decorations, think white, silver, and icy blue tones. Add faux snow, twinkling fairy lights, and a few snowflakes for a magical winter vibe. A roaring fire or some cosy blankets can add a touch of warmth to make it feel like Christmas in the middle of winter.

Start your gift exchange 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.

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Find the perfect gift to give and receive

After everyone has picked a name, it's time to find the perfect gift. Whether you're shopping for someone special or putting together your own wishlist, our gift finder is packed with popular, well-loved Christmas in July gift ideas. It’s designed to make both giving and receiving easier than ever, so you can quickly find something meaningful and fun for anyone.

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