All About Christmas in July: How It Started and How It’s Celebrated

Christmas in July was never meant to make sense, which is exactly why it’s brilliant. It bends the rules of the calendar, rewrites tradition, and hands people a second shot at something they didn’t know they needed.

In the middle of winter, something unexpected happens. Pine scents return. Fairy lights glow quietly. Roast dinners reappear on tables long after them.

This is a quiet rebellion against the usual December frenzy.

What began as a playful idea has grown into a movement that challenges how we think about celebration.

How an Offbeat Joke Became an Australian Ritual

It all started as a bit of a lark. Back in 1933, a group of expats at a summer camp in North Carolina threw a mock Christmas party complete with snow spray, tinsel and carols. No deeper meaning, no branding stunt, just a fun way to bring a little Yuletide charm to an otherwise sweltering day. But the idea stuck.

By the time it reached Australian shores, it found real footing. A country that celebrates Christmas during peak summer finally had a chance to pull on a jumper and enjoy roast dinners the way Christmas postcards always promised. For Aussies, it was the loophole no one knew they needed.

Why Australians Are Turning July Into the Second Coming of December

In a country where December heatwaves are routine and icy pavements replace puddings, July feels oddly perfect. It’s cool enough to pull out the woollen socks and light the fireplace, yet far enough from the real thing to have zero pressure. 

Here’s why it’s quickly becoming serious business:

• Families want a winter celebration without the chaos of December travel
• Offices are leaning into the fun with themed days, parties, and fake snow
• Restaurants are doing full-blown winter feasts with all the classics
• Kids love the novelty of two Christmases, and so do adults

It’s a celebration where expectations are looser, laughter is louder, and the focus is squarely on connection over coordination.

What You Don’t Know About Christmas in July Might Surprise You

For starters, there are entire towns in Australia that now throw full-scale winter Christmas festivals. Think fairy lights, roasted chestnuts, fake snow machines, and mulled wine. People are flying in for this, planning menus months ahead, and buying real Christmas trees in the middle of the year.

Here’s what flips the table

• Some Australians now prefer their Christmas in July to the December one
• Winter-themed gifting is becoming its own niche in July, right down to snow globes
• Christmas in July TV specials are getting primetime slots
• Some families are now doing a “winter-only” tree tradition with seasonal styling

It’s about reclaiming what Christmas could have been if it wasn’t 35 degrees and everyone wasn’t melting into the couch.

Why Real Trees in July Are No Longer a Gag but a Game-Changer

Real Christmas trees are becoming the centrepiece of this mid-year celebration. What started as a joke with plastic decorations is now growing into full-scale home styling with live pines, candles, and greenery.

July weather supports it. Unlike summer, where trees dry out quickly, the coolness helps preserve the needles and scent longer. People want the smell, the structure, the weight of the thing.

A few reasons this has gained traction

• Real trees add depth and atmosphere to winter dinners
• It sets a clear line between December chaos and July calm
• Families with split homes or custody arrangements get a second shot at magic
• Homes styled with a tree feel warmer and richer in the cold months

The Emotional Pull No One Talks About but Everyone Feels

There’s something strangely comforting about bringing out the decorations in the middle of the year. It breaks the routine. It resets moods. And it fills that long stretch between Easter and spring with something tangible.

For older adults, it softens the memory gaps between family gatherings. For kids, it’s a second chance to believe. For anyone burned out by December, it’s a version of Christmas that finally fits.

Lighting up a tree in July is a statement. Joy doesn’t have a season. Tradition can shift and still mean something. Warmth in the cold has a different kind of power.

Final Word

If you’ve never had a real tree in July, you haven’t really done Christmas in July at all. You’ve only scratched the surface of what this celebration can become. At Real Christmas Tree, we help people make July feel as meaningful, as nostalgic, and as complete as the main event in December. A real tree in winter is a right. The celebration it creates is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I find real Christmas trees in July, or do I need to pre-order them?

A. You can usually find real trees in July through select growers and specialist nurseries, but they’re not as widely stocked as in December. Pre-ordering is smart, especially if you want a specific size or variety.

Q. Do real Christmas trees last longer in July than in December?

A. They actually do. Cooler winter air slows down drying, meaning less needle drop and a stronger scent for longer. Just remember to keep them away from direct heat sources indoors.

Q. Is it safe to use the same decorations I use in December on a real tree in July?

A. Totally. Just make sure any lights you use are LED and don’t give off too much heat, especially since heaters might be running indoors. Safety checks apply year-round.

Q. How can I keep my July tree looking fresh without air-conditioning or fans?

A. The trick is to trim the trunk before placing it in water, and top it up daily. Keeping the room cool and away from direct heat helps. Some people even mist the branches to keep them hydrated.

Q. Can a real tree attract bugs in July?

A. It’s rare in winter, but still possible. Give your tree a good shake outside before bringing it in. Most growers also spray or clean them to reduce any hitchhikers.

Q. Are there eco-friendly ways to dispose of a real tree after July?

A. Definitely. Many councils offer green waste pick-up or mulching services. You can also compost smaller branches yourself or donate them to community garden groups for reuse.

Q. Is it worth getting a real tree just for a one-night Christmas in July dinner?

A. That depends on what you're after. If you're going all in on mood and memories, a real tree creates instant atmosphere. For many, the scent and presence of it make even a one-night event feel more grounded and memorable.