You’re about to discover how to transform your summer camping trip into a magical Christmas celebration that will have everyone talking. From crafting seashell ornaments at Santa’s Workshop to battling it out in tropical “snowball” fights with water balloons, these activities blend the best of both seasons. Whether you’re gathered around a campfire making peppermint s’mores or decorating your tent with twinkling lights and flip-flop garlands, these festive ideas will create lasting memories. Let us delve into how to bring North Pole magic to your sunny campsite.
Highlights
Set up a summer-themed Christmas photo booth with fairy lights, beach props, and holiday signs for lasting memories.
Organize a festive s’mores station featuring candy canes, peppermint bark, and holiday-colored marshmallows around the campfire.
Host an ugly Christmas t-shirt contest with craft supplies for on-site modifications and camping-themed prizes.
Plan outdoor movie screenings of holiday classics with a hot chocolate bar and cozy blankets under starlit skies.
Create a water balloon “snowball” fight using colorful balloons and team challenges for refreshing holiday fun.
Decorate Your Campsite in Holiday Splendor
When summer rolls around, you don’t have to wait until December to spread some holiday cheer at your campsite. Transform your outdoor space into a festive wonderland by mixing traditional Christmas elements with summer-inspired decorations.
Start by stringing solar lights through nearby trees and your campervan. They’ll create magical evening ambiance while being eco-friendly.
Get creative with unexpected touches like hanging colorful flipflops and sunglasses from branches, or crafting beachy garlands using seashells and popcorn. For a tropical twist, dress up pineapples with mini ornaments or build a unique Christmas tree using beach balls.
Don’t forget to add some classic holiday spirit with artificial trees decorated with glitter pinecones and summer-themed ornaments. Set up festive bunting around your site, and consider joining the campsite decorating contest.
It’s super fun to see how other campers blend Christmas charm with summer vibes. LED paper stars and neon honeycomb balls will add that extra pop of whimsy to your display.
Host a Christmas Cookie Decorating Party
Nothing says Christmas celebration quite like decorating cookies in your cozy home! Transform your kitchen or dining area into a cookie decorator’s paradise by setting up a festive workspace with all the essential supplies.
You’ll want to prep your cookies ahead of time and store them safely in airtight containers until the big event.
What you’ll need for a super fun cookie decorating station:
- Royal icing in squeeze bottles (easier than piping bags for beginners)
- Variety of sprinkles and edible decorations in shatterproof containers
- Plenty of paper towels and wet wipes for sticky fingers
- Take-home boxes decorated with holiday themes
Make it more exciting by hosting a friendly decorating contest! Create categories like “Most Creative Cookie” or “Best Winter Wonderland Scene.”
Don’t forget to set up a simple photo station where everyone can snap pictures of their masterpieces before they’re devoured. It’s the perfect way to create lasting holiday memories with friends and family!
Create a Santa’s Workshop Craft Station
After filling your belly with decorated cookies, allow us to channel that creative energy into setting up an enchanting Santa’s Workshop craft station!
Transform your campsite into a magical crafting zone where everyone can release their creativity. Set up different stations using portable folding tables: one for toy making with blocks and playdough, another for painting, and a cozy corner for wrapping presents.
You’ll want to bring eco-friendly supplies like recycled cardboard, paper, and bottle caps, plus some traditional crafting essentials like scissors, glue, and paint.
Create a simple scavenger hunt where campers collect natural materials like pinecones and twigs to incorporate into their projects.
Don’t forget to set up a festive “Letters to Santa” station where kids can write their Christmas wishes!
For extra fun, hang some battery-operated twinkle lights and play soft Christmas music to set the mood.
Remember to include a snack break station with hot cocoa; crafting can work up quite an appetite!
Organize a Festive Scavenger Hunt
You’ll love setting up a candy cane trail through the campsite that leads your fellow campers on an exciting holiday treasure hunt.
Get creative by hiding festive maps that point to special Christmas-themed surprises, like ornaments wrapped in summer colors and holiday trinkets tucked behind pool toys.
Your scavenger hunt can end with a splash at designated prize stations near the pool area, where participants collect their well-earned holiday rewards.
Candy Cane Trail Course
Transform your campsite into a magical winter wonderland with an exciting candy cane-themed scavenger hunt that will keep everyone engaged and active.
Set up festive trails marked with ribbons and LED lights, then hide holiday treasures in waterproof containers along the path.
Make your trail course extra special with these fun elements:
- Create holiday-themed riddles that lead to cool spots like “Where Santa chills by the cooler”
- Place mini candy canes and shatterproof ornaments in red-and-white striped boxes
- Set up reindeer ring toss stations for bonus entertainment
- Add QR codes that reveal digital holiday surprises at checkpoints
Keep teams small (4-6 people) and set a 30-45 minute time limit to maintain excitement.
Don’t forget to award “Candy Cane Champion” certificates to successful hunters!
Hidden Holiday Treasure Maps
Building on the candy cane course fun, allow us to explore another exciting way to bring Christmas magic to your summer campsite with hidden holiday treasure maps.
You’ll love creating waterproof maps featuring festive themes and clear visual cues that guide campers through an unforgettable adventure.
Start by designing age-appropriate clues, mixing simple riddles for the little ones with trickier puzzles for teens and adults.
Add some sparkle by placing holiday props like mini Santa hats and LED-lit ornaments along the trail.
Don’t forget to include natural landmarks and campsite features in your clues to make the experience more immersive.
For extra engagement, toss in some team challenges and scatter small treats at checkpoints.
Remember to mark clear boundaries and safety guidelines on your maps to keep the fun worry-free.
Poolside Prize Stations
Three exciting prize stations form the heart of this super fun poolside Christmas scavenger hunt. Your swimmers will love visiting the “North Pole Cooling Station” where they can cash in their found treasures for awesome rewards.
We’ve created a tiered system that keeps everyone motivated throughout the hunt.
You’ll find at each prize booth:
- Waterproof stickers and holiday-themed temporary tattoos
- Inflatable pool toys and festive floating devices
- Snow cones and chilled refreshments
- Grand prizes like custom floats and holiday pool gear
Keep the excitement going by rotating prizes every 90 minutes.
Don’t forget to set up floating display trays to showcase the coolest items, and include some non-swimming options so everyone can join in. Your holiday hunters will be coming back for more!
Plan a Christmas Carol Singalong
A Christmas carol singalong adds magical sparkle to your summer camping experience, bringing holiday cheer under the stars. Set up your singing space around a cozy campfire or under a string-lit tent, and you’ll create an enchanting atmosphere that’ll make everyone forget it’s July.
Get creative with your songbook by mixing classic carols with fun summer twists. You’ll want to include crowd favorites like “Jingle Bells” alongside lesser-known tunes to keep things interesting.
Don’t forget to print lyric sheets or share digital versions on phones. It’s amazing how many people forget the second verse of “Rudolph”!
Enhance the experience with battery-powered lanterns, festive decorations, and some hot cocoa (or cold chocolate milk for summer). If you’ve got musically inclined campers, invite them to bring guitars or portable keyboards.
Set Up Holiday Movie Night Under the Stars
You’ll love watching your favorite holiday movies under a blanket of stars with the magic of twinkling lights and cozy blankets all around you.
Set up your outdoor movie screen where everyone can see it clearly, and don’t forget a quality sound system so you can hear every “Ho, Ho, Ho” in classics like “Elf” or “Home Alone.”
Make sure you’ve got backup power sources and maybe even a tent handy, because Mother Nature doesn’t always stick to the script!
Movie Setup Must-Haves
While setting up an outdoor movie night might seem challenging, creating the perfect Christmas in July cinema experience under the stars is totally worth the effort.
You’ll want to focus on the key elements that make movie magic happen outdoors.
What you’ll need for an awesome setup:
- A bright projector mounted on a sturdy tripod, paired with a wrinkle-free screen
- Cozy seating with inflatable chairs and warm blankets arranged in viewing-friendly tiers
- Strategically placed string lights and lanterns for ambiance without screen glare
- A quality sound system with wireless connectivity to handle outdoor acoustics
Don’t forget to arrange your snack station with classic movie treats.
Set up a popcorn bar with festive toppings, and add some holiday-themed goodies like red and green M&Ms for that Christmas-in-July vibe.
Best Holiday Films Outdoors
Creating magical movie memories under the stars becomes even more special when you’re screening beloved holiday films during your Christmas in July celebration.
For a perfect outdoor movie night, you can’t go wrong with crowd-pleasers like “Home Alone” or “Elf”, they’ll keep everyone laughing even in the summer heat.
Want to really embrace the winter-in-summer vibe? “The Polar Express” and “The Snowman” create a delightfully chilly atmosphere that’ll help everyone cool down mentally.
Make your screening extra festive by setting up a hot chocolate bar (iced options work great for summer!), and don’t forget to throw in some holiday trivia between films.
Project your movie onto a white sheet or portable screen, and scatter some cozy blankets and pillows around for that perfect Christmas-meets-camping feel.
Stage an Ugly Christmas T-Shirt Contest
Transform your July camping experience into a festive celebration with an unforgettable Ugly Christmas T-Shirt Contest. It’s a super fun way to bring winter cheer to your summer camping adventure.
Set up a cozy judging area near your campsite, and encourage campers to get creative with their t-shirt designs.
What you’ll need for a successful contest:
- Winter-themed decorations like battery-operated string lights, paper snowflakes, and tinsel to create a festive atmosphere
- Simple craft supplies for last-minute t-shirt modifications (fabric paint, stick-on decorations, bells)
- A creative scoring system that lets everyone vote on their favorites
- Small prizes like camping gear or holiday treats for the winners
Make sure everyone knows the ground rules: all decorations must be securely attached, and designs should stay family-friendly.
Consider adding festive background music and serving hot chocolate (even in July!) to complete the experience.
Don’t forget to take plenty of photos to capture these unique summer Christmas memories.
Make Summer S’mores With a Holiday Twist
Make your holiday s’mores station special with crushed candy canes and white chocolate for a peppermint twist on the summer classic.
Stack red and green marshmallows between traditional graham crackers, or try using festive alternatives like gingerbread or sugar cookies for extra Christmas flair.
Let everyone customize their treats with holiday M&M’s, peppermint bark pieces, and seasonal sprinkles to transform your summer campfire into a magical December experience.
Peppermint S’mores Station Setup
Three festive twists bring the magic of Christmas to your summer s’mores station with the addition of peppermint-infused ingredients.
Set up your station with homemade peppermint marshmallows, Andes mint chips, and crushed candy canes for that perfect holiday touch. You’ll want to organize your ingredients in a way that lets everyone get creative with their festive treats.
For the perfect peppermint s’mores setup, include:
- A portable heat source (campfire, grill, or tabletop s’mores maker)
- Labeled containers for your mint-chocolate goodies
- Red and green serving tools for that Christmas vibe
- Heat-resistant gloves and wet wipes for easy cleanup
Don’t forget to prep those marshmallows ahead because they’ll need about 8 hours to set properly.
Trust me, the wait is totally worth it for these cool, minty treats!
Christmas Cookie Layer Options
Creative cookie layers bring a magical Christmas spirit to your summer s’mores experience. You’ll be amazed at how traditional sugar cookies can transform into festive masterpieces with just a few simple tweaks.
Start by selecting your base cookie. I’ve found that classic sugar cookies work best since they’re sturdy enough to hold up around the campfire.
Add some holiday flair by dipping half your cookie in melted chocolate, then sprinkle crushed candy canes or chopped nuts on top. For a fruity twist, spread a thin layer of raspberry preserves before adding your marshmallow – it tastes just like Christmas!
You can even sandwich toasted marshmallows between two mint chocolate chip cookies for a revitalizing summer s’more that will remind everyone of candy cane cocoa by the fireplace.
Red-and-Green Marshmallow Treats
Making festive marshmallow treats in red and green brings Christmas magic straight to your summer campsite.
You’ll love how these gooey, colorful treats transform your traditional s’mores into holiday-worthy confections. Mix up marshmallows with butter and candy melts, then fold in Rice Krispies for that perfect crunch.
These treats are super fun for camping:
- Shape them into handheld balls instead of traditional squares
- Pre-make and pack them in airtight containers for easy transport
- Warm them briefly over the campfire for that fresh-made taste
- Add festive sprinkles or mini marshmallows for extra flair
Don’t forget to experiment with peppermint extract or crushed candy canes for that authentic Christmas flavor.
Your camping buddies won’t believe you’ve brought North Pole magic to your summer adventure!
Design a Christmas Photo Booth
Designing a festive photo booth adds a magical touch to your Christmas celebration. You’ll love creating memories against a backdrop of twinkling fairy lights and faux snow, perfect for capturing holiday spirit.
Transform a corner into a winter wonderland using simple props like candy canes, stockings, and a cozy fireplace setup made from cardboard and LED candles.
Get creative with your guests by setting up a flannel-themed photo station or organizing a fun pajama shoot. Add glow jars and light tunnels for that extra sparkle after sunset. These are super easy to make with mason jars and battery-operated fairy lights.
Don’t forget to hang some mistletoe and provide fun signs with catchy holiday phrases like “Merry Christmas” or “Holiday Cheer.” For an extra special touch, create a tunnel of lights using hula hoops wrapped in warm white LED strands.
Arrange a “Santa Lane” Golf Cart Parade
Essential elements for a successful parade:
- Set up a simple registration process and share decorating guidelines.
- Create a safe route with designated photo spots.
- Arrange for Santa to be your guest of honor.
- Organize festive music and lighting along the path.
Don’t forget to encourage creative decorations like twinkling lights, garland, and even antlers for the golf carts.
You can make it competitive by offering prizes for categories like “Most Festive” or “Best Christmas Spirit.”
Remember to schedule the parade during cooler evening hours when the lights will really sparkle, creating that magical holiday atmosphere everyone remembers from December.
Challenge Friends to Holiday-Themed BINGO
When you’re looking to add extra excitement to your Christmas in July camping festivities, holiday-themed BINGO brings a perfect blend of competition and festive fun to your campground gatherings.
Set up a dedicated BINGO station with custom cards featuring holiday icons like candy canes, snowflakes, and Santa’s sleigh instead of traditional numbers.
Get creative with your game format by mixing in scavenger hunt elements or team challenges. You can have players search for specific Christmas items around the campground to mark off their cards, or organize family teams to compete for special holiday prizes.
Keep the energy high by running multiple themed rounds. Try image-based BINGO for kids and word-based versions for adults.
Don’t forget to jazz up your calling station with twinkling lights and festive decorations! Track winners on a cheerful leaderboard, and hand out holiday-themed treats or decorations as prizes to keep everyone motivated throughout the evening.
Cool off With a North Pole Ice Cream Social
When it’s sweltering at your summer campsite, you’ll love setting up a North Pole ice cream social complete with a festive toppings bar featuring candy canes, chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles.
Transform your camping table into Santa’s dessert workshop with jolly red and green serving bowls, Christmas-themed napkins, and seasonal fruits like strawberries and blueberries.
Beat the heat with cool treats like peppermint ice cream sandwiches or create your own “Rudolph’s Red Nose” sundae with cherry sauce and whipped cream.
Festive Topping Station Ideas
Creating a North Pole ice cream social at your summer campsite brings all the magic of Christmas to those warm July evenings.
Transform your picnic table into a festive topping station that’ll make everyone feel like they’re in Santa’s kitchen.
Set up your station with these North Pole must-haves:
- Fill glass jars with crushed candy canes, gingerbread crumbs, and red-and-green sprinkle mixes.
- Create an eggnog sauce station with mini ladles and festive bowls.
- Display ice cream flavors in a “reindeer stable” made from wooden crates.
- Add twinkling lights and snowflake patterns for that winter wonderland vibe.
Don’t forget to get creative with your presentation.
Those ice cream cone trees aren’t going to build themselves! A pinecone topper here and a Christmas-themed bowl there will have your fellow campers thinking they’ve stumbled into December.
Beat-the-Heat Sundae Favorites
Since summer temperatures can soar at the campsite, you’ll want to master the art of serving up perfectly chilled North Pole treats.
Keep your ice cream social running smoothly by setting up insulated coolers with plenty of ice packs, and create a shaded serving station that’ll protect your frosty delights from the sun.
For a super fun North Pole twist, start with invigorating peppermint ice cream as your base.
Top it with swirls of marshmallow creme, a generous drizzle of hot fudge, and colorful M&Ms or sprinkles. You can even set up a DIY sundae bar where everyone gets creative with their combinations.
Don’t forget to hang paper snowflakes and set out polar bear decorations to transform your campsite into a magical summer winter wonderland!
Battle in a Water Balloon “Snowball” Fight
A summer version of a classic winter battle awaits in this exciting water balloon “snowball” fight. Reimagine the joy of snowball fights with a invigorating twist that’ll keep everyone cool during your Christmas in July celebration.
Divide your group into teams, hand out equal amounts of water balloons, and let the fun begin!
Set up your epic water battle:
- Fill colorful water balloons ahead of time (about 20 per player works great)
- Create designated “safe zones” where players can catch their breath
- Set up a respawn point for eliminated players to rejoin after 2 minutes
- Establish boundaries using holiday-themed flags or markers
Don’t forget to wear quick-drying clothes and secure footwear!
You can amp up the festive spirit by playing holiday music during the battle and using bright red and green balloons. For extra fun, try a nighttime version with glow-in-the-dark balloons. It’s absolutely magical under the summer stars.
Transform the Mini-Golf Course Into Santa’s Village
Create a cozy Santa’s Workshop near the course entrance where the jolly fellow can greet visitors and hand out small treats.
Sprinkle miniature elf houses along the fairways, and don’t forget to add some glow-in-the-dark elements for evening play.
String colorful holiday lights across the course, and set up festive photo spots where families can snap pictures with Santa or peek through fun character cutouts.
Round out the experience with Christmas carols playing softly in the background and maybe even host a nighttime tournament where players use glow-stick golf balls!
Rock Around the Christmas Tree Dance Party
Moving from mini-golf magic to musical merriment, allow us to get your campers dancing under the stars! Create an unforgettable Christmas in July dance party at your campground’s main shelter, where holiday classics meet summer vibes.
Set up LED-lit Christmas trees as your centerpiece, and watch as campers groove from 7:30 to 9 PM.
Get everyone into the spirit with these party must-haves:
- Mix traditional carols with upbeat summer remixes for a unique playlist
- Encourage festive beach-meets-Christmas attire (Santa hats with swim trunks, anyone?)
- Hand out LED necklaces and glow sticks for safe nighttime fun
- Set up quick face painting stations for snowflake designs
Don’t forget to kick things off with an ugly sweater contest before the dancing begins!
You’ll want enclosed shoes for safety, especially near those fire pits. When the stars come out and the music flows, you’ll create summer camp memories that’ll last until December.
Summary
You’ll find endless ways to bring the magic of December to your summer camping adventures. Whether you’re decorating with seashells and flip-flops, crafting at Santa’s Workshop, or battling in water balloon “snowball” fights, these activities create lasting memories. So grab your festive t-shirt, fire up those peppermint s’mores, and join the Christmas in July celebration under the stars. It’s time to make your campsite merry and bright!