Chamber Insights: Christmas in July - How You Can Sleigh Summer Sales

 
It may be extraordinarily hot and sunny (at least it is in most parts of the country right now), but it’s also the perfect time to jingle your way to more sales with a Christmas in July promotion. This festive mid-year moment is a golden opportunity to engage customers, clear inventory, and create a buzz—without the stress of December chaos. Plus, it’s becoming more popular over the past couple of years. With Prime Days in July, it’s also quickly becoming a time when buyers are conditioned to expect deals and encouraged to start thinking ahead to the holidays.
 
With costs up, buying early and spreading out spending (instead of bundling it into one expensive month) is good advice for customers as well. Even if you’re not in retail, you can offer many of these sales pushes to bring customers in.
 

10 Cool Ideas for Hot Sales

You don’t need elves or a North Pole budget. Best of all, these ideas are fun and will get your audience talking about you.
 
Here are some easy-to-execute, creative ideas your business can pull off before July melts away:
 

12 Days of Deals

Turn the rest of the month into a “12 Days of Christmas in July” flash sale. Each day, highlight a new product or service with a limited-time discount or bundle.
 
Bonus tip: Use social media countdowns and reels to build excitement daily.
 
 

Summer Santa Sale

Clear out old inventory with a "Santa's Clearance Sleigh" theme. Decorate with beachy tinsel, offer free “reindeer delivery” (local delivery or free shipping), and dress a staff member like Santa in shades and flip-flops for Instagram gold.
 
 

Gift Card Bonus Fest

Offer a free mini gift card with gift card purchases—perfect for summer birthdays or to use later. (Example: Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus card.)
 
 

Host a Mini Christmas Market

If you’re a brick-and-mortar business, invite a few local makers or food vendors to co-host a pop-up “Christmas in July” sidewalk sale. Add festive music, cold cider or (iced) cocoa, and you're in business.
 
 

Frozen Favorites or Cool Combos

Restaurants, cafes, and bakeries can create “Frozen North Pole” menus—think peppermint milkshakes, snowflake cupcakes, or Santa sundaes. Pair items for combo pricing: “The Claus Combo” or “Mrs. Claus’s Favorite.”
 
 

Run a Holiday Throwback Social Campaign

Invite customers to share their favorite holiday memories or photos for a chance to win a July-exclusive prize. Use hashtags like #ChristmasInJuly or #SantaOnVacation.
 
 

Offer ‘Gift Yourself’ Packages

Service-based businesses (salons, spas, coaches) can package their services as self-gift options: “You survived half the year… you deserve a little magic” or “The kids are off for the summer survival kit.”
 
 

Host a Virtual Holiday Party

Bring your community together for an online trivia night, ugly tank top contest, or “Hot Cocoa & Chill” movie watch party (featuring a Christmas classic, of course). Offer a discount code during the event to boost real-time sales.
 
 

Launch a VIP Pre-Holiday Club

 
Give your loyal customers early access to limited holiday inventory, deals, or pre-orders starting now. Tease “Christmas in July” as a sneak peek into holiday magic, minus the wait.
 
 

Create a “Naughty or Nice” Coupon Draw

Let customers draw a sealed envelope at checkout with a mystery “naughty” (small) or “nice” (bigger!) discount. It’s fun, interactive, and keeps people shopping for a chance at the best deal. Not to mention it’s sure to bring some laughs from their friends as they open.
 
 

Make the Holiday Last

Christmas in July may feel hokey, but it’s a great way to get people excited about what’s to come. Cap off your Christmas in July activities with a teaser: “Santa’s headed back to the North Pole… but he’ll be back in December. Make sure you’re on the nice list—sign up for our emails for early holiday deals!” This will bring them back later on in the year and help keep you connected for the next several months.