There’s nothing quite like Christmas in the UK, apart from Christmas in the Caribbean. This year, consider trading in your earmuffs and thermals for your bikini and sun hats on a holiday to the Caribbean over the Christmas holidays. Start a new Christmas tradition and enjoy the winter holiday season in paradise! Read on for the best Christmas beach destinations in the Caribbean.
Picture: Sandals Royal Barbados, Barbados.
Colourful towns with a story to tell, deep caverns, monkey-populated forests, rocky cliffs, tall palm trees, and untamed white sand beaches are waiting to be explored in Barbados. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands of the Caribbean, your holiday in Barbados will be the holiday of a lifetime.
Christmas in Barbados is a festive celebration filled with lights, music, and delicious holiday treats. Indulge in local favourites like Bajan black cake – a Caribbean fruitcake with rum – and jug jug, a hearty casserole with pigeon peas and ham. Join Christmas mass or midnight mass on Christmas Eve to experience a cherished tradition. Round off your Christmas getaway by dancing at the Oistins Fish Fry and enjoying the festivities at Queen’s Park on Christmas Day.
Picture: Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica.
The rolling Blue Mountains, wild rivers, enchanting waterfalls, and magnificent palm-fringed beaches by day, and colourful skies, authentic reggae music, and flavourful dishes by night, are just some of the aspects that make Jamaica one of the most captivating and popular beach destinations in the Caribbean. With so much this island is known and loved for, it can be hard to decide how to spend your holiday here. Climb Dunn’s River Falls and cool off in the natural pools in the Jamaican mountains, drift down the serene Martha Brae River, pay tribute to the King of Reggae at the Bob Marley Museum, or stroll along the lively Hip Strip for unbeatable vibes. Jamaica is your oyster.
Even with all that excitement year-round, Jamaica comes alive during Christmas, blending holiday spirit with Caribbean charm. Jam to festive tunes and rhythms while exploring lively, colourful “Gran’ Markets” on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, where you’ll find unique decorations, clothing, food, toys, household products, and gifts that you won’t find at any other time of year. Around town, the tropical island sparkles with Christmas lights on buildings, homes, and even palm trees. And beyond the festivities, enjoy all the classic Caribbean activities – sunbathing, snorkelling, kayaking, scuba diving, and more.
Expert tip: Want a Christmas holiday that’s as peaceful and relaxing as can be? Try one of the all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica where it will be easy to put your feet up and sink into true relaxation.
Picture: Over-the-water bungalows at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Saint Lucia.
Experience the enchanting island paradise of Saint Lucia with lush mountains, mystical rainforests, botanical gardens, charming beach towns, and more. Temperatures in Saint Lucia over Christmas can go up to 29°, making it the perfect conditions for swimming, tanning, and water sports such as scuba diving in Saint Lucia. You’ll also find lots of beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and gorgeous greenery to enjoy in Saint Lucia.
For a festive experience, attend the Festival of Lights in early December, marking the start of the season with carols, dancing, fireworks, and a lantern competition. Christmastime in Saint Lucia also features lively Jouvert events and street parties.
Expert tip: Plan on visiting Saint Lucia? Here are some popular food and drinks to try in Saint Lucia.
Picture: Coconut Island, The Bahamas.
Astronauts have called The Bahamas “the most beautiful place from space”. Rest assured the islands are all the more awe-inspiring from its white-sand beaches.
A Christmas holiday in The Bahamas, is a gift in itself. Enjoy traditional celebrations like tree lighting and holiday concerts, along with stunning beaches such as Coco Plum Beach and Three Sisters Beach. George Town sparkles during the season, and an all-inclusive Sandals’ resort, Sandals Royal Bahamian, offers a diverse dining experience to complete your island holiday.
Picture: Sandals Grande Antigua, Antigua.
Prepare for an island adventure like no other. Sip on ice-cold rum punch, explore powdery white-sand beaches, go on day trips, listen to Caribbean music, snorkel with stingrays, discover the Pillars of Hercules, and so much more.
A Christmas getaway in Antigua offers endless beach days on one of the island’s 365 beaches. Enjoy water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, and jet skiing. Dive into local holiday traditions rooted in African and European heritage, including lively stilt-walking characters like 'tall ghosts' and 'Jumpa-Ben.' Don’t miss the Antigua Carnival festivities around Christmas time for a vibrant celebration.
Picture: Long Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos.
Home to bright turquoise waters, the most beautiful beach in the world, and over 40 islands and cays to explore, Turks & Caicos is the perfect Caribbean getaway. Relax at the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, try your hand at water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding, or spend the day at Pirates Island water park in Providenciales.
Christmas in Turks & Caicos is truly magical. Grace Bay on Providenciales sparkles with large Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and festive community events, including winter festivals from Boxing Day through New Year’s, ending with a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks show. Outside the seasonal charm, enjoy stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and more. With perfect 26°C weather, it’s the ideal time to soak up the sun and explore multiple islands nearby in a single day.
Picture: Sandals Grenada, Grenada.
Grenada’s landscape is of great beauty and variety. It’s rare to find lush rainforests, refreshing waterfalls, cascading cliffs, turquoise waters, beautiful beaches, and spectacular coral formations on an island this small.
A Christmas getaway in Grenada offers serenity or adventure, as you wish. Explore its beautiful beaches, lush Grand Etang National Park, or take day trips to Carriacou and Petit Martinique. Enjoy local Christmas favourites like black fruit cake, macaroni pie, and ginger beer, and experience Grenadian Parang music at the annual Parang Festival on Carriacou. Or, relax at your all-inclusive resort, Sandals Grenada, and join festive in-house activities for a memorable holiday.
Expert tip: Still not sure what to do in Grenada? There are lots of amazing beaches to visit on this island like Grand Anse Beach and Magazine Beach. You can also explore a list of food and drinks to try in Grenada.
Picture: Sandals Royal Curaçao, Curaçao.
Curaçao definitely should not be overlooked when planning a Christmas holiday. This island is part of the ABC chain of islands, along with Aruba and Bonaire. There are many beautiful beaches in Curaçao, so it is a splendid place for a beach holiday.
Curaçao is a fantastic Christmas destination, offering beautiful beaches and festive celebrations. Enjoy fireworks, festivals, and stunning holiday decorations around the island, with some locals starting as early as October. New Year’s Eve brings even more excitement. Be sure to try pan de jamón, a sweet dough roll filled with ham, olives, and raisins, a popular treat during the holiday season.
Picture: Dark View Falls, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
From the moment you step foot on Saint Vincent’s enchanting shores, you’ll discover a truly special place. With its stunning backdrop, crystal-clear waters, captivating marine life, and charming locals, your next all-inclusive holiday in Saint Vincent promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience.
Temperatures during Christmas in this Caribbean paradise can reach up to 30°, ideal for lounging on the beach, snorkelling, or sailing between the islands. For a festive touch, immerse yourself in the Christmas celebrations unique to Saint Vincent. Don’t miss the annual Nine Mornings Festival, a beloved tradition featuring early morning carols, street dancing, light displays, and cultural performances leading up to Christmas Day. The festive energy and community spirit make this an unforgettable holiday experience.
While beach destinations generally offer warmer climates, it's crucial to research specific weather patterns for your chosen location in December. The Caribbean typically experiences its dry season from December to April, making it ideal for beach activities, and making Christmas lovely and hot.
Christmas in the Caribbean is more than just a holiday - it’s a celebration of warmth, joy, and the beauty of island life. Each destination offers its own unique charm, from lively festivals and holiday feasts to serene beaches and sparkling blue seas. Whether you dream of a quiet, romantic escape or a vibrant, sun-filled celebration, these islands deliver a Christmas experience that feels like paradise. Let the soothing ocean breeze and festive island traditions make this holiday one to treasure forever.
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