Christmas St. Kitts & Nevis holidays

Christmas traditions in St. Kitts & Nevis

The carnival takes up much of the month’s activities, and the streets erupt in a multitude of colours as a host of processions and street performances unfold for all to see. Sugar Mas is perhaps one of the biggest celebrations of the entire year and takes place over six weeks. You’ll meet all the traditional characters of carnival, including clowns and ‘Moko-Jumbies’, as they dance to the infectious beat of soca and calypso music. J-ouvert parades host countless dance groups from all over the islands; each dressed in their own special colours.

Other competitions are taken more seriously, such as the Talented Teen Pageant and the Carnival Queen, with many entrants having spent months planning and creating their exquisite outfits. The most fought for event is the calypso contest and winners can expect to be known throughout the West Indies. This competition combines, wit with delivery, music and satire, humour, and politics, for a competitive and joyous event.

On Christmas day, the carnival takes a break with locals and visitors taking time to celebrate this special holiday. There are various church services across the islands, while many head to the beach in the afternoon to celebrate in true Caribbean style. The day after Christmas, everyone heads to Basseterre and locals and visitors alike drink rum and dance to calypso music.

Best places to celebrate Christmas in St. Kitts & Nevis

If you want to be among the parties and celebrations, St Kitts capital, Basseterre, is the place to be. With many of the visitors and locals flocking there for the celebrations as well as the parades, it is not a place to be missed. Whether you want to watch the street performers and the amazing dance battles, or hang back and simply take everything in. Ballyhoo, a restaurant/bar is located on the Circus and has a balcony area where you can watch the street down below.

Heading to the beach to celebrate Christmas is a popular and enjoyable idea – perhaps one of St Kitts best beaches is Frigate Bay, two bays located close together. with stunning blue waters and soft sand, it is the perfect spot to experience a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas with your friends and family. Frigate Bay North has all the fun water activities, while Frigate Bay beach is on the calmer south coast and popular among locals and ideal for a lazy Christmas afternoon.

Best hotels to celebrate Christmas in St. Kitts & Nevis

If location is important during this festive time, Belle Mont Farm hotel is the perfect place to stay. Located within the capital of St Kitts, Basseterre, this 4-Star hotel is a luxurious place spread across 400 acres on Kittitian Hill and offers 41 rooms including villas, cottages, and a 4-bed farmhouse, ideal for larger groups or families. They also offer an infinity pool.

For family fun, and top-notch luxury, Park Hyatt hotel is a 5-star luxury resort that offers 126 rooms, including 46 suites. Located on Banana Bay, this idyllic hotel offers beautiful beach views and refreshing décor and is perfect for those looking for a romantic place to stay with Banana Bay and Cockleshell Bay beach in proximity. It is also a great place to stay for those with children as they offer a kids club for children aged 3-12.