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Christmas Mauritius holidays
Imagine all that you like best about Christmas: brightly decorated shops buzzing with excitement and anticipation, carols spreading their joyous messages through the air, presents, Santa Claus and of course a bit of merriment for the adults. Now take that thought and transpose it to a beautiful tropical island in the height of its summer, with a backdrop of flame trees in full bloom displaying brightly red flowers. Like that vision? Then put a big red circle around Mauritius for that final December week.
Everything becomes livelier in Mauritius during Christmas; the shops explode with colour and themed entertainment to entice customers through their doors. Carols are played everywhere as you navigate through street vendors offering Christmas cards, balloons, toys and trinkets. For those seeking a religious aspect then many faiths and religions are represented on the island and Catholic Christmas Mass is a central focus for many.
On the day, traditional western Christmas fare is served in hotels, but why not take the plunge and indulge instead in a Mauritian Christmas dinner based on European, Asian and Creole dishes. Most hospitality and shops stay open, even on December 25th, so there is always plenty to do and of course did we mention the amazing beaches and weather at this time of year and the fact that you will be enjoying all this without the need for a hat, gloves and scarf?
Christmas holidays to Mauritius
Christmas traditions in Mauritius
While Christmas in Mauritius may be celebrated in various ways because of its multi-ethnic population, one thing is common, it places the family at the heart of all celebrations. Christmas Eve is the time to decorate the tree whilst listening to carols playing on the radio or TV. Many families will spend time taking in the festive atmosphere in air-conditioned malls, whilst others will choose to attend traditional Catholic Masses, some will even head to the beach for a Christmas Eve BBQ, and maybe a few drinks.
Christmas Day begins with the children opening their presents that have been dutifully delivered by Santa on his sleigh. The day is a public holiday in Mauritius and families often choose to unite at grandparents’ homes where special dishes are prepared and eaten. Often the family will relocate to the beach for Christmas-themed BBQs and sometimes even stay there in their own or rented beach houses.
Best hotels to celebrate Christmas in Mauritius
If you’re wishing for a fun-filled, sunny Christmas, book your stay at the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, located on the East Coast. The festivities kick off in style on Christmas Eve at the Bambou restaurant as the firework display will have you oohing and ahhing. Get merry as you dance and sing along to Christmas carols until the early hours of the morning.
Christmas holidays aren’t complete without an all-inclusive, and Constance Belle Mare Plage is a real treat. Nestled at the foot of a turquoise lagoon, Constance Belle Mare has been freshly renovated boasting elegant villas and Presidential suites with everything you can wish for on your festive seascape. There is nothing as satisfying as spending Christmas Eve at a relaxing spa and floating at the poolside bar under swaying palm trees.