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Christmas Seychelles holidays
Swap the cold and cosy with the sun, sea, and sand and escape to Seychelles this Christmas!
Seychelles is predominately Roman Catholic, with vast influences on its approach to Christmas celebrations, and it is also heavily influenced by the diversity of its people and their associated beliefs.
Buckle up for a magical celebration brimmed with turquoise beaches, belly-fulls of cheer, and an enchanting ambience.
Children in the Seychelles are blessed with a visit from Santa Claus on December 5th, who rewards the well-behaved with small presents and sweets. On Christmas morning, children awake to colourful gifts under the Christmas tree, and on January 6th, gifts are again left for good boys and girls: this time by the Three Kings at the household Nativity Scene!
Christmas holidays to Seychelles
Christmas traditions in Seychelles
The Christmas spirit and buzz circulating the Island in December is unmatched in Seychelles.
Many traditions will be familiar to a European visitor, like tacky Christmas trees, lights and exchanging perfectly wrapped presents with loved ones. The birth of Christ is significant, and Christmas Eve finds most people attending celebratory masses, dressed in fine attire. Once the religious ceremonies are finished and blessings have been received, lavish traditional Christmas dinners are enjoyed in family homes.
Shortly before the big day, houses are thoroughly cleaned, including mopping floors with scented liquids and giving walls a lick of fresh paint. The locals believe spirits are welcomed into homes by hanging pieces of the local Aloe, bound with red ribbons, above doors and windows. Between Christmas and New Year's Day, protection from evil spirits is achieved by businesses and residential areas igniting Pagaras, long strings of firecrackers. These events are popular and well attended and some Pagaras crackle and pop for thirty minutes or more.
Whilst any visitor will recognise the traditional sounds of familiar carols around the Island during the holiday period, locals also embrace Gaita, their own version of adopted Venezuelan Christmas tunes. From October onwards Gaita bands can be found playing in shopping centres and other public places. They are typically formed of female singers supported by people playing traditional instruments, which provides a pleasant, alternative beat to accompany those pre-Christmas present hunts.
Best hotels to celebrate Christmas in Seychelles
If you're willing to indulge in the majestic delights of a Christmas in the Seychelles, you cannot do better than booking a stay at the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa. Swap the white frost-covered ground for the white of pristine beaches and exchange the bitter cold winds for warm tropical breezes.
Christmas-themed decorations adorn all the public areas, with magnificent dining options like Ike’s Bistro and the Chophouse restaurant offering a whimsical experience. To truly experience something you and your family will never forget, why not have your Turkey dinner served under a sheltering gazebo by the poolside? Or swap the traditional for an enchanting Christmas lunch special of wild hare with red wine poached pear, glazed sprouts, potatoes au-gratin and rosemary sauce.
Whatever your choice, the blend of traditional festivities with a palm-fringed paradise will create memories to last a lifetime.