With its unique blend of traditions, festivities and natural wonders, Barbados promises a Christmas that’s both distinctive and unforgettable. From feasts that tantalise the palate to beaches that dazzle the eyes, the island is the perfect place for yuletide celebrations with a Caribbean twist.
Barbadian Christmas Traditions
Christmas in Barbados is unlike any other. The island is awash with the spirit of Christmas, blending age-old traditions with tropical vibes. Expect to see the streets and shops decked with trees, lights and trimmings while you stroll along, kitted out in summer clothing and suntan lotion. Of course, you won’t miss out on the best bits of the season. There are carol concerts, Christmas shows and even Midnight Mass, a must-attend for many Barbadians and visitors alike.
On Christmas morning, take a trip to Queen’s Park in Bridgetown. Here you’ll find a vibrant display of yuletide festivity as the locals dress up in their finest and parade around the park, sharing the joy of the season. This gathering is an age-old tradition and these days, comes with a background of entertainment, including marching bands, choirs and pop acts.
Festive Feasts
Food is at the heart of every celebration, and in Barbados, Christmas is no exception. Traditional dishes are prepared with a passion, and you’ll find them available in restaurants and street food shacks.
At the top of the menu is the famous Barbadian ham, often glazed with pineapple or honey to give it a caramelised perfection. Another must-try is ‘Jug Jug’, a type of haggis made with local ingredients, first served up when exiled Scottish settlers arrived in the mid-1600s. Made with guinea corn flour and pigeon peas, seasoned with fresh herbs and salt meat, it’s a delicious reminder of the island’s unique heritage. No Christmas is complete without Christmas pudding and in Barbados, this has evolved into the Great Cake. While similar to the original pudding, it is heavily infused with locally distilled rum instead of brandy and filled with dried fruits and spices.
Seasonal Events
As Christmas approaches, Barbados comes alive with events that capture the festive spirit. Carol nights are a common affair, where familiar and unfamiliar melodies can be heard drifting through the warm Caribbean air. Various venues, from churches to community centres, host these musical evenings and everyone is invited.
The end of the year also sees the beginning of the Barbados National Trust’s Open House programme. This is where some of the island’s most impressive private homes and estates, decorated in their seasonal finery, open their doors to visitors. After the hullabaloo of Christmas Day, December 26th sees the islanders typically go for picnics at the beach or to a local park; however, if you are looking for something more exciting, head to the historic Garrison Savannah in Bridgetown to have a flutter on the Boxing Day horse racing.
Santa on the Beach
If the Dickensian version of a snowy Christmas is not your thing, then Barbados beckons with golden sands, warm tropical winds and nine hours of daily sunshine. Here, Santa doesn’t arrive on a sleigh; you’re more likely to find him water skiing across the turquoise waters! While sunbathing, snorkelling and water sports activities continue as normal, some beaches, like Mullins Bay and Carlisle Bay, also host special Christmas festivities, so it’s not uncommon to see a jolly Santa handing out presents to delighted children.
Christmas Markets
Barbadian Christmas markets offer the perfect opportunity to soak in the festive spirit while picking up unique gifts. You’ll find a myriad of handcrafted items from the local craftspeople, from intricate jewellery to artisanal soaps, which are perfect souvenirs. Don’t miss the Holder’s Farmers Market in St. James, which gets a festive makeover in December, or if you are looking for top brand presents at duty-free prices, head to the upmarket Limegrove Lifestyle Centre in Holetown and explore the fashionable boutiques.
Where to stay?
The most prestigious luxury resort Barbados has to offer – Royal Westmoreland.
Royal Westmoreland offers seasonal travellers a perfect blend of luxury and genuine island charm. The gated resort, spread across 750 acres of lush landscape, boasts 250 exquisite villas, apartments, townhouses and golf cottages, a championship standard golf course, a modern fitness centre and tennis courts. Its array of dining options includes a cosy beach club and an inviting clubhouse, while guests also benefit from a housekeeper, concierge, private chef service and round-the-clock security.
Tucked within Royal Westmoreland’s grounds, the Golf Cottages offer a delightful mix of privacy and convenience. Positioned close to the 12th green, these six cottages are designed with guest comfort in mind. Each comes with spacious en-suite bedrooms, contemporary kitchens for those moments when you fancy cooking, and terraces ideal for leisurely evenings. With complimentary rounds of golf included, they serve as a relaxed yet connected base for your vacation.
For more information visit Royal Westmoreland Holidays Page.
