While a white winter in the UK certainly has its charms, we've got an idea that will certainly tempt you away for the festive season. Swapping snow for sandy beaches, Christmas in Saint Luca is something every lover of the Caribbean should experience at least once.
With December marking the start of Saint Lucia's finest weather, you can enjoy very pleasant temperatures of 30 degrees, leaving those cold mornings far behind.
But does that mean you have to sacrifice everything else we love about Christmas? Not at all. While you certainly won't see any snow-dusted rooftops, Christmas in Saint Lucia still has plenty of festive appeal.
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Jackie
Relationship Manager
What is a traditional Christmas dinner in Saint Lucia?
Saint Lucia is a Catholic nation so while Christmas definitely won’t feel the same as it does in the UK, there are certainly a few similarities. One of the best things about booking a tropical Christmas break here is that you won’t miss out on a delicious roast dinner on December 25th.
A big, family-sized feast is still the order of the day when it comes to Christmas in Saint Lucia, just bear in mind that it’s likely to be served in the late afternoon or evening instead of lunchtime.
Embrace the differences of a traditional Saint Lucian Christmas dinner as you tuck into roast lamb with sweet potatoes, plantains or yams in place of the usual turkey and trimmings.
Ready for a festive tipple? In Saint Lucia, you’ll be swapping your glass of mulled wine for a fiery ginger beer or sorrel, a local spiced drink.
Last but not least, the crowning glory of the Saint Lucian Christmas dinner is the Christmas pudding, although as you'd expect, it does come with a little twist. Instead of brandy, the raisins and currants are soaked in red wine.
If you want to try something more local and authentic for your Christmas dessert, why not give Saint Lucian black cake a try? This tasty treat is made with rum-soaked ginger, cherries, nuts and prunes – plenty of flavours that are guaranteed to have you feeling festive in no time at all.
Saint Lucian Christmas Traditions
One of the best things about spending Christmas somewhere different from home is having the opportunity to experience some of the local festive traditions – and you won’t be disappointed if you choose to spend Christmas in Saint Lucia. Here’s the lowdown on Saint Lucia’s Christmas events and festivities.
Festival of Light & Renewal
Be sure to arrive in Saint Lucia by mid-December if you’re planning to join in with the Festival of Lights traditions leading up to December 13th. This celebration honours Saint Lucia’s namesake, Saint Lucy of Syracuse (also known as the Saint of Light) and commemorates the triumph of good overcoming evil, represented by the lights.
Join the locals to watch the artisan lantern competition before creating your own colourful lantern, which you will be able to light up before joining the procession to Derek Walcott Square, Central Castries. This square is where the town’s Christmas lights are switched on. The grand finale of the celebration is a spectacular firework display that fills the night sky with colour, making the Festival of Lights a truly magical way to kick off the holiday season in Saint Lucia.
Jouvert (Christmas Day)
Immediately after Catholic midnight mass on Christmas Eve, rural communities across Saint Lucia begin their daybreak street party celebrations to welcome and honour Christmas morning.
Each party is different – some have specific themes, whereas others invite people to just come along as they are.
The festivities usually continue all the way through to the early hours of the morning, ending at around 6am, so it’s easy to see why locals tend to enjoy their Christmas meal later in the day.
Burst the Bamboo
During December and into the new year, don’t be surprised if you hear plenty of loud pops and bangs in Saint Lucia.
This is because in the run-up to Christmas, the local people (and visitors who want to get involved with local customs) “burst the bamboo”.
This local tradition involves filling the hollow end of a bamboo cane with rags that have been soaked in kerosene.
Once they are lit, the bamboo canes burst and pop loudly, just like a firecracker would.
How do hotels in Saint Lucia celebrate Christmas?
Spending Christmas in Saint Lucia doesn’t mean having to miss out on the Yuletide celebrations – after all, this is an island that just loves to celebrate all-year-round, so why should Christmas be any different?
Whether it’s a visit from Santa Claus on a jet-ski (complete with gifts for all), delicious festive food and drinks or colourful celebrations and parties, the hotels of Saint Lucia have something on offer to meet the preferences of every guest over the festive period.
Our Top Hotels for Spending Christmas in Saint Lucia
East Winds
Set amid 14 acres of tropical gardens, East Winds is a charming choice for a boutique Christmas escape in Saint Lucia. Its lush grounds are home to more than 100 tropical plant species, attracting an array of colourful birdlife. Join head gardener and nature specialist Sylvanus on a guided tour to discover the island’s flora, learn about the medicinal properties of local plants and explore the resort’s own tea plants, adding a fascinating nature-led experience to your festive stay.
For festive dining, enjoy seasonal menus with local seafood and tender meats, prepared with the freshest island produce. All this comes with a relaxed beachside backdrop and the sound of steel drums, bringing a distinctly Caribbean feel to your Christmas celebrations.
BodyHoliday
For a feel-good festive escape, BodyHoliday combines Christmas celebrations with a restorative focus on wellbeing. Enjoy a sunset cruise followed by a beachside buffet accompanied by local steel pan music, or join the candlelit cocktail party on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day brings its own traditions, from a tree-lighting ceremony with a children’s choir to festive dining and a Beach Fit session with Santa. With indulgent spa treatments and a varied programme of included activities throughout your stay, there are plenty of ways to feel refreshed before the start of a new year.
Windjammer Landing
For a magical family Christmas in Saint Lucia, Windjammer Landing brings festive traditions to the Caribbean sunshine. Join the resort’s much-loved Polar Express experience, gather around the bonfire on Christmas Eve for an enchanting reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas and toast marshmallows beneath the stars.
On Christmas Day, children can get creative with sandcastle building and Christmas cake decorating competitions, before the eagerly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus adds a final touch of festive magic. With its sandy beach and spacious family villas, it’s a wonderful setting for making Christmas memories together.
Ready to book your Saint Lucia Christmas break?
Contact us today to discuss your requirements and start counting down to your Christmas break in Saint Lucia.
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