Where to Spend Christmas in the Caribbean

What better way to end the year than with a sun-soaked Christmas in the Caribbean?

The Caribbean is at its best during our winter months. The weather is at its finest - sunny skies, the lowest rainfall and temperatures of up to 28°C - making the islands a top escape for some festive winter sun.

And, while it might seem early, now is the best time to start planning. Flights for Christmas are usually released in February and seats, unsurprisingly, fill up fast - as do some of the best hotel rooms, suites and villas.

So, if you want to swap sub-zero snow for winter warmth on a beautiful island, here are the top Christmas holidays in the Caribbean to book now.

Which Caribbean Island is best at Christmas?

1. Barbados

Longing for a sun-soaked Christmas by the sea? Barbados is a popular choice, welcoming you with endless warm turquoise waters, powdery white sands and classic holiday traditions. At Fairmont Royal Pavilion on the coveted Platinum Coast, a festive programme awaits to get you in the Christmas spirit, brimming with themed activities and carefully curated menus.

For the little ones, Fairmont's 'royal elves' create a full calendar of kids' programmes. Ranging from DIY projects to classic traditions, they'll have fun with Christmas cracker decorating and 'Dashing Through The Sand' beach races.

For families there's face painting, carols and Christmas movie nights with pizza and popcorn. Of course, complimentary watersports including kayaking, snorkelling, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding along with the hotel's exceptional beachfront, will also keep you busy. 

On Christmas Day, take part in the annual sandcastle building competition before a gourmet lunch or dinner at the Palm Terrace Restaurant. Expect traditional dishes with dashes of island flavour, served with a backdrop of ocean views. Menu highlights include the likes of maple glazed ham, cider brined turkey with roasted local sweet potatoes and poached lobster tails with pineapple chutney.

2. Grenada

Grenada is known as the Caribbean's 'Spice Island', with postcard-perfect beaches, colourful coral reefs and unspoilt rainforests. It’s a perfect spot for some winter sun, particularly over Christmas.

Owned and run by the gracious Hopkin family, Spice Island Beach Resort oozes a welcoming atmosphere. Here, you'll be treated like members of the family, and the festive period only heightens the feeling of warmth and hospitality. 

Christmas at Spice Island is an impressive affair, with entertainment including live musicians and performers, from steel pan bands to soulful choirs. Christmas morning kicks off with a glass of Champagne and a magnificent breakfast overlooking Grand Anse Beach, frequently voted one of the top ten beaches in the Caribbean.

Later on, join the owners for cocktails in the courtyard, followed by a traditional multi-course Christmas meal at the upscale Oliver's Restaurant. Known for its imaginative cuisine and dreamy setting near the sea, there's no better place to enjoy local specialties, fresh-caught seafood and spice-infused desserts.

In-between fine dining, the all-inclusive resort offers a choice of complimentary watersports in the surrounding turquoise waters and the supervised Nutmeg Pod Activity Centre for children.

3. St Lucia

Caribbean islands don’t come much prettier than St Lucia, with its dreamy Piton views, blissful beaches and natural wonders.

Tucked on the shores of Rodney Bay with its own private yacht marina, the sophisticated, all-villa resort of The Landings Resort and Spa offers Riviera charm and luxury island living at its finest.

To begin the festivities, a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony takes place. Kids will have plenty to keep themselves busy with, including Santa Claus sandcastle competitions, ornament making and festive movie nights, while grown ups can enjoy exquisite Asian-fusion dining at Suru and Champagne-filled Beach Club buffets.

Several St Lucian delicacies you'll likely see on the menu is black Christmas pudding doused in red wine and the famous Caribbean ham. Cooked on a coal pot on Christmas Eve, it is then baked in the oven and garnished with cloves and pineapple rings. Wash these delights down with traditional sorrel juice made with a hint of ginger and cinnamon or a glass of tropical rum-infused Egg Nog. Festivities cumulate with a lavish gala dinner on New Year’s Eve and live entertainment till the early hours. 

"The Landings is one of the best properties for families with children of all ages. Every apartment offers either an ocean or marina view and when you stay during the festive season, you'll enjoy an array of complimentary activities and authentic experiences to get into the Christmas spirit together." — Peter, Travel Specialist

4. Antigua

If you’re looking for some solid winter sun, then December is an ideal time of year to visit activity-packed Antigua. Christmas a particularly fun time to stay at Carlisle Bay, which promises beach parties, family time and everything in between.

Their festive programme is filled with seasonal delights including fashion displays, spa events and the best live music on the island. Exquisite festive menus are prepared by culinary teams and served in the most spectacular settings, with live music from local choirs, pianists and Antiguan steel bands. Other foodie-focused activities include a rum-tasting masterclass and a cheese and wine pairing treat with in-house Sommelier, Michael Jones.

For families, there's movie nights under the stars, gingerbread decorating competitions and water sports. If you’re looking for more relaxation this festive season, schedule some downtime at CARA Organic Beauty Spa which uses luxurious ESPA products.

On Christmas Day, you can expect extra treats in your suite and many festive surprises throughout the day. Children receive gifts from Santa at Coconut Grove and even enjoy their very own festive programme comprising beach bonfires with s'mores and storytelling, candy scavenger hunts and parties at the Cool Kids Club. Meanwhile, a traditional Christmas dinner is served at Indigo on the Beach, an open-sided room and terrace where wooden floors merge with the sand and sea.

5. St Vincent & the Grenadines

For a magical end to the year, it's hard to beat a winter sun getaway on one of the most exclusive Caribbean isles. In St Vincent & the Grenadines, Canouan is one of the Caribbean's lesser-visited islands, and is home to the ultra-luxe Mandarin Oriental, Canouan.

Here, five-star facilities blend with a series of special seasonal events catered to both families and couples.

Among the resort's holiday highlights is watching turtles return to the wild, arranged in partnership with Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. On the white powder stretch of the resort's Godahl Beach, witness endangered Hawksbill turtles being released into the crystal-clear waters — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all to enjoy.

Kids will love the Pirates of Canouan Kids’ Club, where they’ll be able to splash around in their own full-size pool, whizz down the water slide, and get stuck into a fantastic range of festive activities.

For those looking to enhance their wellness regime, there's yoga at the Ocean Pavilion, sunrise breathing meditations on the beach and hillside treatments at the spa. 

On Christmas Day, expect themed events, with previous years offering the likes of a special arrival from Santa on Godhal Beach, a 'Bloody Mary Brunch' with live entertainment and a choice of Christmas dinner at either Tides Bar + Grill or Asianne.

As this small and personal resort comprises just 26 sumptuous suites and 14 spacious villas, you can soak up the seclusion and privacy to your heart's content.

"The kids’ club here really is the best kids’ club around! Set away from the main hotel with two pools of its own, it gives youngsters their own space while still being close by." — Peter, Travel Specialist

What's the weather like during Christmas in the Caribbean?

Our featured Caribbean islands usually see highs of 28°C through December. In the evening, you will need a cover-up if you're dining outside as temperatures can fall to 19°C with tropical breezes. Christmas in the Caribbean is considered peak season, when you'll find the best weather and incredible activities. 

Spend Christmas in the Caribbean 

Speak to us today to tailor your own luxury holiday in the Caribbean, packed with beautiful beaches, turquoise water and festive wonders. Our experts are here to offer travel advice and insights so you can enjoy the perfect escape.

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The Best Luxury Family Resorts in the Caribbean

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