Here's How to Spend Christmas in the Cayman Islands
Come one, come all! The Cayman Islands Christmas celebrations are as diverse as the people of the islands. It doesn’t matter if there’s no snow. After all, Christmas is all about the warmth of festivities and the spirit of celebration - not about a wintry night. The Cayman Islands becomes a Christmas wonderland around the time of the festival and you can do various things ranging from witnessing the dazzling light displays to amazing beach parties. There’s something special for people of all ages. And who wouldn’t like to indulge in the lip-smacking delicacies – the Cassava or the Heavy cake, the Fruit cake, Christmas beef and Sorrel!
What’s most interesting here at Christmas time, apart from the holiday activities the festive decorations, is Cayman’s very own Caribbean Santa at Camana Bay, dressed in shorts and flip flops. Or having the opportunity to enjoy a holiday dive in one of the many world class dive sites! Have you ever heard Jingle Bells with a Reggae beat? Come to this Caribbean Christmas heaven to enjoy all of the exotic experiences and more.
The major attraction in the Cayman Islands during Christmas is the Annual Tree Lighting. There is no other place you will find a brighter holiday than in Camana Bay - the upscale urban centre changes into a glittering Christmas village! Be sure to stop and indulge in the Christmas evening market that will be on display on your walk toward the gigantic 40-foot tree at the end of The Paseo on The Crescent by the bay. Browse through the various food and craft vendors, bring the kids for crafts, pictures with Santa and a fantastic fireworks show - all while enjoying Christmas melodies from local choirs and bands in the background.
Santa sightings in the town’s Gardenia Court, every Wednesday in December, from 5 to 7 pm, is yet another fascinating event – the big guy loves to greet his guests at Santa’s House and take photos with them. Christmas Films Al Fresco which takes place every Tuesday in December, allows you to watch holiday movies on the big screen outside on the lawn of The Crescent. The Christmas Lights tour lets you watch the magnificent display of lights on the roundabouts and even at homes - and do not forget the holiday beach BBQ, the Christmas Day family brunch, or the various workshops at the Ritz Carlton. The renowned firework display along 7-mile beach, for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, is a spectacle not to be missed. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking scene as fireworks fill the sky all along the stretch of the beach.
You may think all of the above is plenty of activities to choose from, but low and behold, Cayman offers even more. The annual All White Party held at Abacus is an unforgettable evening of live music, champagnes, fine vodkas and aged rums, all in a vibrant environment. Mingle under the stars as you get into the Christmas party spirit! Don't miss the Christmas decorations at the gorgeous Botanic Park, and the Holiday Concerts which take place at churches all across the island. It is without a doubt that Christmas in the Cayman Islands is the most looked forward to by many, and an extremely memorable and cherished time of the year.
As a very religious group of islands, you will find some of the most wonderful Christmas church services, carol events and musical extravaganzas in Cayman. The St. Ignatius Catholic Church traditionally has a beautiful candlelit service in their outdoor courtyard each year, where children from the St Ignatius school sing carols - accompanied by their excellent band. The Baptist Church at Red Bay and Elmslie Church in George Town also offer beautiful Christmas praise and worship services - to mention but a few.
Christmas is a time for old traditions and family gatherings and although Cayman is known for great local food year-round, there is nothing quite like Cayman Christmas beef for the most sumptuous feast ever!
Because there is such an international set of residents living in Cayman, many residents don’t have family on-island. For those who may not participate in family Christmas gatherings, Christmas brunch at one of the Seven Mile Beach hotels has become a new Christmas tradition in recent years. All of the hotels, including the Kimpton, The Ritz Carlton, The Westin and the Marriott, all serve the most amazing Christmas brunch buffets, as do some restaurants. Some overlook the Caribbean Sea, and all are relaxed casual and washing down with endless bubbles (glasses of champagne or Prosecco).
Christmas is very much a time for giving in Cayman and community service groups such as the various Rotary Clubs, Lions Club and Kiwanis and schools, offer all kinds of gift campaigns and fundraisers for those less fortunate.
Finally, let's not forget the annual CEC Christmas Client Party, held every year in early December. All community members gather for a night under the stars, surrounded by a stunning backdrop, some delicious nibbles, and drinks. Check out last year's party by clicking here.
Christmas is undoubtedly the most joyful time of the year in the Cayman Islands, but don’t take our word for it, come down and see for yourself!
Are you an innovative business looking to make the move to the Caribbean? CEC is here to help! We make growing an international business from the Cayman Islands easy, affordable and functional. If you would like to learn more about our services visit our business set-up page.