Christmas, a magical time of year. Snowflakes on pine trees, hot chocolate next to open fire and toasty nights cuddled up. In Cayman, however, Christmas is spent soaking up sun rays and stretching out on snow white beaches instead. Having a summer Christmas definitely has its advantages. What you lose in terms of eggnog and roasted chestnuts, you gain doubly in coconuts, Vitamin D and tropical tans.
The island offers a large variety of festive, summer activities during the warm Christmas season for both young and old to enjoy.
One of the major attractions during the holidays is the Annual Tree Lighting in Camana Bay. The 40 feet Christmas tree, the Christmas craft market and The Cayman National Choir transform Camana Bay into a brilliant, glittering wonderland.
Photo: Camana Bay
If you can’t get enough of the intoxicating Christmas cheer, the Parade of Lights will be your highlight (pun intended) of the season. It is the biggest and probably most magical event of the season where thousands of boats of all shapes and sizes sail into Camana Bay harbor, beautifully decorated with lights, sparkling and glistening in the dark. Enjoy the live music and carols by local bands and choirs at the Camana Bay Christmas market and check out the food and craft booths to grab a bite or buy a last minute Christmas gift. The fantastic fireworks over the harbor that wrap up the evening’s festivities, are the cherry on top of the festive, shimmering Christmas cake that has been your night.
Photo: Camana Bay
If come Christmas Day you want to be enjoying an easy morning of unwrapping thoughtfully and carefully hand-picked gifts with your loved ones, instead of slaving in front of an oven to prepare a Christmas family lunch, you’re in luck. Cayman’s got you. Celebrate Christmas Cayman style by sinking your teeth into everything from traditional turkey to festive traditional Christmas desserts when you book any of the island’s opulent Christmas brunches. Wash down your carefree Christmas Day meal along with bubbles enjoying the backdrop blue hues and tropical views. It is recommended to book in advance as Christmas is a busy season in Cayman.
To burn off all the calories that you’ll inevitably consume during Christmas on the island, why not take part in the jolly Dashing Thru the Sand event the day after Christmas. The 1.5 mile beach run offers great ocean views, prizes, shirts and a wonderful breakfast at Duke’s, simply for finishing.
On New Year’s eve, get a couple of friends together and end your holiday season by watching the fireworks anywhere along magnificent Seven Mile Beach or check out some of the other events that range from beach parties and black tie events to gourmet dinners.
Christmas is definitely a joyful, exceptional and memorable time to spend on the Cayman Islands. And if you are still not convinced that a summer Christmas is just as great as a winter one, we challenge you to come experience the sunny Cayman islands firsthand.
