Escape the winter chill and celebrate the holidays in paradise! Discover our selection of the best tropical destinations for a magical Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Here is our selection of the best tropical destinations that host celebrations and festivities to make Christmas and New Year’s Eve feel extra special!
Top Christmas Destinations
Kauai: A Light-Hearted Christmas
Holiday activities in Kauai are light-hearted and great for families. Holiday spirit on the island kicks off with the Lights on Rice Christmas Parade held on the first Friday in December. Each year the parade has grown with the most recent having over 3000 performers. The Annual Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade occurs mid-December. Also, Smith Family Garden hosts a Christmas Eve Luau complete with an open bar, dinner, and classic performance hosted by a family over generations.
Performers dancing in the Smith Family Garden Luau
Consider staying at: Hale ‘Ae Kai
Hale ‘Ae Kai is a 4-bedroom estate situated on 15 acres on Kauai’s North Shore and is considered to be one of the island’s finest estates.
Bahamas: Junkanoo Christmas Celebrations
The Christmas spirit is felt with decorations lining storefronts and indulging in Bahamian holiday delicacies like black cake, conch, and the classic ham. Most special is the Junkanoo parade that begins at 10:00 pm Christmas night and continues through the morning of Boxing Day on the 26th. The parade groups are all competing for cash prizes and the title of “Best Junkanoo Group” so lots of preparation goes into costumes, dance, and music. This is an extremely lively event with raucous from cowbells, drums, and whistles filling Bay Street in New Providence.
If you want to observe and enjoy for a little bit and then return to a private villa, we can make that happen. Of course, if you want to be right in the heart of the action, there are also opportunities to be involved in the parade itself.
Consider Staying At: Villa Sul Mare
Villa Sul Mare, the six-bedroom waterfront villa on Paradise Island, is just one bridge away from Nassau and close to festivities.
Costa Rica: Traditional Christmas Festivities
Here the true meaning of Christmas is remembered with Misa del Gallo (mass of the rooster) being offered at midnight on the 25th. Almost every household has a nativity scene set up, and you can buy traditional figurines from the go-to shopping stalls. For typical Christmas cuisine, enjoy homemade Rompope (eggnog) and mouth-watering tamales. In San Jose, unique festivities are occurring all month long! The festival of lights is celebrated mid-December and is complete with elaborate floats and local bands. The day after Christmas is the National Horse Parade known as Tope, where horses and riders show off their best riding styles, saddles, and outfits.
Consider Staying at: 10 Bedroom Costa Rican Dream Villa
This villa offers plenty of time to spend with loved ones enjoying Manuel Antonio’s beautiful jungle and the 180-degree ocean views.
Top New Year’s Eve Destinations
Grand Cayman: Luxurious New Year’s Celebrations
Many high-end restaurants host luxurious six-course dinners on New Year’s Eve. Complete with Sommelier pairings and beachfront seating to enjoy the seemingly endless fireworks, you’ll want to dine at all of them. The Ritz Carlton also puts on an elegant New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball with dinner, dancing, and live jazz. The buffet offered has exquisite wines and desserts, and after, you make your way to the beach for the firework spectacle.
Consider Staying at: Kempa Kai
This seven-bedroom villa in Rum Point is ideal for entertaining and has a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen.
Turks and Caicos: Fireworks on Grace Bay Beach
The entire sky of Turks and Caicos is lit up on New Year’s Eve. When the clock strikes midnight, the fireworks over Grace Bay Beach are stunning.
On the ground, there are many beach parties and large bonfires going. Flamingo Cafe hosts the largest of these bonfires and is one of the most popular spots to party on New Year’s Eve. If watching the fireworks from your private beachfront villa is more appealing, stay on Grace Bay Beach and you will have a private show.
Almost all eight bedrooms of Sentosa have ocean views, and on New Year’s Eve, that means fireworks views as well!
Wherever you choose to spend the holidays, my team and I can help you find the best accommodations and activities. Be sure to reach out to us soon, however, as many of the most popular villas will book fast for the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Warmly,
Shanna Dickerson
Owner & CEO
Blue Sky Luxury Travels
