How to Celebrate Christmas in the British Virgin Islands
Why spend the holidays battling cold, dreary weather when you can enjoy the season on warm, pristine beaches of the BVI? Although you won’t find a white Christmas here, that doesn’t stop islanders from throwing festive holiday parties. Here our recommendations for the best ways to spend Christmas in the British Virgin Islands:
Learn to Sail
December may be dreary back home, but Christmas in the British Virgin Islands is the ideal time to visit for warm and calm weather, making for the perfect sailing conditions. Spend the holiday relaxing on sunny beaches while learning to sail with our sailing courses for beginner to advanced sailors. Our award-winning classes offer customizable itineraries so you can discover the places that interest you most, while acquiring new skills that will take you to exciting new horizons!
Christmas in the City
In Tortola, the center of Road Town transforms into a magical Christmas Village, complete with holiday games and activities, food vendors selling island treats and local crafts, and live music and entertainment from some of the BVI’s top performers. The BVI kicks off the festival with the Lighting of the Tree ceremony at the end of November. Christmas in the City is the BVI’s largest Christmas gathering and welcomes both locals and tourists.
VISAR’s Winter Wonderland
Another cherished Road Town event is VISAR’s Winter Wonderland, whose main attraction is an ice-skating rink at Tortola Pier Park. Proceeds from the rink support VISAR’s life-saving search and rescue services in the British Virgin Islands.
Christmas in Spanish Town
If you’re looking for a smaller, community-driven celebration, head to Virgin Gorda’s Christmas Festival. Similar to Tortola’s festival, the multi-day and family-friendly event will include a tree lighting ceremony, local vendors, and delightful performances. Head to Virgin Gorda for a low-key yet cheerful way to celebrate Christmas in the Virgin Islands.
Foxy’s Christmas Eve Dinner
Foxy’s Tamarind Bar on Jost van Dyke is legendary throughout the Virgin Islands for hosting the hottest parties around, and their Christmas Eve Dinner is one of their most notorious events of the year. Guests will dance to live music under the stars all night long and may even be joined by Foxy himself! Then, on Christmas Day, Foxy’s serves a hearty holiday feast. We recommend making reservations early, as demand for this event is high.
Attend a Church Service
The British Virgin Islands are home to several churches of multiple denominations, which open their doors to the public with services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For those who seek a spiritual way to spend Christmas in the British Virgin Islands, check out the carols and sermons at the BVI’s churches.