Cayman Islands at Christmas
Christmas Time in Grand Cayman
Christmas is a magical time of year in the Cayman Islands. They may not get snow but you’ll find plenty of traditional and festive activities to keep the whole family entertained throughout the holidays and to top it all off, you can enjoy plenty of Christmas cheer without having to suffer the cold weather!
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
This is one of Cayman’s biggest and best events! Camana Bay is transformed into a sparkling wonderland with a majestic Christmas tree, inspiring musical performances by The Cayman National Choir, a Christmas craft market and a special visit from Santa Claus. Join in the countdown to the switching on of the lights of Camana Bay’s 40ft Christmas tree! This event does get quite busy and it is recommended to book a table at one of the nearby restaurants (Brooklyn Pizza + Pasta, Mizu or The Waterfront) or bars (Karoo or The King’s Head) for a great vantage point. This is a charming event suitable for the young and old. Saturday 19th November 2016.
Cayman 27’s Parade of Lights
A wonderful Cayman tradition in Camana Bay. Thousands watch as beautifully lit up boats of every shape and size sail into the harbour in Camana Bay all competing for the prize of the most magical boat. Wander around the Christmas market, enjoy live music and carols and watch the fantastic firework display that wraps up the night! Saturday 3rd December 2016.
Santa Sightings
Children in Cayman are lucky enough to have not just one weekly visit from Santa, but two, plus a weekly snowfall! On Thursdays (5pm-7pm) throughout December little ones can have their photos with Traditional Santa and on Saturdays (3pm-5pm) Santa goes Island-style with his tropical shirt and shorts.
Christmas Lights
Decorating private homes with thousands of twinkling lights and creating beautiful Christmas scenes is a source of immense pride in Cayman! Take an evening drive around the Island (it gets dark around 6pm) and you will see stunning nativity scenes, plus Santa, snowmen, reindeers and a whole lot more! Top homes to check out include the Crighton family home, 389 South Sound Road, across from Sunset House and the Bodden sisters’ home at 705 South Sound Road, across from Smith Cove. Some homes will even leave their gates open so you can wander around and marvel at the magical, seasonal displays.
Christmas Carols
There is nothing more festive then belting out Christmas carols and in Cayman there are two major events to help get you into the Christmas spirit!
The Singing Christmas Tree is a spectacular event which highlights the story of Jesus’ birth depicted through a 25 foot Christmas tree encased with over 5,000 lights and 60 local and international performers. The 90 minute show is accompanied by a superb orchestra. Saturday 26th November and Sunday 27th November at 6.30pm.
The Elmsie Church also hosts an annual Christmas Carol Concert. Sing along with the Cayman National Choir to all your Christmas favourites! Tuesday 13th December & Thursday, 15th December 2016.
Christmas Moonlight Movies
Every Tuesday throughout December enjoy a family friendly Christmas Movie on the big screen under the stars in Camana Bay! Treat yourself to a meal at one of Camana Bay’s restaurants or bring a rug and a picnic, cuddle up and enjoy the show!
Gingerbread House Workshop
Get creative at the Ritz-Carlton’s annual Gingerbread House Workshop. Led by their pastry chef, children and adults gather to build a classic gingerbread house complete with icing, gumdrops, and more edible decorations. Great festive fun for the whole family! 10th, 17th & 18th December 2016.
Christmas Church Services
Being a predominantly Christian country, you’ll find no shortages of church services around Christmas.
Christmas Day Lunch
If you love over indulging on Christmas Day then you will not be disappointed in Cayman! From sumptuous brunches, traditional turkey lunches, sushi and Australian fare, you will be spoiled for choice on Christmas Day. Most restaurants offer bottomless champagne or sparkling wine too! But book early as restaurants do fill up quickly!
New Year’s Eve
One of the biggest nights of the year in Cayman! Those looking to bring in the New Year will find a huge range of party options, these will range from beach parties and black tie events to live music and gourmet dinners. Alternatively get a bunch of friends together and decamp to Seven Mile Beach to watch the magnificent fireworks displays at midnight!
