How to Spend the Holiday Season in Jamaica

There’s nothing like Christmas in Jamaica.

Nature truly shows off at this time of the year. Waterfalls roar at their most intense, the rainforest is lush and alive with species of migratory and endemic birdlife, sunsets are even more spectacular. In the cities, the streets are abuzz with activity and merriment. For those of Jamaican heritage, Christmas is a time to come ‘home’, recenter, and fill up on irie vibes. If it’s your first time on the island…welcome. You’ll soon discover all the magic this season brings.

Here are some our favourite things to do in Jamaica in December and throughout the festive season.

Food and Flavours

Jamaicans love to gather to share a meal. Traditional Jamaican foods like rice and peas, curry goat, mannish water (goat soup) are the stars of the Christmas table. You're sure to find them on restaurant menus or at your hotel buffet. For dessert, enjoy traditional Jamaican Christmas Cake, it's a rich and rum-laced pudding made with dried fruits (including raisins, currants, and cherries) that have been soaked in liquor and spices. It's a point of pride for many bakers and home-cooks to soak their fruits months ahead to ensure the most flavourful cakes. Wash it all down with a tall glass of sorrel, a ruby-red drink made from the flowers of a hibiscus plant. Served over ice, the taste is bright and tangy with spices like pimento and cloves to give it its signature holiday warmth.

Christmas Markets, Bazaars, and Art Shows

Christmas is a great time to connect with the rich culture and vibrancy of the island. Fairs and Christmas markets abound as artisans, makers, and fine artists display beautiful and one-of-a-kind treasures that make memorable gifts. Visit the annual Market on the Lawn event at Devon House, or head to the popular 'Potter's Fair' near Hope Gardens in Kingston. For art collectors, this is the time to snag coveted pieces by contemporary artists who debut their works just in time for the season. This December, mark your calendar for the opening of the highly anticipated 2025 Kingston Biennial. Organized by the National Gallery of Jamaica, the largest and oldest public art museum in the Caribbean, the Biennial showcases leading talent from a dynamic mix of artists from the Jamaica, the diaspora, and the wider region. 

Family-Friendly Fun

For Jamaicans, the Christmas break is synonymous with days spent on the beach, by the river, or in the hills taking in all the beauty of the island. Cooler temperatures make for pleasant days and December is a great time to plan a visit to a waterfall and take in outdoor activites. Some attractions offer seasonal specials and offers for families, so why not check out bucket list expereinces like bobsledding or ziplining through the rainforest, river rafting, or a sunset catamaran cruise?

Dance the Night Away

In Jamaica, we take having fun very seriously. During the Christmas season, there's no shortage of parties, concerts, and lymes so you can 'drop legs' (dance) and close out the year in style. Early in the new year check out big stage shows like Rebel Salute, and the Hanover Charities Foundation Ball.

Relax and Reset

After all the excitement you'll be ready put up your feet and sink into some deep relaxation. As you reflect on the year that was and get ready for the one ahead, it's the perfect time to plan some self care activities. Visit one of the award-winning spas on the island or arrange a massage right on the beach or at your private villa. In Kingston, make your way up into the serene Blue Mountains. Spend the day at Holywell, part of the National Park, where you can hike through the cloud forest or sit under a gazebo and enjoy the birdsong echoing through the trees. Pack a jacket as it can get chilly this time of year. Whether in the hills or on the beach, enjoy sunset cocktails made with fine aged Jamaica rum before enjoying a sumptuous farm-to-table dining experience.

However you plan to spend the Christmas season in Jamaica, be sure to make room for the people and experiences that bring you the most joy. We can't wait to share all the joy and cheer of the holiday with you.

Need help planning? Speak to a live agent to get started!