Caribbean Events Guide: December 2025 Festivals & Carnivals

December 2025 in the Caribbean is where culture turns all the way up. As the region officially enters peak travel season, the islands come alive with carnivals, Christmas traditions, music festivals, Junkanoo parades, and elite sporting events. From pre-dawn street parties in St. Vincent to masquerade-filled carnivals in St. Kitts and Montserrat, December isn’t just festive—it’s iconic.

As an entertainment expert covering Caribbean culture, one thing is clear: December is the Caribbean’s most culturally immersive month, blending deep-rooted traditions with modern music, nightlife, and global events.

Why December Is One of the Best Times to Visit the Caribbean

December marks the start of high season, but it also represents something deeper—heritage, homecoming, and celebration. Many islanders return home for the holidays, artists schedule major performances, and cultural events take center stage.

Expect:

• Christmas traditions unique to each island

• Major carnivals launching before the New Year

• Outdoor concerts, street parades, and food fairs

• International visitors mixing with locals in authentic settings

Major Caribbean Festivals & Carnivals – December 2025

St. Kitts & Nevis – Sugar Mas

One of the Caribbean’s most anticipated carnivals, Sugar Mas kicks off in mid-December and runs into early January. Expect calypso competitions, soca monarch events, colorful street parades, and a high-energy J’ouvert Morning on Boxing Day (Dec 26).

St. Lucia – Festival of Lights & Renewal (Dec 13)

A national public holiday celebrating unity, faith, and culture. The island glows with lanterns, community gatherings, and spiritual reflection.

St. Vincent & the Grenadines – Nine Mornings (Dec 16–24)

This beloved pre-dawn celebration blends music, dancing, games, and local treats—starting as early as 4 a.m. daily. It’s one of the Caribbean’s most unique Christmas traditions.

Cuba – Parrandas de Remedios (Dec 19–24)

A centuries-old Christmas festival featuring fireworks battles, street performances, music, and handcrafted decorations in the town of Remedios.

Turks & Caicos – Maskanoo (Dec 26)

A Boxing Day explosion of drums, whistles, costumes, and cultural pride in Providenciales.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – Crucian Christmas Carnival

Blending Christmas spirit with full carnival energy, the celebration runs from late December into early January, featuring food fairs, J’ouvert, and grand parades.

Bahamas – Junkanoo (Dec 26 & Jan 1)

No Caribbean December list is complete without Junkanoo. Nassau’s streets erupt with vibrant costumes, goatskin drums, brass instruments, and fierce group rivalries.

Sports & Signature Races in December 2025

Cayman Islands Marathon – December 7

A world-class race attracting international runners to one of the Caribbean’s most scenic courses.

Jamaica – Mouttet Mile Invitational (Dec 6)

The Caribbean’s richest horse race, bringing elite thoroughbreds, high fashion, and big energy to Kingston.

Antigua – Nelson’s Pursuit Yacht Race (Dec 31)

A New Year’s Eve sailing tradition where slower boats get a head start—pure island charm meets competition.

Music, Concerts & Cultural Highlights by Island

Antigua & Barbuda

• Glow Up Christmas Festival (from Dec 20): Fireworks, magic shows, and holiday entertainment in St. John’s.

Anguilla

• Live acoustic performances at luxury resorts

• Tribute concerts and holiday showcases throughout the month

Barbados

• Harbour Lights Beach Extravaganza: A must-see dinner show blending culture, food, and performance

• Live piano and lounge sessions in Holetown

Curaçao

• Ritmo di Navidad (Dec 23): Christmas street party and night market in Willemstad

• Steel pan performances and workshops across top resorts

Dominica

• Boxing Day Bash (Dec 26): Free-entry, high-energy music celebration in Calibishie

Dominican Republic

• Bachata and live concerts in Baní and Santo Domingo throughout the holiday weekend

Grenada

• December to Remember (Dec 20): Large-scale cultural gathering

• Storytelling, music showcases, and creative workshops at local markets

Jamaica

• Mavado Live (Dec 27): One of the month’s biggest reggae moments

• Jack Daniel’s Backyaad BBQ (Dec 26): Food, music, and community vibes

• Caymanas Festival events throughout the month

Montserrat

• Montserrat Carnival 2025 (Dec 20–Jan 1): Calypso competitions, masquerades, and parades celebrating resilience and culture

Puerto Rico

• Golf tournaments, sacred urban music festivals, and holiday concerts in San Juan and beyond

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines

• Reloaded Fest (Dec 20) and Riddim & Vibes (Dec 28): Major music showcases in Kingstown

Turks & Caicos

• Junkanoo Jump Up: Nighttime street parades ringing in the New Year with drums and dancers

Christmas, Boxing Day & New Year’s Across the Caribbean

• Christmas Day: Family gatherings, church services, local cuisine

• Boxing Day (Dec 26): Parades, J’ouvert, Junkanoo, Maskanoo

• New Year’s Eve: Fireworks, beach parties, yacht races, and open-air concerts

Montserrat’s Festival Day and similar island-specific celebrations add even more cultural depth.

December 2025 is one of the most exciting times to experience the Caribbean. It’s not just about sunshine and beaches—it’s about rhythm, heritage, celebration, and community. Whether you’re chasing carnival energy, authentic Christmas traditions, live music, or iconic sporting events, the Caribbean delivers a December unlike anywhere else in the world.

If you’re planning a holiday escape, December in the Caribbean isn’t just a trip—it’s an experience.