Top 5 Christmas Celebrations around Marsh Harbor
Celebrating the holidays is a time when many families and friends get together with loved ones, open presents by the fireplace, and sip hot cocoa. Celebrating Christmas in the Bahamas is another fun way to spend the winter holiday season, and is also a great time to sail the Caribbean!
December is the beginning of peak sailing season, and there are some fun events you can take part in to celebrate the holidays. Here is a guide to the top Christmas celebrations around Marsh Harbor in the Bahamas.
1. Abaco Christmas Festival
If you can only attend one event when celebrating Christmas in the Bahamas, head to B.A.I.C. Park on the first Saturday of December. While technically a few weeks before the big holiday, you won’t want to miss the Abaco Christmas Festival, which is one of the most unique cultural celebrations in the Bahamas. The Abaco Christmas Festival is a chance to celebrate the holiday with locals, taste Bahamian cuisine, look at artisanal products, and listen to local music. The event is highlighted by a Christmas tree lighting and a meet and greet with Santa Claus for the kids.
2. Christmas Boat Parade
Sailing in the Bahamas over Christmas is a one-of-a-kind experience, and it doesn’t get much better than the Light up the Harbour Boat Parade. The parade starts in Marsh Harbour Marina at the Jib Room Restaurant. For 2 hours, sailors parade around the harbor, showing off their boats, decked out with holiday lights and decorations. If you want to partake in the festivities, you can sign up in advance and join the fun!
3. Meet Santa on the Beach
Although your trip sailing in the Bahamas over Christmas begins and ends in Marsh Harbour, you will see other parts of the beautiful Abaco Islands when you sail. Another popular Bahamas Christmas event is at the Bahamas Beach Club Resort in Treasure Cay. The hotel hosts an all-day beach party on Christmas Day, where families have a chance to meet Santa while playing in the sand. Ask your Go Sail Bahamas ASA instructor about stopping by to take part in the fun!
4. Private Party With Friends and Family
Another popular way to celebrate Christmas in the Bahamas is with your friends and family! There are excellent dining options around Marsh Harbour, some of which host special holiday dinners. Abaco Beach Resort has hosted Christmas buffets in the past, and we’d recommend making reservations with the hotel staff in advance. You can also plan your own holiday meal while sailing in the Bahamas over Christmas. All of our sailboats are equipped with kitchen supplies, a stove and range, and a refrigerator.
5. Junkanoo
Technically celebrated on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas), Junkanoo is one of the most famous cultural events in the Bahamas. While the hours can vary, this party typically takes place in the earliest hours of the morning, sometimes starting at 2 am. It’s a celebration of local culture, music, and style. You’ll see beautiful costumes, hear island rhythms, and party with locals and visitors celebrating Bahamian culture.
Plan Your Christmas in the Bahamas Now!
Sailing in the Bahamas over Christmas is popular, so sailboats fill up quickly. If you plan to take American Sailing courses or book a bareboat charter, you will want to secure a spot in advance. Gift your loved one a trip back to the Bahamas with a Learn to Sail Vacation!