The festive vibes of Christmas have already taken over everyone and people have started planning where they are going to celebrate this year’s Christmas and New year. If this question is buzzing in your mind as well, we would suggest you a mind-blowing travel destination and it is Jamaica, a well-known island in the Caribbean. If you wonder why we took the name of only Jamaica when there could have been other options worldwide, delve deep into details and find out the reason.

What makes Jamaica an ideal holiday destination for Christmas & New year?

Bursting with the charm of nature and the glory of the sophisticated modern world, Jamaica has plenty of things to offer its visitors during this particular time of the year. Whether you want to go for an adventurous holiday this Christmas or want to revel in the ultimate charisma of nature, want to groove in the pulsating nightlife of the island, or simply want to go for a family trip, this tropical wonderland has everything to please you. Its warm weather during December and January is another reason that your holiday would be filled with fun and lifetime memories.

Best places to visit in Jamaica during Christmas and New year

Jamaica is not one such destination that has only a handful of places to attract visitors. Instead, the island has something striking at every step. So, let us today tell you just the prominent places on the island.

  • Negril Beach & the Negril Cliffs

Negril Beach & the Negril Cliffs are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jamaica and you yourself would understand the reason for that after visiting it. Having the backdrop of Negril Cliffs, the white sandy Negril Beach looks just surreal. Here, you can indulge in various water sports activities or just sit calmly and capture the panoramic sunset views.

  • Port Antonio

If you want to have an adventurous holiday this Christmas in Jamaica, you should visit Port Antonio, which is a fishing village nestled majestically between a double harbor and mountains. Once known for being the center of banana export, today, it has become one of the most loved tourist destinations. The village has many such spots where you can go for river rafting, snorkeling, jungle safari, and coral reef diving.

  • Rose Hall Great House, Montego Bay

People who love haunted places can make their Christmas celebration more thrilling by visiting Rose Hall Great House, Montego Bay, which is etched with the spooky stories of a white witch, Annie Palmer. The interesting thing is that the guides are dressed in ghost dresses and narrate the spine-chilling tales of the witch. Apart from this, the house also offers eye-catching ocean views.

  • Falmouth

If you crave a special love for stellar architecture and the history associated with that, you must visit Falmouth, which is the epitome of Georgian architecture in Jamaica. In ancient time, it was established as a sugarcane farming town but today it has become the finest example of Georgian craftsmanship.

  • Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park

Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park represent the wild charm of Jamaica really well. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is sure to spellbind you with its nature as well as cultural charm. Once the home for refugee slaves is today home to 800 species of plants and 200 species of birds.

  • Dolphin’s Cove

Dolphin’s Cove in Ocho Rios is another must-visit place in Jamaica during Christmas and New year. In this marine spot, you will not be able to just interact with dolphins but also swim and snorkel with them. Can you imagine this wild experience? Don’t worry about the safety factors. Complete safety is ensured during the whole adventure.

Things to do in Jamaica during Christmas and New year

When you are in Jamaica for the celebration of Christmas and New year, you can never run out of things to do and make your festival more entertaining. Here are some of the must-do things in Jamaica during Christmas and New year.

  • Attend Christmas fairs

During Christmas time, a couple of fairs are held in Jamaica and they are really worth exploring. Potters’ Fair (14-15 December) and Market at the Lawn ( December 15 & 22) are a few to name out.  Make sure to attend and buy unique gifts not just for yourself but also for your family.

  • TWIST New Year’s Eve Party

Like every country in the world, Jamaica also holds a New Year’s Eve party, but in its own way. So, don’t miss being a part of TWIST New Year’s Eve Party and add a different twist to your Christmas celebration.

  • Experience Jamaican Christmas Carol music

Yes, you can definitely enjoy the traditional Carol music of Jamaica anytime in the year but it actually comes in the full swing during Christmas and New year because these days are filled with festive vibes and there is only music and dance all around. Here, you will get to feel Christmas carols that you can’t experience anywhere else in the world.

  • Join the Christmas Eve traditions 

Jamaica has its own way and traditions of celebrating Christmas Eve. A kind of fair named Grand Market is held where vendors from all around the country come and sell different items like foods, gifts, accessories, clothes, and just anything. Get some souvenirs from here.

  • Attend music shows on boxing day

The festivities in Jamaica are not limited just to Christmas or New Year’s day. This full week you will find something interesting and mind-blowing going on here. If you are a lover of music shows, you can attend live music performances in Kingston on boxing day. Live performances are really riveting and sure to spellbind you.

  • Experience pulsating nightlife

Don’t forget to explore the nightlife of Jamaica when you are there in this festive season. Just visit any dance club on the island and you will find themed nights that will make your legs groove and definitely offer you an experience to cherish for a lifetime. From dance to music and drink to snacks, you will get everything here.

What to eat & drink in Jamaica during Christmas and New year? 

No festive celebration can be completed without relishing a bunch of luscious dishes and drinks. Isn’t it? The same goes for the Christmas and New year festivities in Jamaica too. There are many dishes and drinks that you must try in Jamaica during this festive season. We have talked about some of them.

  • Christmas ham

Well, ham is not a unique dish. You might enjoy it daily but Jamaica has the Christmas version of the dish. Yes, it can be enjoyed during this Christmas and New Year season only. Topped with pineapple slices, cherries, and cloves, the dish is just a delight to your taste buds.

  • Christmas Cake

Once you have enough of Christmas ham, don’t forget to enjoy Christmas cake as well which you can enjoy only during this festive season. The unique thing about this cake is that the rum used in it is spiced almost 1 year in advance in order to impart a rich and unique flavor.

  • Relish ackee and saltfish

Needless to mention that Ackee and Saltfish is a widely loved dishes in Jamaica. Although you can enjoy it all year round here, it is a kind of traditional Christmas dish along with boiled banana and bread fruits. This is the reason that you must try this sumptuous dish during this festival in Jamaica.

  • Have a glass of Sorrel drink

If you are in Jamaica and don’t try Sorrel drink, you would really miss out on  probably the biggest thing of Christmas celebration on the island. Bursting with the mind-blowing flavor of sorrel, the drink is a favorite Christmas time drink in Jamaica.

Weather in Jamaica during Christmas and New year

The best thing about Jamaica during Christmas and New year is that the weather remains pleasant during this time with an average daily temperature of around 30 degree Celsius. Given the fact, it is neither too cold nor too hot. You can enjoy the festival with the utmost fun.

Where to stay in Jamaica during Christmas and New year?

When you are visiting Jamaica during Christmas and New year, you must be sure about your accommodation beforehand because Jamaica is full of tourists during these days of the year. To help you find the best accommodation, here we are going to list down the best all-inclusive Resorts Caribbean.

  • Half Moon, in Half Moon P.O. Box 80 Montego Bay
  • Couples Swept Away, in Norman Manley Boulevard Negril
  • Iberostar Grand Rose Hall, in Montego Bay
  • Secrets St. James, in Lot A59 Freeport, Montego Bay
  • Secrets Wild Orchid, in Lot A59 Freeport,  Montego Bay

If you are looking for cheap Caribbean vacations and want to make your Christmas celebration this year something unique and different, no other place in the Caribbean can be a better choice for you than Jamaica. So, pack your bags and head to island to make this festive season memorable for the lifetime.

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