There is no denying the fact that the year 2020 has been a tough cookie. With the year in its eleventh hour, let’s bid it adieu in the best way possible. Since Christmas is approaching, we can’t wait for its magic to take over vapidity.
When thinking of Christmas, few things that come to one’s mind are an enormous Christmas tree decorated at the Rockefeller Centre, New York, or Winter Wonderland, London.
The idea of snow, overcoats, fireplace go for a toss when it comes to Christmas in Cayman. You will spot Santa sitting in his beachy outfit with a straw hat sipping Macabuca Punch. A rare Sight, but not to the Caymanians.
With a startling 40-foot lighting tree, elegant restaurants serving the traditional Christmas feast, Christmas Craft Market selling homegrown gift items, and church services, the island is rife with exciting sights throughout the month.
Partying with family, friends, or solo festivities here will keep you enthralled and entertained. There are plenty of events and activities happening everywhere on the Island you wouldn’t want to miss.
Before we move further, find the list of dates and days for Christmas Holidays for upcoming years-
Christmas 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 in Cayman Islands
Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
2020 | 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
2021 | 25 December | Saturday | Christmas Day |
27 December | Monday | Christmas Holiday | |
2022 | 25 December | Sunday | Christmas Day |
27 December | Tuesday | Christmas Holiday | |
2023 | 25 December | Monday | Christmas Day |
Comprehensive List of Christmas Events in Cayman 2020
Here is the comprehensive list of activities organized during Christmas in the Cayman Islands.
1. Christmas Shopping
What best represents the spirit of Christmas other than the act of giving?
So, if you are looking for some unique and best Christmas presents, Cayman has plenty of shopping markets, fairs, and festivals.
From personalized fine jewelry to the native craft items or the classic bottle of wine for the oenophiles, shops and markets in the Cayman Islands have got you covered.
Listed below are the most popular spots to shop:
- Rocky’s Diamonds
What is better than a diamond for your loved ones?
Rocky’s Diamond is a family-owned business, and it is rated #1 jewelry store by Tripadvisor. It has a well-crafted selection of gleaming diamonds, premium quality rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and tanzanite and handsome watches.
You can buy tax-free and duty-free diamond jewelry pieces that are GIA certified, ideal for a Christmas present!
- Pure Art Gallery & Gifts
A 30-year-old quaint cottage gift shop native to Cayman amazes you the moment you set foot inside. The floor to ceiling shelves are replete with mind-boggling fine arts, prints, decorative items, wall-hangings, unique souvenirs, and even soap and lotions.
The gift gallery has alleys leading to a different partition, where a wide variety of products are at display. It is a one-stop-shop for all Christmas gifts, and you’ll end up buying lots of stuff. Do make a stop here.
- Visual Arts Society Christmas Craft Market
Amid the excitement of Christmas shopping, there lies a set of fairly lit tents under the Visual Arts Society banner, displaying their exclusive collections at the Annual Christmas Craft Market at Camana Bay, which has created a buzz over the years for its locally handcrafted products. The Annual market has now become a Christmas ritual on the island.
VAS is a non-profit organization of professional artists and those with a passion for art who craft various products. If you are on the lookout for something more islandy and exclusive, whether a souvenir, jewelry, or textiles, VAS’s Annual Christmas Market will spoil you for choice.
- Pink Ladies Annual Christmas Bazaar
As a service organization, the Pink Ladies members volunteer in various roles within the community. In operation for over 36 years, their signature Christmas Bazaar welcomes the holiday season every year.
The highlights are the incredible assortment of beautiful yet useful craft items, homemade tea, jams and cakes, and plants. Handmade items convey the artisans’ affinity and are ideal presents for your friends and family. If you adore handcrafted articles, like VAS, Pink Ladies Annual Christmas Bazaar is a must-visit!
- Online Christmas & Boxing Day Sale at Shopright.ky
Nothing beats the warmth of a homemade Christmas spread. The stewed beef/ turtle served with the fine wine and the rum cake for desserts to wrap the feasts.
If you find yourself overwhelmed with a long ‘To-Do’ list, including a visit to the grocery store, fret not. Getting a home delivery by your local store, like Shopright, will be a relief. Besides, you will probably find one Shopright store on your way home as its four outlets are clustered across Grand Cayman. You will find all the items indispensable to a perfect Christmas evening in the comfort of your home, be it party supplies, groceries, or liquor.
- Farmers & Artisans Market, Camana Bay
Let your eyes feast on the fresh produce of local and exotic fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Buy these directly from the humble farmers who proudly display them.
That’s not all; you should also watch out for artisans displaying intricate handmade jewelry, scented soaps, pepper jelly, etc. Take a stroll through the market; that’s an experience in itself.
- Trisha’s Roses
‘Trisha’s Roses’ is one of the oldest florists in the Cayman Islands, they have a wide selection of gift hampers, and they deliver all over the Island.
Surprise your friends and family near or far with assorted flower bouquets, fruit & gourmet baskets on the day of Christmas.
2. Christmas Feasts
Set against the backdrop of stunning beaches, restaurants in the Cayman Islands offer the grand traditional Christmas feast, whether it’s lunch, brunch, or dinner. We would advise you to make the booking in advance because they usually fill up as the Christmas festivities approach.
- Gingerbread Cocktail Bar
A 12 feet tall and 15 feet long Gingerbread Cocktail Bar made from 800lbs spiced cookie dough, 350lbs of icing, and 100lbs of candy at Kimpton Seafire gives you the feel of Christmas in the North Pole.
Take a gander at the edible bar that serves holiday-themed cocktails, s’ mores, and fun treats for little ones as well. Kimpton Seafire is sure to make your family’s Christmas merrier.
- Gingerbread Man Tea- Ritz Carlton
Hone your creative hats, get together with your children, and participate in making a classic gingerbread man at Ritz-Carlton.
While kids decorate the gingerbread man at the dedicated stations, the adults can try the aromatic tea accompanied by pastries and savories.
- Christmas Brunch at Grand Old House
Imagine having a scrumptious brunch with 180-degree views of the Caribbean Sea. It’s the best way to enjoy a family Christmas brunch, isn’t it?
If you are on the lookout for a similar experience, Grand Old House is hosting one of its rare and limited to Christmas and Easter brunches to satiate your palate.
Indulge in the fresh seafood, hand-rolled sushi, home-baked loaves of bread, and a large selection of pastries and cakes. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance as they are usually filled during such special occasions.
Date – 25th Dec 2020
Time – 11am – 5pm
Reservation recommended
- Luna del Mar Christmas Party
What are the ingredients of an ideal Christmas dinner? Open sky gleaming with stars, the palm-fringed beach, sand underneath your barefoot, and the cuisine showcasing the chefs’ culinary expertise.
Luna Del Mar hosts an exhilarating Christmas party annually and checks the above list. Gather your friends and family and make remarkable Christmans 2020 memories.
- Christmas Celebration in Castle Pedro St.James
Celebrate Christmas in one of the oldest buildings located on the southern coast of Grand Cayman. It is a reconstruction of an old house in 1780 and belongs to William Eden.
During Christmas, it transforms wonderfully. Wine and dine under the stars and tree lightings that set the perfect festive ambiance. You can also participate in the raffles to win prizes. Enjoy the carols, storytelling, and a surprise visit from Santa Claus!
Date and Time – Sunday 06 Dec 2020/ 6 PM-9 PM
Food and Drink available for purchase
Free Entry
3. Church Ceremonies
Christmas festivities are incomplete without paying a visit to the beautiful churches in the Cayman Islands, and there are over 200 of them.
The St. Ignatius Catholic Church hosts candlelit services, fundraisers, and charity drives. To mention a few more, you can also visit The Baptist Church and The Elmslie Church to witness the holiday concerts and annual Christmas Carol concerts.
Wait, there is more; Christmas is not just a mere festival; it’s an adventure in the Cayman Islands.
4. The Lighting Spectacle in the Cayman Islands
Be in awe of the lighting arrangement, which is a part of Christmas celebrations.
- Residential Lighting Display
The locals put on the fancy lights in their houses, which make the Islands a sight to behold during Christmas.
You can check out 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. The families are welcoming and friendly. They will even leave their gates open so you can hike around to admire the stunning display during Christmas.
- Spectacular Lighting Event – Camana Bay
Thousands of people gather to gaze at the gigantic 40-foot tree at the end of The Paseo on The Crescent. It is one of the most sensational Christmas lighting events in the Cayman Islands.
- Parade of Lights at Camana Bay
Witness the boats, big and small, adorned with lights, sailing to the harbor, competing to win the prizes.
Watch the shore light up, a sight worth enjoying with your family and friends. You can also take a stroll in the Christmas Market, sway to the local music playing courtesy of the Cayman National Choir, and enjoy the firework display in the sky.
Date – Saturday, 7th Dec
Time – 6.00 PM-8.30 PM
More Info: https://www.caymannational.com/pol/
5. Christmas Carol Concerts
The joyful tunes bring people together and set a great atmosphere.
Christmas Carol and music closely ties the Cayman folk tradition. You will find Churches packed with people enjoying the choirs singing the song of Christmas accompanied by instruments such as the fiddle, accordion, mouth organ, grater, and drums.
6. Movie, Live Concert, and Theater
Crescent in Camana Bay screens classic Christmas flicks on giant screens. Take your kids and head over to enjoy the classics such as The Nutcracker, Peter Pan, and Follies in an outdoor seating arrangement.
There’s more; the Cayman Islands host the live concerts of the best musical talents. The Prospect Playhouse Theatre performs for the children as part of the Cayman Islands Drama Society’s Christmas series running from 27th November 2020 to 13th December 2020.
7. Santa Sightings
While you enjoy the lighting shows or shop from the fairs and markets, the children will often be surprised to see Santa across the Islands spreading cheer during the Christmas festivities. Click pictures with them and make long-lasting memories. And, if you are lucky, you may even spot a Caribbean Santa, chilling in his tropical shirt and shorts.
8. The Jingle Bell Run
Before you indulge in the Christmas spread, burn the existing calories by participating in the annual 5k and 10k Jingle Bell Run. The winners are announced on the spot, followed by delectable breakfast. All for a good cause, the proceeds are donated to the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre.
Cost – CI$25, Free for Children under 7 years
Date – Sunday, 13th Dec 2020
Time – 7 AM
Now that you have a well-curated list, we hope you will not run out of options on “What to do this Christmas?”. Similarly, with the Christmas Celebrations in the Cayman Islands, you will be spoilt for choices when it comes to New Year’s Eve celebration. Join the festivities in the Cayman Islands and create memories that will make a home in your heart!
“May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve.”