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The small British commonwealth island nation of Barbados is a perfect place to spend Christmas. It is located about 62 miles (100 km) east of the Windward Islands and about 250 miles (400 km) northeast of Trinidad and Tobago. The island measures 166 square miles – 21 miles long by 14 miles wide. While part of the Caribbean is surrounded solely by the Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors to the island are met with crystal clear azure and turquoise waters, sun-bleached sand, and vacation rental homes perfect for your entire family. Bajans are kind and welcoming, and the island offers both luxury and local flair.
A Brief Barbados History
To colonize the Caribbean, the British initially landed on the island in 1625. The landing site was originally christened Jamestown after King James I. But the site’s name was changed to Holetown, now a small city in Saint James parish on the island’s west coast.
On the island’s east coast sits a more rugged shoreline, the Scotland District. The first sugar workers in Barbados were Scottish. While some were voluntary migrants, many were prisoners of war. These first settlers strongly influenced the history and culture of Barbados, from Christmas food and traditions to the nation’s highest award — The Order of Saint Andrew.
Getting to Barbados is relatively easy with direct commercial flights from most countries in Europe, South America, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Numerous cruise ships also land in Barbados throughout the year, and private charters are available from nearby islands.
A Traditional Christmas in Barbados
Christmas in Barbados is a special time where Christmas traditions are celebrated with authentic island flare. The Caribbean island is bereft of snow, but there are signs that the holiday season is close. The temperature drops a bit at night, and the winds pick up. The island also comes alive with color and unique flowering plants.
Poinsettias are one of the first signs of the coming holiday season. These unusual tropical plants are uniquely associated with Christmas as the large red flower adorned the Christian Nativity. While navigating the 13 roundabouts on the island’s ABC Highway, visitors can look for the rare white “Snow on the Mountain” plant, which also blooms during winter. Another beautiful flower that blooms in Barbados during winter is the “Christmas Candle.” These yellow flowers resemble small candles and can be found all over the island.
Christmas Day
Christmastime in Barbados is a celebration of family and togetherness. Christmas Day is traditionally spent with immediate family. It is common to find houses festively adorned with Christmas lights; and many islanders host yuletide parties and celebrate with loved ones each day of the season.
Predominantly, Christians, most Bajans attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and church services again on Christmas morning.
Another Christmas day island tradition is a stroll in Queen’s Park. Bajans don their finest outfits each holiday, meet with loved ones in the park for a fashion parade and stay to hear the Royal Barbados Police Force Band play traditional yuletide music and Christmas carols.
Constructed in 1783 by British colonialists, Queen’s Park is in the capital city of Bridgetown. The historic town of Bridgetown has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the Parliament Buildings, the Bridgetown Port, and Garrison Savannah, a world-renowned equestrian site and horse racing track.
Queen’s Park is also the center of the Christmas season festivities in Barbados. Its multiple Christmas trees and Christmas drive are a must. Queen’s Park is also home to the famous Carols by Candlelight at the beautiful Ilaro Court – the Prime Minister’s residence.
Since Barbados was a British colony, it is no surprise that the island celebrates Boxing Day. Celebrated on December 26th, this uniquely British holiday in Barbados is treated as a national public holiday. Many local businesses are closed to allow the island to relax, unwind and recover from the festivities just in time to ring in the New Year.
Christmas Foods
Food is an integral part of any island celebration. The three Bajan dishes on any holiday table are Black Cake, Jug Jug, and Baked Ham.
Black Cake
Bajan Black Cake, also known as Great Cake, is made with a combination of dried fruits, including cherries, raisins, currants, and prunes. Black Cake is baked with island spices combining cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and allspice. Bajan rum, port, or originally brandy is usually included in the recipe. Made two to three weeks in advance, Black Cake is best served with Royal Icing, but some revelers prefer it or plain.
Jug Jug
Jug-Jug is a traditional food from Barbados’ unique Scottish heritage. It is made from pigeon peas, green peas, guinea corn flour, herbs, and salt meat. And is influenced by the Scottish dish haggis.
Baked Ham
Another traditional Bajan dish served for Christmas dinner is baked ham studded with cloves. During baking, the ham is basted with a pineapple or sorrel glaze. Of course, a traditional Christmas Lunch of turkey roast with all the trimmings can be found at hotels and fine-dining restaurants across the island. These eateries are usually open in the afternoon and sit with reservations.
Sounds of the Holidays
Despite the warm winds and soft sands, Christmas music celebrates the yuletide cheer all over the island. Surprisingly to most visitors, the festive melodies combine customary arrangements with traditional island instruments.
Radio stations play songs about winter wonderlands, red-nosed reindeer, and romantic sleigh rides. In addition to traditional music, several sing-a-long concerts featuring Christmas carols are held across the island.
Christmas Weather
Barbados’ weather is warm and inviting, with over 125 days of sunshine each year. And Christmastime is no different. The best time to visit Barbados is between December and early April. In December, the weather averages a high of 84°F (29°C) during the day and a pleasant 73°F (23°C) at night with minimal rain.
Should You Visit Barbados for Christmas?
Although it won’t be the winter wonderland you might be used to or one that you typically associate Christmas with, spending Christmas in the Caribbean is an incredible experience. With sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals, it might not fit into your traditional picture of Christmastime, but it might just become your very own tradition. Just don’t forget to pack your Santa hat to don with your swimsuit!
