Belize in December: Festivities and Flip-Flops

Belize in December: Ambergris Caye has a slew of Christmas events that get you FEELING the holidays while enjoying the sunshine, warm Caribbean waters and 80-degree temperatures.

Yesterday I was typing out my monthly newsletter – focusing on the year ahead and I realized how RIDICULOUSLY close the holidays are. (I will refrain from posting one of those Christmas countdown clocks…but know that we are well into the double digits!)

I’m in charming Lake Placid NY right now – gorgeous fall leaves, crisp cool temperatures, maple sugar in the air…and it’s the home of the Top Sports Moment of the 20th century – something you are CONSTANTLY reminded of walking around.

Here’s just an average view while driving down the local roads – we are very lucky to be here during the PEAK leaf week in the Adirondacks.

It probably feels like Christmas here 365 days a year. In fact, the oldest theme park in America is actually just down the street. Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole. Replete with Santa’s Sleigh Roller Coaster and Tennenbaum the Talking Christmas tree – real kitsch overload.

But ask yourself. Are you one of those people that think it’s not REALLY the holidays unless it is cold outside? Could you spend December in Belize?

Christmas tree in Central Park (above) and on the beach at Grand Caribe Resort (below)

Here’s why I am so ready to get back for the holidays in Belize. Snow, sleet, ice not needed. Crowded mall parking lots, blaring Mariah Carey Christmas songs, that constant feeling like you haven’t bought enough gifts? Take a break and head down to Ambergris Caye for Christmas spirit AND warm weather and sun.

A picture taken a few years back at Tranquility Bay

Here’s what happens on the island in December and some additional pictures to show how San Pedro dresses herself up for the holidays.

The San Pedro Holiday Lighted Boat Parade – Saturday, December 7th at sundown

Small but filled with so much holiday cheer…I love this event. 10…maybe 15 boats…attempting to come together at sundown…filled with revelers…and the entire town of San Pedro lining the beach and the docks to watch. It’s the best.

The YOLO boat is the party on the water. Tickets are usually available in November.

If you get there a bit early, you might see a visitor arriving on his Belizean sleigh.

The Truck Stop Holiday Party and Tree Lighting, December 8th, 5:30pm to 9pm

The official description: It’s the most wonderful time of the year at The Truck Stop! Come join us for our annual Holiday Party, Tree Lighting, and photos with the big man himself — SANTA CLAUS!

6PM – Tree Lighting
6:30 – Photos with SANTA!
All Night – Fun holiday festivities for the whole family!

It’s going to be another really fun night, and we hope you can join us. From our family to yours, Happy Holidays San Pedro!

The Truck Stop Christmas Craft Fair and Cookie Bake-Off, December 14th, 2 to 4pm

Official description: It’s almost time for our annual Holiday Craft Fair, Bake Sale, and COOKIE BAKE OFF! (Can you tell which part I’m most excited about?) Participants will make their best cookie recipes, and the hungry audience will vote on which is the best! We’ll have big prizes for the baker of the best cookie, plus bakers will be able to sell their cookies all afternoon long.

We’ll also have all your favorite holiday craft vendors! It will be a really fun afternoon that will get you into the holiday spirit in the best possible way (with a mouthful of cookies).

This year it has been broken into two holiday events – the holiday party, tree lighting and visit from Santa AND then the Craft Fair and Cookie Bake-off!

This is almost always an all-day event. Daytime holiday craft fair and Christmas Cookie competition (you get to taste them all!) – and when the sun sets, the Christmas tree is lit and a special visitor arrives for photos and hugs.

Here are just a few photos from 2017 and 2018.

BTIA Holiday Fundraiser for the San Pedro Polyclinic at Fido’s, December 13, 7pm

Looks like a fun night for a GREAT cause.

The LOVEFm Lighted Christmas Parade – TBD (usually 2nd week – 3rd week, mid-week of December)

Bigger and bigger each year. LoveFM is the most well known radio station in the country and each holiday season, they host parades in some of the major towns in Belize. The San Pedro one is getting SUPER popular and the kids…and the lights…and the candy. It is SO Christmas.

Last year temps dipped to the low 70s and even the angels wore sweaters.

The line up on the beach at sunset.

It has become the biggest parade in town.

Lobster trap Christmas tree at San Pedro’s House of Culture

3rd Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party – Saturday, December 28th

And another tradition that is become bigger and bigger each year. And THIS YEAR it is the perfect timing – perhaps wear your ugly sweater in the US and THEN bring it to Belize, cut off the sleeves and wear it to a night at Crazy Canucks. A little preview…