Ambergris Caye is Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas…

Last night was the San Pedro Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Market in Central Park. When announced a few weeks back, the event was going to start with a Lighted Boat parade but that was cancelled at the last minute. Turn-out wasn’t high enough and they announced that they would work on a huge boat parade for Christmas 2024. The tree lighting ceremony would proceed!

I hardly made it. Man was I – after spending the day on two opposite sides of the island.

I woke up at Cayo Frances Farm and Fly where I’d been hanging the camp decorations (on the west side of the island about 5 miles north of Secret Beach by boat) – we then boated and golf cart bumped up to Rocky Point Permit Camp (about 18 miles north on the east side of the island) to check on all the progress at the building site. But the tree lighting was a big town event – and I wanted to see it happen. 7pm was the announced time.

Note: Tired, I was not my best, most flexible, understanding-of-“island time” self. (See How to Be a Good and Happy Expat)

I thought I’d stop along the way and take photos of other holiday decorations on the island. See the tree lighting promptly at 7pm and then head home.

First stop, the Truck Stop – they had their big lighting event the night before…and things looked gorgeous.

And then to town…I parked the cart and walked to the park. The Front Street was closed for a Xmas market that wasn’t set up when I arrived…

The beautiful Phoenix Resort (check out my stay there a few years back) from the ocean side.

And the street side (I passed before I headed back home)

Simple decor at the Conch Shell Hotel. (I overnighted there 11 years ago!)

Lily’s Restaurant by the beach…

And Lavish Habit (my favorite coffee in town) looks so festive.

At 7pm, there was a good sized crowd. Kids love this event…all dresses up in their holiday finery…out at night with their friends. You can feel the kid excitement.

Music playing…a very traditional and beautiful tree… baked goods for sale and the beer tent setting up. This party is going to go late-night!

At about 7:15, Miss San Pedro arrived and I thought…phew. The arrival of our town queen means the party is about to start…

I took a picture…and little girls lined up behind me to pose with her. Super cute.

About 20 mins later…my tired was setting in hard…and I knew there would be a few speeches before the lighting and I…crapped out. YUP. I left before the tree was even lighted.

Call me old. Call me Scrooge. Or just be impressed that I went out at night at all 🙂

I’ll leave you with an official photo from the San Pedro Town Council (they take great ones of most events – you should follow their facebook page)

It’s not just the beautiful tree but giant ornaments and presents…all lit up for Christmas. As the tree glowed…this Grinch was headed home.

I’ll be in town over the next few weeks to enjoy it. It’s gorgeous but last night wasn’t my night.

Happy December everyone!