Ambergris Caye, Belize in December & Christmas 2024 Events!

My Favorite Things About December and Holidays in Belize

Winter, in general, is a fantastic time to visit Belize.  The weather is warm and sunny during the day (think mid-80Fs) and a tad cooler at night. (Maybe a long-sleeved shirt will be needed in the evening…just in case)

Tree at Portofino Resort

But put the weather to the side, I think Christmas and the holidays can be the best time of all in Belize.

I’ll pepper this post with photos from my years living on Ambergris Caye to help convince you.

Simple Christmas tree at the end of the dock at Portofino
End of Portofino’s dock

But even pretty pictures of the Belize beach can not convince some of you. I see you shaking your heads!

Golf cart tire snowman
Fun golf cart tire snowmen on the beach

Most, I think, fall into two camps when it comes to the holiday season – and Christmas in particular.  A real polarization in sentiment.  1. Those who think:  I could NEVER leave home for the holidays – it’s not Christmas without snow, extended family, gift mania, and all the foods I ate growing up – exactly the way I remember them.  And 2.  Take me away from it all!

View in town
View in the town center of San Pedro

But here is why I think Belize is a very good idea for the Christmas season.  And if you just can’t do Christmas week – I understand.  Those flights can be a bit expensive, the hotels can book up a bit early and it can be hard to tear yourself away during that time.

Here’s why December and the holidays could be a great time for you to visit San Pedro.

The Weather: Festivities in Flip-Flops

Rainy season generally tapers out in November/the beginning of December, and the temperatures cool off, the humidity dips a bit, and the sun is out shining.  I mean…would you rather enjoy your town’s Christmas lights in your parka, scarf, and mittens (the worst for wiping a runny nose!) or in sandals and a sundress?

Lobster trap tree
Very traditional items in San Pedro – conch shells and lobster traps

Another huge bonus can be sargussum – or lack of sargassum. Fall and early winter tend to be lower months for the seaweed that’s been plaguing the Caribbean for the last 8 to 10 years.

A snowman on the beach at Grand Caribe Resort
A holiday tradition on the Grand Caribe Resort beach, here in 2023

Fun Festive Events – Celebrate with Visitors and Locals

Perhaps my favorite part of visiting San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and most spots in Belize is the mix of visitors and locals at bars and restaurants and out and about at local events.  Ambergris Caye is not an all-inclusive resort experience. 

Here are some great holiday events that are coming up this year for the Christmas season:

Christmas Tree Lighting in Central Park, San Pedro – TBA (I’m thinking Dec 1st but might be the following weekend!)

Sometimes the tree is traditional but more recently, the Town Council has been going a big modern and colorful. (In fact, in 2022, there was a major town scandal when many deemed the tree too modern and crazy! 🙂 ) A bit of holiday drama

Christmas lighting in Central Park
Lighting in the park 2023

The tree lighting ceremony is a big event for the whole town – you’ll see families dressed up, the local dance club performing, andlive music…all in San Pedro’s Central Park.

TREE LIGHTING AT THE Truck Stop, Friday, December 6st

Music starts at 5pm, lighting at 7 pm SHARP

Cookies, cocktails, live music – such a festive night at one of San Pedro’s most popular spots. There is a happening at Truck Stop this night. For all the deets, see their EVENTS page.

Christmas at the Truck Stop

LOVEFm Lighted Parade, Evening, Sunday, DECEMBER 15th, Sunset

Starting at Boca Del Rio Park and parading through town…

MIcky and Minnier dressed for Christmas
Santa and Miss San Pedro

Just as the sunsets. Kids, adults, businesses, town officials and lots and lots of lights.  A parade thru San Pedro town with lighted floats, bands, music, nativity scenes and the cutest kids in costume.  It’s SUCH a great event.  Here are all my pictures from the 2023 parade.

LoveFM Parade

And on other nights, enjoy the fun regular San Pedro events.  Outside movies at the Truck Stop on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at Moon Bar on Friday nights, the Chicken Drop on Thursdays and Hermit Crab Races at NautiCrab on Tuesdays.  Live music all over the place…fear not.  You can keep as busy as you want!

Attend Christmas Eve Mass

Belize is a predominantly Catholic country – though there are smaller churches in San Pedro as well.   You can attend midnight mass at the Roman Catholic church – right on the beach just next door to Central Park where The Church sets up a beautiful nativity scene.

Nativity Scene in San Pedro by the beach
Nativity Scene in Central Park , San Pedro

There are Christmas eve masses – and a children’s Christmas play. There are Christmas carols and a late night mass. You will find the times and details on the RC Church website.

Instead of toiling over the stove…Eat Out at Some Fantastic Restaurants

Ambergris Caye has such great restaurants. You can enjoy your Aunt Gertrude’s mincemeat pie recipe or wonky cheeseball any time at home (or ask yourself do you REALLY like it or is it just a sentimental thing) – why not come to Belize and have your turkey with a side of lobster or conch fritters or maybe stone crab claws.  Amazing food that YOU didn’t spend the entire week preparing.

Stone crab claws at Elvis
Stone crab slaws at Elvi’s Kitchen

Christmas dinner traditionally includes turkey and ham, rice and beans and potato salad. Dessert, traditionally, is Black Cake. A spiced fruit cake that often involves lots and lots of rum and often weighs more than an anchor.

Rompopo is a favorite drink – a type of eggnog with a KICK.

How does this sound: the family heads out for snorkeling in the morning, perhaps a bit of sun and pool in the afternoon – or, if you are not ambitious, take a nap in a hammock…then jump in the golf cart to head to dinner.

See: Should I Rent a Golf Cart on Ambergris Caye, Belize? Tips, Information and Advice

How about a meal like the one I just had at Elvi’s Kitchen?  Or try the new Purple Pelican Restaurant – opening today!  There are so many amazing choices.  You can get as simple or as fancy as you like.

And if eating Chinese food is part of your holiday tradition – we have lots of choices.

The Decorations

One of my favorite things to do is to ride around town in the early evening – and in shorts, flip flops and a golf cart and enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations.

Tuto Lights
My favorite simple tree at Tuto Belize, 8 miles north Ambergris Caye

Last year we got stuck in an unexpected parade a few days before Christmas. Music and the Lions Den handing out candy to the kids. It was so fun!

Lions Den at Christmas
A small parade for the Lions Den at Christmas

If you are headed down during December, it’s fun to bring some decorations for your golf cart.

LoveFM Christmas Parade
You don’t need to go all out like these carts but a little decoration goes a long way

What Else To Expect

The Christmas holidays in Belize are often celebrated with home fireworks and firecrackers…so some neighborhoods can get a bit loud! 

You can expect everything to be open. December is the start of the busy season in Belize and tours, trips, bars and restaurants are open and very ready to welcome guests.

You can also expect to return home a bit more rested with a sun-kissed glow – ready to start the new year off right.

Or…if you just can’t do it – I totally understand!  There’s always 2025 to visit Belize.  THAT is a great Xmas gift to your loved ones!

Here’s THE CUTEST ornament to put on your tree – or to gift to a San Pedro lover – though I’ll admit, I bought it last year and loved it and then…just when I got it out this year, the cats knocked it off the shelf and broke it. Because…they break everything. (They are 8 months old now!)

I JUST got these ones from Amazon for our new tree at the new camp and I’m in love. They are glass – a miniature version of the two we found on the beach.

Cutest glass buoy ornaments

Here’s the real thing…

Glass buoy found
It’s amazing that this can wash up on shore…

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18 Comments

  1. I Heart Belize on October 27th, 2023 at 9:59 am

    Thanks for the update and we will be there the week before Christmas! Will you please update on the parades when the dates are announced. Also, have they stopped doing the Boat parade? One of our favorite traditions!



  2. Shonda on October 28th, 2023 at 11:25 am

    I love your blogs! One question: you mentioned Chinese food “And if eating Chinese food is part of your holiday tradition, we have lots of choices.” When I was there last year, I didn’t see any Asian restaurants on the island. Can you name a couple of good ones and locations in your next post? Thanks so much for all that you do!



    • Dan Grant on November 17th, 2023 at 7:05 am

      Hi Shonda. Most Chinese seem to be take out. There is one opposite super buy in town. There was also one either next to Neris tacos or one block south. Going south there is Anas on right just before Patz Deli, one opposite Superbuy South and one in front of the Sausage factory near Alaia. Also the restaurant opposite hidden treasures does Chinese dishes on Friday I think. There are a few more off the main roads



      • San Pedro Scoop on November 21st, 2023 at 4:53 pm

        Chinese food is the fast food of Belize but – yes…it’s alotta take out. And fried chicken. We’ve got a new spot named Bombai…



    • David Martin on November 18th, 2023 at 2:13 pm

      Asian and Sushi and Chinese
      ▪︎ Jyoto Japanese & Sushi Bar
      ▪︎ Aqua Restaurant
      ▪︎ Blue Water Grill
      ▪︎ Tsunami Sushi
      ▪︎ Red Ginger
      ▪︎ La Sirena
      ▪︎ Yan’s Fast Food
      ▪︎ Little China Fast Food
      ▪︎ Sonny’s Fast Food Asian

      …maybe next time, eh?



  3. HARPO ZANEIS on November 16th, 2023 at 4:54 pm

    I want lots of Pictures



    • San Pedro Scoop on November 21st, 2023 at 4:55 pm

      MORE PICTURES!



  4. Luna Realty Belize - Real Estate Belize on November 17th, 2023 at 11:19 pm

    December in Belize is magical with its warm weather and festive vibes. Christmas brings joy to the air, as the vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes create a unique holiday experience. From beach parties to cultural events, Belize offers a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration during this special season

    For Vacation Property for Rentals contact Luna Realty Belize.



    • David Martin on November 21st, 2024 at 11:25 am

      Why the comments from 2023? Oh well, I’m on the side of: “Take me away from it all!”, when it comes to Christmas. I mean, I grew up with Christmas being ‘the event’ of the year. And my mom made sure every Christmas had to out do the previous and be perfect. But you know what? It was fun while it lasted, but now I’m glad that pressure is gone…



      • San Pedro Scoop on November 22nd, 2024 at 8:44 am

        It’s an updated post from 2023 – so it carries the comments along. And yes! Christmas in our household was a SERIOUS production! Lovely but man…so much freaking work. She had a whole room (small room) in the attic of just Xmas decorations…

        We now have one box and that’s perfect for me.



  5. Pace on November 18th, 2023 at 7:00 am

    This is awesome-
    thank you so much!



  6. Irias Family on November 26th, 2023 at 4:00 pm

    I was there with my wife in June and now am traveling with all my family in December again San Pedro Is a paradise La Isla Bonita



  7. Jen Brevick on December 11th, 2023 at 8:19 am

    We will be staying at Ramon’s over Christmas 12/23-27. Do we need to make any sort of arrangements for dinner on Christmas eve or day or can we just play it by ear?



    • San Pedro Scoop on December 11th, 2023 at 8:45 am

      I don’t think you need to make reservations now unless you have something special in mind…it probably wouldn’t hurt? I think you can figure it out when you get to Belize.



  8. Eric on November 21st, 2024 at 3:26 pm

    I know that sometimes articles get recycled from previous years, but you should check all your links when you do that. Purple Pelican has been open for a couple years now, but your link says it is “new” and “opening today”.



    • San Pedro Scoop on November 22nd, 2024 at 8:42 am

      Thanks for pointing it out.



  9. Dirk and Lisa on November 22nd, 2024 at 6:48 am

    Thanks for sharing all of the great information! A group of 14 of us are heading to Ambergris Caye for 10 days around the holidays. Your posts have really helped us understand what to expect and that has made us all the more excited!



  10. Diana Drake on November 27th, 2024 at 2:53 pm

    Please post pictures of your kitty cats and how you keep them safe from holiday dangers