Experience A Caribbean Christmas in Belize This December

caribbean christmas in belize christmas tree lighting

Dreaming of a Christmas that swaps snowflakes for sandy beaches and jingles for tropical rhythms? 

Look no further than Belize, where a Caribbean Christmas awaits with open arms. Picture yourself sipping rumpopo under the warm December sun, trading gingerbread cookies for rum-soaked fruitcake, and dancing to the beats of Brukdown and Parang during a festive Christmas Bram. 

Belize Christmas Traditions to Embrace

When it comes to celebrating Christmas in Belize, traditions are woven into the very fabric of the holiday season. Let's explore some of the enchanting customs that make a Caribbean Christmas in Belize truly special.

Belize Christmas Tree Traditions

In Belize, the Christmas tree takes on a unique and tropical twist. While you won't find towering evergreens, Belizeans embrace the local flora to create festive displays. Palmetto leaves, adorned with vibrant ornaments and lights, take center stage. It's a nod to the lush greenery that surrounds this tropical paradise, adding a touch of local charm to the holiday decorations.

What is Christmas Bram in Belize?

A highlight of the Belizean Christmas season is the lively tradition known as Christmas Bram. Rooted in the colonial days of British Honduras, Christmas Bram is a celebration that brings communities together. As mahogany workers returned home from their camps after the rainy season, they engaged in festive parades and dancing, known as Bram. 

The Belizean Kriol (Belize Creole) genre of Brukdown music sets the rhythm for these celebrations. It's a unique experience that involves parading and dancing from house to house, especially in the Belize District. The music, played with traditional instruments such as the Gombay drum, accordion, harmonica, banjo, and maracas, creates an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.

Junkanu and Charikanari Dances

On Boxing Day, Christmas night, and New Year's Day, particularly in Southern Belize, the streets come alive with Junkanu and Charikanari dancers. These masked and costumed performers engage in dances that satirize European slave masters. Accompanied by the rhythmic beat of Garifuna drums, these unique performances are a captivating and culturally rich Christmas tradition.

Maya Marimba Dance

In Toledo, the Maya community adds its own flair to the Christmas celebrations with a traditional dance performed around a Marimba xylophone. The dance, adorned with masks representing both people and the environment, pays homage to the harmonious balance cherished by the Maya culture.

As you immerse yourself in these vibrant traditions, you'll discover that a Belizean Christmas is not just a celebration; it's a cultural journey filled with joy, rhythm, and the spirit of togetherness.

Our Top 6 Belize Christmas Songs and Caribbean Christmas Music

In the heart of Belize, where the festive spirit dances to the rhythms of the Caribbean, Christmas comes alive not only with the sounds of waves but also with the enchanting melodies of Caribbean Christmas music. The vibrant fusion of cultures in Belize is reflected in the diverse tunes that set the holiday season ablaze.

1. Drink ah Rum on a Christmas Maanin

Celebrate the season with this spirited tune that embodies the laid-back Caribbean vibe. The song's playful lyrics and catchy melody make it a favorite during festive gatherings.

2. Old Fashioned Christmas

Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Belize during Christmas with Old Fashioned Christmas by Brad Pattico. This Belizean Christmas carol captures the lively energy of the holiday season.

3. Belizean Christmas

An anthem of festive joy, "Belizean Christmas" encapsulates the spirit of togetherness and celebration that defines Christmas in Belize. Its blend of traditional influences and local flavor makes it a cherished holiday tune.

4. Good Mawnin Miss Lady

A Belizean classic, this Brukdown gem performed by the famous Mr. Peters captures the essence of Christmas in Belize. Its infectious beat and lively lyrics make it a must-have on any Belizean Christmas playlist.

5. Belize Christmas Medley

Enjoy a medley of classis christmas songs performed by Belize band Caribbean Dynamics.

6. Belizean Christmas Bram

Learn all about the traditional Belizean Christmas Bram in this classic by Sir Colville Young, performed by Brand Pattico and Valerie Love.

5 More Caribbean Christmas Music Styles to Jam this Christmas in Belize!

Embrace the festive vibes in Belize as the Caribbean Christmas spirit unfolds with an array of captivating music styles. Beyond the gentle whispers of waves, the enchanting melodies of Caribbean Christmas tunes echo through the air. Dive into a rhythmic journey as Belize welcomes more Caribbean Christmas music styles, each note a vibrant expression of the diverse cultural fusion that makes the holiday season in Belize truly special. Celebrate the yuletide in Belize with a musical feast that goes beyond tradition, setting the perfect soundtrack for a Caribbean-inspired Christmas.

As you create your Caribbean Christmas playlist, let the beats of these songs transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Belize, where the magic of the season is set to the rhythm of the Caribbean.

1. Calypso Christmas Classics

In the Caribbean, Christmas carols take on a lively Calypso beat, infusing traditional melodies with the infectious rhythm of the islands. Songs like "Jingle Bells Calypso" and "Rum and Coca-Cola" transport listeners to a tropical winter wonderland where the sun meets the sea.

2. Soca Classics to Stuff the Stockings

Soca, with its energetic tempo and festive vibes, adds a Caribbean twist to classic Christmas tunes. "Soca Santa" and "Christmas Vibes" bring a burst of joy and celebration, making it impossible to resist the urge to dance under the Caribbean moonlight.

3. The Magic of Parang

Originating from Venezuela but deeply ingrained in Caribbean Christmas celebrations, Parang music captivates with its Spanish-influenced melodies. "Feliz Navidad" and "Trini Christmas Is De Best" showcase the fusion of cultures that define the holiday season in Belize.

4. Betta Belize it's Belize Brukdown

The Belizean Kriol genre of Brukdown music adds a local flavor to the Christmas music scene. In this next video, Danki Man, a Belize Brukdown legend performs a Christmas Medley in Brukdown style.

5.  Can't be Christmas in Belize without Christmas Crooners

It's true... Belizeans love the classic singers, swooners and crooners like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Perry Como and many more. For now, we hear from the king - Elvis Presley.



Should I Travel to the Caribbean at Christmas?

The allure of spending Christmas in the Caribbean, particularly in the captivating destination of Belize, beckons with promises of sun-soaked days, cultural celebrations, and a festive atmosphere that rivals any winter wonderland. As you contemplate your holiday plans, consider the following insights into the magic that awaits during a Belizean Christmas vacation.

Here are 5 Reasons to Plan a Belize Christmas Vacation

Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise adorned with festive lights, experience the renowned warmth of Belizean hospitality, and explore the rich diversity of cultural traditions. From outdoor adventures in the lush rainforests to creating lasting memories under the Caribbean sun, discover why a Christmas getaway to Belize offers a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration.

1. Tropical Festivities

Experience Christmas in a setting like no other. Belize transforms into a tropical paradise adorned with lights, vibrant decorations, and a festive spirit that permeates every corner. From beachside celebrations to lively street festivals, the holiday season in Belize is a visual and auditory feast.

2. Warm Hospitality

Immerse yourself in the renowned warmth of Belizean hospitality. The holiday season brings communities together, and visitors are welcomed with open arms. Whether you're strolling through festive markets or joining in local celebrations, the sense of camaraderie enhances the joy of the season.

3. Diverse Cultural Traditions

Belize is a melting pot of cultures, and Christmas showcases this diversity in a spectacular way. Engage in traditional ceremonies, witness unique dances like Junkanu and Charikanari, and savor the flavors of Belizean Christmas foods, each reflecting the rich tapestry of the country's cultural heritage.

4. Outdoor Adventures

December in Belize boasts delightful weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Explore the lush rainforests, dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Belize Barrier Reef, or simply relax on sun-kissed beaches. The possibilities for adventure are as diverse as the landscapes themselves.

5. Unforgettable Christmas Memories

Create lasting memories with a Belize Christmas vacation. Whether you're savoring traditional Belizean dishes, participating in local festivities, or simply basking in the warmth of the Caribbean sun, the holiday season in Belize offers a unique blend of relaxation and celebration.

Belize in December

Belize in December is a excellent time to visit! Enjoy sunny days with warm temperatures in the 70s and 80s, rich and tasty Belize Christmas foods, and exciting cultural events like Christmas Bram and Jankunu Dancing, Belize in December is packed full of reasons to visit.

Belize Temperature in December

The Belize temperature in December showcases the perfect balance for a Caribbean Christmas vacation. Days are crisp, inviting you to embark on tropical excursions, while nights provide a cozy atmosphere with temperatures possibly dropping into the high 50s. The delightful climate enhances the overall holiday experience, making December an ideal month to savor the best of Belize.

Belize Christmas Weather

Celebrate the season under the Belizean sun. The Christmas weather in Belize is characterized by sunny days, cool nights, and a festive atmosphere that permeates every corner of this tropical paradise. Whether you're indulging in traditional festivities, exploring the natural wonders, or simply relaxing on the beach, the weather adds an extra layer of magic to your Belizean Christmas experience.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Belize?

Yes! December emerges as a prime time to explore Belize. The weather is particularly inviting, featuring a pleasant "Christmas breeze" that locals eagerly anticipate. While it marks the peak of the high season, the divine weather, a plethora of Christmas-themed events, rich cultural traditions, and a warm holiday spirit make it an irresistible time to visit.

5 Belize Christmas Food Items You Don't Want to Miss

Embark on a culinary journey that mirrors the rich and diverse cultural tapestry of Belize during Christmas. From savory delights to sweet indulgences, Belizean Christmas food is a feast for the senses that you definitely don't want to miss.

1. Belizean Christmas Cake

Indulge in the Richness of Tradition: At the heart of every Belizean Christmas celebration is the iconic Belizean Christmas Cake. A culinary masterpiece that reflects the enduring influence of British traditions, this cake is a symphony of rich flavors and textures. Made with an abundance of dried fruits, nuts, and soaked in spirits like rum or brandy, the Belizean Christmas Cake is a labor of love that matures in both flavor and depth over time.

Buttery, Boozy, and Blissful: What sets this cake apart is its dense and moist consistency, coupled with a heady infusion of spirits. The Belizean Christmas Cake is not merely a dessert; it's a sensory experience that encapsulates the warmth and festive spirit of the season. Whether enjoyed as a centerpiece at family gatherings or shared among friends, this cake is a quintessential part of the Belizean Christmas culinary tradition.

2. Belize Rumpopo

Sip on Belizean Cheer: No Belizean Christmas is complete without the indulgence of Belize Rumpopo, a velvety and decadent traditional drink. This festive libation is Belize's spirited answer to eggnog, with a unique twist that makes it distinctly Belizean. Combining sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, aromatic spices, and, of course, a generous pour of rum, Belize Rumpopo is a symphony of flavors that warms the soul.

Homemade Elixir of Joy:Belizeans take pride in crafting their own variations of Rumpopo, infusing it with personal touches and secret family recipes. Served chilled or over ice, this creamy concoction is a delightful companion to the festivities, providing a smooth and spirited contrast to the tropical warmth of a Belizean Christmas.

Looking for more Belize Christmas Cocktails? Check out our blog on 5 Festive Christmas Cocktails to Enjoy X-mas in Belize.

3. Tamales - A Belizean Christmas Tradition

Wrapped in Tradition: No Belizean Christmas is complete without the savory delights of tamales. Unlike their Mexican counterparts, Belizean tamales are wrapped in banana leaves, creating a unique blend of flavors. The meticulous process of preparing fillings and masa transforms this dish into a culinary masterpiece, symbolizing the togetherness and joy of the holiday season.

4. Belize Christmas Feast - Turkey, Ham, Stuffing, Dirty Rice 

A Belizean Christmas feast is a symphony of flavors, featuring a lavish spread that includes succulent turkey, honey-glazed ham, flavorful stuffing, and the aromatic goodness of dirty rice. This hearty meal is a testament to the fusion of culinary influences in Belize, offering a delightful combination of traditional and local flavors that bring families and friends together during the festive season.

5. Belize Rum Cake - A Spirited Dessert Delight

Sweet Symphony of Belizean Spirits: End your Belizean Christmas feast on a sweet note with Belize Rum Cake, a dessert infused with the soulful spirit of Belizean rum. The rich and moist cake is a decadent creation, highlighting the essence of Belizean culinary traditions. Made with locally-produced rum, this dessert is not just a treat for the taste buds; it's a celebration of Belize's flavorful heritage, adding a spirited touch to the joyous holiday season.

Make this a Caribbean Christmas in Belize to Remember

As the sun sets on a Belizean Christmas, the harmonious blend of vibrant traditions, delectable flavors, and warm hospitality creates a tapestry of memories. From the iconic Belizean Christmas Cake to the rhythmic beats of Brukdown, each moment spent in this tropical paradise is a celebration of togetherness and cultural richness. Embrace the warmth, savor the delights, and immerse yourself in the magic of a Caribbean Christmas in Belize.

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