How to Spend Christmas in Nassau

If there’s a perfect spot in the Caribbean to celebrate the holidays, it’s Nassau, Bahamas. You’ll enjoy the balance of a laid-back atmosphere while exploring Junkanoo Beach and vibrant festivities along the dazzling Christmas-decorated downtown. But the party doesn’t stop after Christmas. The Bahamian community comes together for their Junkanoo festival at midnight into the following day. The continuous celebration is a happy coincidence for me as my birthday and Junkanoo are lined up on December 26. Regardless of whether or not you visit for a holiday or birthday, you don’t need a particular reason to be festive on this island. Keep reading to know how to make the most of a tropical Christmas and Boxing Day Nassau trip.

Hotel

We have a modest stay at The Colony Inn and Suites this trip. If you’re on a budget, cheaper hotels will be farther into local neighborhoods, which means a farther distance to beaches and downtown areas. Resorts have taken over a large amount of beachfront access, so you’ll want to reserve those in order to be a few steps away from the crystal blue beaches.

On our first day in, we familiarize ourselves with the area by walking down Bay St., the main street that leads to Arawak Cay (Fish Fry), Junakanoo Beach, and Downtown Nassau.

Key Locations in Eastern Nassau

Arawak Cay (Fish Fry)

Arawak Cay is locally known as The Fish Fry, a manmade beachside strip that features rows of Bahamian restaurants. I recommend The Bush Garden Seafood & Steakhouse for its large menu and tropical aesthetic. Be sure to try my favorite side dish, “coconut peas and rice” for a sweet twist to rice and lentils!

Junkanoo Beach

A further walk down Fish Fry will lead you to Junkanoo Beach. Located near the cruise ship port, this beach grabs tourists’ attention with its colorful beachfront shacks offering merchandise and refreshments. Locals also offer activities such as snorkeling, paddle boarding, and jet skiing.

Downtown Nassau

Just across the street from Junkanoo Beach is Downtown Nassau, where you can maze through quaint historical buildings, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. You’ll also come across tourist sites such as the Queen’s Staircase and the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas.

Day 1: Christmas at Junkanoo Beach

On our way to explore downtown Nassau, Bay St. is lined with Christmas archways that lead to the beach. Further lights in Downtown Nassau lead us to a tropical Christmas wonderland. We walk through a lit-up star, an entryway to giant Christmas motifs where you can take pictures surrounded by twinkling lights, faux reindeer, and a massive Christmas tree.

Junkanoo is typically scheduled for midnight but is moved to the following night due to high winds. Be sure to stay on top of any updates so that you don’t show up to empty streets due to a postponed festival!

Day 2: Birthday Beach Day and Restaurant

The next morning, we begin my Birthday at The New Duff. This charming little tea shop and bakery features unique breakfast items and drinks that I haven’t had the pleasure of tasting in the US. I’d recommend the pulled pork and egg breakfast sandwich, the guava swirl cinnamon roll, and a guava ginger lemonade. While you wait for your order, browse around the shop to view small wall exhibits of cultural items and information panels that detail Bahamian history.

We spend our afternoon at Saunders Beach westward of Bay St. for a quiet alternative to the popular Junkanoo Beach. Enjoy the peace, privacy, and if you’re lucky, a rainbow.

For my birthday dinner, we head to the western side of the island to Cocoplum Bistro. It has a lively setting of coral walls lined with towering palm leaves and bamboo pendant lights that hang from the ceiling, adding a summer ambiance.

Day 3: Junkanoo

Finally, we head down Bay St after midnight to experience the main reason we’re in the Bahamas. Junkanoo is a national festival whose origins likely stem from an African tribal chief, John Canoe, who demanded slaves receive a day of celebration. This celebration lives on in the modern day with more elaborate additions such as vibrant costumes and floats. Bahamians parade down downtown Nassau in rhythmic synchronization and enchant the crowd as they strike their goatskin drums and cowbells. But this isn’t just a parade, it’s a competition. Bahamians March down in groups of community members who are competing for a cash prize based on how well their musicians, dancers, and costumed performers perform. Immerse yourself in cultural passion as the crowds cheer at the community group that they bet on winning.

To get a closer view, reserve tickets through ALIV for bleacher seats above the judges. Or, you can do as most locals do and watch street view on the sidewalks.

Day 4: Souvinir Shopping

An afternoon reserved for souvenir shopping is enough to explore downtown Nassau for your ideal items. There are plenty of shops lined up on Bay Street, including Nassau’s famous Straw Market. You can even return to Fish Fry and buy fresh tropical fruits to savor before returning home.

Final Thoughts on Nassau

Visiting Nassau during the holidays offers the perfect mix of relaxation and celebration. The island provides a winter escape of relaxing beaches, vibrant food, and festive dance getaways. Yet, the holiday season adds familiarity to the unique Bahamian culture. If you’re used to dreary cold weather during such times and need a change of scenery, pack your Christmas gifts and New Year’s Eve attire for an unforgettable December in Nassau!