Christmas Season is in full swing in Belize, and for those new to Belize and curious about Christmas Culture here, we would like to shed a little light for you.
Christmas in Belize is a magical blend of traditional Christian customs, diverse cultural influences, and warm tropical vibes. If you’re dreaming of a unique holiday experience, this vibrant celebration is sure to enchant you. Here’s what makes Christmas in Belize so special.
Christmas tree lighting ceremony at San Pedro Central Park signaling the start of the Christmas Season on the island. Photo credit: Pablo Garcia Photography
Festive Preparations Begin Early
The Christmas season kicks off with a burst of activity. Homes across Belize are cleaned top to bottom in preparation for the holidays. Families decorate with colorful lights, garlands, and nativity scenes. Christmas trees can sometimes be bought at markets, or are often crafted from local materials, and take center stage in many homes, adorned with sparkling ornaments and tinsel.
In the kitchen, preparations for the holiday feast begin weeks in advance. A staple of every Belizean Christmas is black fruit cake, a rich, rum-soaked dessert filled with dried fruits that are marinated long before baking. Complementing the cake are festive drinks like rum popo (a Belizean take on eggnog) and homemade ginger beer.
Rum Popo, an egg-nog style drink, can be found in most Belizean homes around Christmas time. It can be enjoyed with family or offered to visitors and guests served over ice. Photo credit: Demmy Williams
Religious Traditions at the Heart of the Season
Although a very culturally diverse country, the majority of Belizeans are Christian, and the religious aspect of Christmas is central to most celebrations. Many Belizeans attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, filling churches with joyous hymns and prayers.
In Maya communities, ancient traditions blend seamlessly with Christian observances. Ceremonial rituals and dances pay homage to both their cultural heritage and the Christmas story, creating a unique and meaningful celebration.
Churches in Belize often celebrate midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
The Christmas Feast: A Culinary Highlight
Food is at the heart of any Belizean celebration, and Christmas is no exception. Families come together to enjoy a lavish meal that often includes:
- Ham glazed with pineapple and turkey, alongside rice and beans and potato salad.
- Traditional tamales or bollos, influenced by Mestizo heritage.
- Freshly caught seafood, especially in coastal areas like San Pedro.
- In the Garifuna culture, boil-up, cassava pound (a pudding-like dessert), potato pound and locally made cashew and berry wines.
These dishes are served with a side of laughter, storytelling, and the company of loved ones, making the feast a highlight of the season.
Traditional Belizean Christmas Dinner consisting of Honey-glazed ham, baked turkey, rice and beans, potato salad and fried plantains. Photo credit: Blue Marlin Beach Resort
Unique Belizean Christmas Traditions
What sets Christmas in Belize apart are its unique cultural touches.
- The Christmas Bram: A cherished Creole tradition, the Bram involves groups of people singing lively Brukdong music as they go door-to-door in villages. Accompanied by makeshift instruments, it’s a joyous way to spread holiday cheer.
Belizean Christmas Bram in Placencia, Belize
- Grand Parades: Towns and cities light up with festive parades, featuring elaborately decorated floats, dancers, and Santa Claus himself. These events are especially exciting for children. In some coastal areas, like San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, boat parades take place with marine vessels displaying elaborate lighting designs for onlookers on the beachfront to enjoy.
San Pedro Town Council’s annual Christmas parade. Photo credit: San Pedro Town Council
Participating vessel in San Pedro Christmas Boat Parade. Photo credit: San Pedro Scoop
- Cultural Dances: The Garifuna and Mestizo communities contribute traditional drumming, dancing, and storytelling, adding to the rich tapestry of Belizean Christmas.
Garifuna Jankunu dancers wear a mask which resembles an English face topped by a hand-made hat similar to the English naval hats of the 18th century. Photo credit: Island Expeditions
A Tropical Christmas Atmosphere
Forget snow and icy winds—Christmas in Belize is all about sunny skies and warm tropical weather. Locals and visitors alike embrace the festive spirit with outdoor activities like beach picnics, fishing trips, and leisurely strolls through decorated towns. The sound of holiday music fills the air, and the cheerful atmosphere makes it easy to feel at home.
Photo credit: Olivera Rusu for Sandy Point Resorts
Boxing Day Festivities
In Belize, the celebrations don’t end on Christmas Day. December 26, known as Boxing Day, is a holiday in its own right. Families gather for horse races, soccer matches, and more feasting, often enjoying leftovers from the Christmas spread. It’s another opportunity to come together and celebrate the season.
Boxing Day horse Races in Burrell Boom, Belize District. Photo credit: Channel 5 Belize
Celebrate the Season in Belize
Christmas in Belize is more than just a holiday—it’s a joyful celebration of family, community, and culture. Whether you’re savoring a slice of black fruit cake, joining in the lively rhythms of the Bram, or soaking up the tropical sunshine, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the warmth and charm of a Belizean Christmas.
If you’re looking for a unique holiday destination, why not experience Christmas the Belizean way? And if you see yourself visiting tropical Belize annually for your Christmas getaway, contact us . Let’s discuss your vacation home options!