By Suite Life Yachting

Many travelers choose to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands over the Christmas season for several reasons. December kicks off the tourist season in the USVI (which, yes, could mean higher tourist rates at big resorts and hotels — just one reason why you might want to consider staying on a yacht charter instead). You’ll find warm temperatures in the 80s during the day and cooler, windier temperatures at night. Not to mention, there’s plenty to do and see in December, from can’t-miss holiday events to activities the region is known for, like snorkeling.

The best part is American travelers find visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands incredibly easy. As an American territory, the islands are accessible with no passport or special documentation required, and travelers can often expect the same level of service and basic amenities that they could in any American destination. The territory’s primary airport is located on St. Thomas, but from there, travelers can easily head out by boat to the territory’s other two islands, St. Croix and St. John.

​​The Crucian Christmas Festival

The St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival and Carnival is a month-long celebration that is one of the largest and most popular that the territory hosts. Events take place starting the first weekend in December and then last all through the first weekend in January (which also means that, if you want to catch some Christmas fun in the islands, but don’t want to miss the actual Christmas holiday with your family in the States, it’s totally possible to have both!).

Events mainly take place in the St. Croix cities of Christiansted and Frederiksted. Expect calypso shows, Latin live music, classic St. Croix cuisine (the island is known for its amazing food!), parades, street parties and more.

Christmas Traditions in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Want to make your Christmas in the USVI as authentic as possible? There are a few fun ways to do so, and it starts with your Christmas meal. Guavaberry rum, sweet bread and ham are standard (and delicious!) Christmas Day fare.

You can also catch amazing live musicians performing your favorite Christmas carols at the annual Challenge of Carols event at Emancipation Garden on St. Thomas.  A short stroll away from this park enjoy a walk along the waterfront promenade, with seating and steps down to the water for all to enjoy. Watch the beautiful sunset on Charlotte Amalie Bay as you toast from one of the many elegant and casual dining areas on the waterfront. Top of your night by watching the annual boat parade! Spectators on the waterfront are active participants in the parade as they catch the candy Christmas treats tossed from the passing boats.

Egg Nog Caribbean Style

There is a popular Christmas song in the Virgin Islands that goes “Good Mornin, Good Mornin, ah come fo’ me Guavaberry; Good Mornin, Good Mornin to you and all your family”. It was written by the late, Virgin Islands’ composer Bill La Motta and is known as the Guavaberry Song. It is popular and cherished because it celebrates the very special Christmas tradition of Guavaberry Rum.

People in the Caribbean began making Guavaberry liquor centuries ago by mixing together guavaberries, rum and sugar. It is most popular in the Virgin Islands, St. Maarten and in the Dominican Republic’s eastern town of San Pedro de Macoris which has a large population of Eastern Caribbean descent. The liqueur has a fruity, spicy, bitter yet sweet taste. It is very hard to find outside of the Caribbean.

In the Virgin Islands handmade Guavaberry Rum is produced using family recipes. The drink is made of rum, spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, sugar, guavaberries and a few other secret ingredients! Traditionally the ingredients are placed together in a large glass demijohn and put away to blend for several weeks until Christmas of that year, or for better blending and aging until the following year. It is considered a special part of local tradition and culture. Mention Guavaberry to an older member of the community and a sense of nostalgia takes over of Christmas in the old days and of community. Holidays of yesteryear often included friends and family caroling house to house within their circle or neighborhood. The stops included a few snacks and a drink, most often a small sample of the family’s Guavaberry Rum.

Today Guavaberry Rum is still a very important part of Christmas celebrations. Families during the holidays often have discussions about who has made the best Guavaberry. For those that still make it their Guavaberry Rum provides a sense of pride, a continuation of heritage and of Christmas tradition.

Spend the Holiday Season Island Hopping!While it is too late to swap your Christmas tree out for palm trees this year, it isn’t too early to plan a trip to the beautiful Virgin Islands over the Christmas holiday next year. There’s no better time to get away from the snow and slush than during one of the most festive times of year.

The Virgin Islands know how to throw a party, and the same can be said around Christmastime. Once you’ve experienced Christmas in the Virgin Islands, you won’t want to celebrate any other way.

What exactly can you expect from a holiday season in this gorgeous locale? Think sunny skies and endless beaches, instead of snow piles and icy roads; think luxurious accommodations and unprecedented privacy, instead of being crammed into one tiny house with your entire family; think exciting adventures and a new view from your private yacht every day, rather than the same glum, winter scenery you’ve been staring at for months. We know how we’d rather spend Christmas!

​About Our Contributor: Welcome to the Suite Life. We are your personal yacht, providing a pampering & private experience all set in paradise, we call home. We offer world class service, set in an all-inclusive retreat. From your gourmet meals to your cocktails, to your day-to-day activities and destinations, all are tailored to your interests and tastes. https://www.suitelifeyachting.com