In depth · The festive season
Christmas and New Year in the Bahamas
December in The Bahamas means warm days, twinkling lights on Bay Street and the drums of Junkanoo in the small hours. Here is how the islands celebrate, and how to plan your stay.
Updated October 2026
Lights on Bay Street
Downtown Nassau dresses up for Christmas, with lights and decorations along Bay Street and at Arawak Cay and a big tree. In 2025 the tree was lit on 1 December, and the evening ended with a Junkanoo rush-out.
In George Town, Exuma, Regatta Park hosts the island’s Christmas lighting, with school performances, steel pan carols, Santa arriving by boat and fireworks over Elizabeth Harbour (5 December in 2025).
Junkanoo: Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
Junkanoo is the heart of the season. Thousands of dancers in handmade costumes of crepe paper, cardboard and feathers rush down Bay Street to goatskin drums, brass horns and cowbells, starting after midnight on Boxing Day and again on New Year’s Day. Grand Bahama, Bimini, Eleuthera and Abaco hold their own parades, and Exuma follows in early January.
Junkanoo in depth Educulture Junkanoo Museum
New Year’s Eve
Atlantis on Paradise Island and Baha Mar on Cable Beach throw two of the biggest parties, minutes apart: international DJs and fireworks from Atlantis’s Royal Towers, and a black-tie-optional gala, rooftop parties and fireworks at Baha Mar. Book tickets and dinners well ahead.
More to do in December
The Bahamas International Film Festival runs in December in Nassau and on Harbour Island, and the Tingsmas Market of Bahamian artisans has been held at the National Art Gallery. Check this year’s dates with the organisers.
Days are warm, but bring a sweater for the cooler evenings, and plan beach days around the odd cold front.
Planning your holiday
Christmas and New Year are among the busiest weeks of the year. Book flights, ferries and rooms early, especially on the Out Islands, where there are few rooms. Governor’s Harbour airport on Eleuthera is closed from 1 October 2026 for a few months, so fly to North Eleuthera or Rock Sound.