The Christmas Walkabout in St. George's
St. Peter's Church
The Town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with historic buildings, gets into the holiday spirit during the annual St. George Christmas Walkabout. Several homes are lavishly decorated for the season and open to the public, historical re-enactors roam the candlelit streets, and the sound of classic carols fills the air.
Christmas Eve Services
Bermuda is home to many historic churches, so you’ll have your pick if you want to celebrate the holiday in a sacred space. For an especially atmospheric Christmas Eve, the Old Devonshire Church – first built back in 1624 – hosts a popular candlelight service every year. Visitors are welcome.
The Hamilton Christmas Parade
Santa comes to Bermuda during this popular annual event. Thousands turn out in the City of Hamilton to welcome Jolly Old St. Nick. Christmas-themed floats, majorettes, dancing Gombey troupes and more parade down the streets of Hamilton before the big man in the red suit makes his long-awaited appearance.
Elbow Beach Bermuda
Christmas Day on the Beach
It might be a little naughty, but it’s hard to resist: while your friends are shovelling their sidewalks on Christmas morning, you can send them a selfie from one of Bermuda’s most beautiful spots, Elbow Beach. Every December 25, hundreds of ex-pats and visitors gather here for a festive Bermuda holiday celebration complete with champagne, food, music and good vibes.
Boxing Day
The holidays in Bermuda are big for the Gombeys, the traditional troupes of colourfully attired dancers that have been a tradition on the island since the 1800s. On Christmas Day, Boxing Day (the UK’s public holiday on December 26) and New Year’s Day, the streets transform into a stage with people dancing to the infectious sound of goatskin drums, beer bottle fifes and tin whistles. On these days, gombey dancers can be found on most of Bermuda’s main streets – just listen for the music.
On Boxing Day, the streets transform into a stage with people dancing to the sound of goatskin drums, beer bottle fifes and tin whistles.
