Christmas in Jamaica
The Fun & Exciting Jamaican Christmas Traditions

Grandma's 'Chrismus Tree'

Christmas in Jamaica is enviably different! OK, I admit, yes we engage in most of what the western world does but it's sorta sweeter here. 

Lavishly Decorated House at Christmas in Water Works, Westmoreland, Jamaica

It includes the...

• Extravagant Decorations
• Carols and Caroling
• Christmas Tree Lightings
• Concerts and Extravagant Parties
• Gift Exchange
• Charity Initiatives
• Family Reunions
• & yes, omg, the sumptuous Food!

Keep reading and you'll understand what I mean.

Old Time Christmas In Jamaica?

And what about the traditional Jamaican Christmas? 

Yes, much have changed over the years, to learn about the good 'ole time', traditional Christmas in Jamaica, click here to see Fay Ellington reminisces.

The Carols

The radio stations start playing carols quite early, sometimes as early as in October! 

We play all the popular carols that you'll probably associate with the western cultures.

• Silent Night
• Away in A Manager
• The First Noel
• Oh Holy Night
• Feliz Navidad
• The Drummer Boy
• ...you name them

But remember, Jamaica is the home of reggae music, so you bet; we also do them -Christmas reggae style!

Gift Exchange (Pixie)

Here we call it pixie! And it is mainly practiced in the workplaces, in community groups and some churches, although some families do it as well.

At about a month or so before Christmas, the names of interested individuals are typed on a piece of paper, wrapped securely and placed in a box. Each of the participants will then pick one of the names, who will become his/ her pixie!

That person will be secretly treated daily by his pixie  until the day it culminates, usually a few days before Christmas. These gifts are usually small gift items, tokens, snacks etc.

On the final day, the big final gift (for all participants) is given to the pixie usually to her surprise, as, all along he/she never knew who was gifting him/her.

Persons customize this in various ways to bring more excitement and fun. Sometimes coupling this gift exchange with the Christmas staff party.

Caroling & Carol Services

And then there are the carol services, which are a lot more religious and reflective,  usually held at the traditional christian churches and some schools which features a array of Christmas carols, sung by individuals and choirs, lovely!

The University Of The West Indies typically has one each one. Always masterfully done. I actually have a feature on one of the most recent ones, click here to check it out.

Candle lighting may or may not be included as part of the carol services too.

But they are also done independently. My church has a custom of lighting a four different colour candles each Sunday, leading up to Christmas Sunday.

And the 'Caroling'? It is still done, but also not quite to the extent of how it was in the past.

Basically, early on Christmas morning, churches organize their teams and walk around the community singing Christmas carols.

Concerts & Parties

Christmas concerts are very popular leading up to the day, and they are in every area of public domain.

They are in the schools, in the community centers, the workplaces (called staff parties), the squares, and even some of the churches that once denounce the celebrations decades ago.

The parties are never ending!

Traditionally, families go to the town areas and the cities on Christmas Eve-for nothing more than the lights and the thrill!

The traditional 'JohnKonnu"- An African inherited celebration brought by our ancestors, is not too popular in the city areas these days, but that too is quite exciting when held.

Of course, this does not include the many and varied reggae and dancehall shows, which are aplenty here at Christmas. Some of which have become signature events during this time of the year.

Honestly though, that is my main problem with that time of the year- I tend to spend all my money way before the actual day, I'm been honest :-)

And if all the concerts and parties were not enough, there are the Christmas Eve Balls and final parties the night before. Here the merriment continues until daylight.

The Decorations

Decorations At Fairview, Montego Bay, Jamaica

The decorations start unusually early as well! Houses are painted and 'pepper lights', i.e. Christmas Lights as we call them, goes up, on gates, curbs, cars and even on trees!

Mandeville, Jamaica: Beautifully Christmas decorated Jamaican home

But wait until Christmas morning!

You will see the most elaborate ornamentation! The newest and best curtains, table cloth, sheet sets, etc. are on display!

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

By about mid December, latest, every parish capital in Jamaica, under the management of it's municipal corporation, formerly called the parish councils, would have hosted an annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

For many, particularly the children, this is the highlight of their Christmas in Jamaica!

Yes, a symbolic Christmas tree is lighted in the town square, but there are usually a lot more festivities surrounding that, which culminates with live performances by some of the parish and Jamaica's top acts!

And of course, it is free!

You can read about a recent Christmas Tree lighting in Montego Bay here.

Watch Video! Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Here, below are highlights of the recent tree lighting ceremony in Montego Bay. Click The PLAY button below and enjoy!

The Food

Jamaican Family Christmas Dinner| Backyard Family Dinner

But perhaps the most telling part of Christmas in Jamaica is the food!

Despite the relative poverty experience by many, everyone seeks to present the most elaborate, expensive and appetizing dishes on the table on Christmas Day.

Curried Goat, Pork, Chicken, Oxtail, all served with Rice and Gungo Peas forms the entree!

Some of the more affluent families do include ham and imported turkey.

And then there is also the sorrel and Jamaican Christmas Cake to top that off. Both, however, requires special care to be done in time for Christmas.  

For the Christmas cake, fruits are soaked in red wine and white rum for months before Christmas! Rum is also an integral part of the sorrel punch preparation.

Charity Initiatives

Between the fun, food and frolic though, we never leave out the charity. Both individuals and corporations do share the Christmas spirit by giving.

My community club, the Retirement Sports and Social Club, sponsors an annual Children's Treat too. Many public and private sector companies donate freely to this cause at this time of the year.

By the way, I included a few of those Christmas treat pictures from a few years ago on my main pictures page.

Family Reunions

S'Ida Christmas family reunion in Jamaica

My favourite part of Christmas in Jamaica though is the family togetherness.

The actual day is spent at home-usually at the family home with friends and families.

I can't wait for the family reunions at that time!

My uncle, Tony, cherishes this time of the year. We both sort of assume the lead roles in the annual preparations.

And it not always at the family home. Sometimes we all go out. One year we chartered a bus and went to 'Little Ochie'.

The food was awesome and we had the best of the best - and lots of it :-)

Decorations At Fairview, Montego Bay, Jamaica

So you see, we have no snow nor chimney, but Christmas in Jamaica, while reflective - is a scintillating experience  here in Jamaica land we love!

And yes, I expect someone somewhere will ask so let me answer now, Christmas Day in Jamaica is still December 25 each year. If the 25th falls on a Sunday, then the following Monday, the 26th, is celebrated as Christmas Day.

And by default, Boxing Day would shift down to the next day.

Other Pages Related To Christmas In Jamaica

Don't miss these informative pages about Jamaica

• Jamaican Travel Stories
• The Culture of Jamaica
• Interesting Facts About Jamaica
• Exciting Places to Visit
• Jamaican Products & Services
• Jamaican Food
• Pictures from Jamaica
• Jamaican Products/Services
• Our Jamaican Blog
• Our Discussion Forums

Return to My Island Jamaica from Christmas in Jamaica

What's Your Most Memorable Christmas?
I'd love to hear - and my readers too!
Share it with us below.

Where do you start?

C'mon, don't make it so complex... just start typing as the memories comes to you. It's that simple :-)

Of course, I need not mention that my other site visitors will truly appreciate it.

Ready?

Enter A Title (Ex, "Christmas In BlueBoot, Manchester, 2010")

Just tell us about the experience (Ex.
the activities, the food, the events, family; what made it unique? [ ? ]

Close Help Entering your text is easy to do. Just type!... Your submission will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story. TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph.

Have Photos?
(I looooove pictures). Click browse to upload! [ ? ]

Close Help Are the photos are on your computer? Beautiful! Click the button and find it on your computer. Then select it.

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional)  

Click here to upload more images (optional)

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional)  

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional)  

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional)  

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

Your Name	(first or full name)
Your Location	(e.g., City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

• Check box to agree to these  submission guidelines.
• I am at least 16 years of age.
• I understand and accept the privacy policy.
• I understand that you will display my submission on your website.

(You can preview and edit on the next page)

Other Awesome Christmas Stories Already Shared

Below are all the other captivating Christmas experiences shared thus far, Click each below to read and post a comment.

Jamaican Christmas, Love it! 
At this time of year I usually start thinking about Christmas. I went to school in the USA, but now living in Jamaica. I visit u.s.a. once or twice …

Sweet Memories of Christmas in Africa as a Child 
Christmas is a joyous season full of love. As an occasion which symbolizes peace, giving and sharing, adults love it. So guess what it is like for …

Christmas 2012 -Jamaican Style 
Christmas 2012 was yet another memorable occasion for me. To be honest, it is the first Christmas in about 10 years that I didn't feel overwhelmed, …

Christmas Trip To Westmoreland 
Can I share my trip down west (Westmoreland) with you yesterday? Well, its our annual Grandpa visit ! It's an initiative my mom had started well before …

My Christmas in Jamaica -2011! 
Ever since migrating over 2 decades ago I always pinned for A Jamaican Christmas. This year I finally had to opportunity although I was excited to as …

Christmas Dung A Yard (Christmas Down in Jamaica) - The Poem 
...as recited by Karena Gayle (My Daughter) today December 18, 2011, her birthday, at church. We hope you like it. Hoo-much a oonu miss Crismus …

A Jamaican Christmas Miracle 
When we moved to Jamaica I gave all my winter clothes away. After all we were going to the tropics. Land of sun and water and fun. We had gotten an …

My Christmas in Kingston, Jamaica Not rated yet
As a young child, I remember going to Grand Market in downtown Kingston. Seeing all the toys and dolls and such things. I remember one year this man …

Christmas Vacation In Jamaica Not rated yet
A little late, but better late that never. This email came in from one of my subscribers in response to one of my weekly newsletter mailings - just …

Jamaican Christmas Vegan Cake - My first attempt :-) Not rated yet
My favorite memory of Christmas was in 2004 when I baked my first vegetarian fruit cake! I so surprise at the taste as I did not think that a cake like …

Merry Christmas (Prayer) Not rated yet
Heavenly Father, May our Christmas seasons be a time of reconciliation and peace. May the love of Christ be with us. May His peace surround us..... …

My Christmas In Negril, Jamaica Not rated yet
This Jamaican Christmas story/ experience is a different; no food, no party and traditional entertainment, no big celebration, etc. Rather, it was …

Jamaican Christmas Customs | 10 Helpful Resources On Christmas In Jamaica Not rated yet
Tis' The 'Funnest' Time Of The Year! In only a few days, we'll be celebrating Christmas! I've covered a substantial number of topics related …

Christmas in Wisconsin Not rated yet
The states are such a melting pot of people that traditions are more individualized by families. Because our children are grown and have children of …

Christmas in Jamaica with my family Not rated yet
Hello I'd like to share my Christmas with my family in Jamaica' For the past 6 years I have been blessed to be with my family here in Sweet Jamaica. Christmas …

Christmas in Jamaica with my family Not rated yet
Hello I'd like to share my Christmas with my family in Jamaica. For the past 6 years I have been blessed to be with my family here in Sweet Jamaica. …

I missed those days - Christmas In Jamaica Not rated yet
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year my friend when it reach here. First let me say a pleasant Sunday evening to you and your lovely family. I loved …

Jamaica 2018 Not rated yet
I am here, now, in Montego Bay and it has been raining ever since. So I figured that’s how Christmas is going to be.

Christmas St.Maarten style Not rated yet
Christmas in St.Maarten is so different from Jamaica. We do not have grand market, that big family get together is not so much of a big thing here, this …

2015 Christmas in Jamaica, yeah! Not rated yet
I'm from Michigan in the United States. Christmas here is usually covered in snow and ice. This year I'm lucky enough to spend Christmas and New Year …

Christmas in Barking Lodge, St Thomas- My Best Christmas Ever! Not rated yet
Barking Lodge in St. Thomas Many people I know tend to go overseas on their Christmas holidays to experience the white Christmas, while others think …

Dull Christmas - 2012 Not rated yet
Hello Wellesley! My Christmas was special all right; especially dull, boring, unexciting, uneventful, uninteresting and any other 'UN' will definitely …

Fabulous Christmas - My Best Ever! Not rated yet
I got married on Christmas Eve. It was the happiest Christmas I've ever had. Wow! I've not come back to earth yet! Editor's Note "Here come the …

Worst Ever Christmas (2012) Not rated yet
This was my worst Christmas ever! I had been invited to my bff's house to spend Christmas with her family as I am in the UK for longer than expected and …

Click here to write your own.

My 2012 Christmas in TN, USA Not rated yet
I enjoyed my Christmas with family. I prepared most of the Christmas dinner. A family friend came over to join us. I uploaded a video sharing greetings …

Thanks Jamaica for the tender moments Not rated yet
Haven't spent Christmas in Jamaica but I was there one year ago the 29th of December for New Years. It was awesome! I have to admit, the most exciting …

Christmas 2011 - A true Jamaican Christmas Not rated yet
Mom was not around this year, but this Christmas was, ironically, one of my (and indeed the family) best ever! Mine actually started with a host of …

Click here to write your own.

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Read More ...

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

---

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

---

SHOP JAMAICAN Book Local Tours

Book Your Vacation Travel TIPS and Cautions

Watch My Videos!

Featured Video!

Travelling To Jamaica? 

Read this BEFORE you go

👇🏿

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. Snorkelling In Ocho Rios | An Unforgettable Experience

   Dec 28, 24 10:00 PM

   
   Whether you're gliding over the vibrant coral reefs or marveling at the rich biodiversity, snorkelling in Ocho Rios offers unforgettable experiences.

   Read More

2. Boxing day in Jamaica

   Dec 28, 24 07:56 PM

   What does boxing day means in Jamaica? And Why is it called Boxing Day in Jamaica? I know many countries have different meanings to this holiday, but

   Read More

3. Do Jamaicans Celebrate Kwanzaa?

   Dec 28, 24 06:59 PM

   
   Do Jamaicans celebrate Kwanzaa? Learn about this African-inspired holiday and how it is observed in Jamaica amidst our island's strong Christmas traditions.

   Read More

4. Pearly Beach Ocho Rios | A Tranquil Escape

   Dec 27, 24 07:05 PM

   
   Discover Pearly Beach Ocho Rios, Jamaica, your perfect escape for tranquility and adventure. Enjoy calm turquoise waters and soft white sand.

   Read More

5. Gran’ Grand Market In Jamaica | Christmas Eve In Jamaica

   Dec 24, 24 06:22 PM

   
   Grand Market in Jamaica is exactly as it sounds. It's a time for last-minute shoppers to get their items and enjoy the music, food & fun…until Christmas morning

   Read More