Make the most of Bermuda’s jolly festivities this month with our list of holiday musts.
Sunday Shopping in St. George’s: There is something special about taking that yearly journey across the causeway in the pursuit of festive fun. Traditionally, the journey begins on a crisp winter evening when Bermudian families usually take a long way out to see homes’ twinkling with lights and decorations while blasting a scratched Bublé CD. Similar to last year, St. George’s has opened its doors for holiday shoppers, every Sunday afternoon from 12 pm to 4 pm until Christmas. We recommend catching an early lunch at Wahoo’s Bistro on their open-air patio, then stroll the cobbled street, taking in the window displays and picking up some local gifts.
Watch the Santa Parade (December 3): The Annual Santa Parade is back in town! Featuring Christmas floats, majorettes, Christmas music and of course, Santa, the annual Santa Parade is a favourite with kids and adults alike. The parade starts at 5:00 p.m. but make sure to get your spot early!
Watch the Pantomime (December 7–16): “Boo! Hiss! Hooray!” With lots of audience participation and sing-along songs promised in the traditional pantomime style, the classic tale of Cinderella is expected to be a magical adventure for the whole family! Evening showtimes are 7:00 p.m., matinees (9th, 10th and 16th) are 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased through the box office at Daylesford Theatre or online at www.bmds.bm.
Visit Front Street After Dark: The Cooperation of Hamilton has gone all out this year, and the minute the sun goes down, nearly every tree and lamp post on Front Street explodes into a kaleidoscope of light and colour. Most of us leave town before the lights go on and miss the show, or it becomes a blur in your periphery as you whizz past the traffic lights. Why not slow down, take to the streets, and savour the fabulous glittering décor? Start at The Supermarket and stroll to the birdcage. Treat yourself to a cheeky Christmas cocktail on Front Street while you look out over the harbour and make a night of it.
Forage for Bermuda Foliage Decorations: Tinsel and Christmas lights rarely last more than one or two seasons without taking a beating, especially in Bermuda’s humidity and salty air. Instead of running to Gorham’s for replacements, take to the Rail Way trail or the beach and forage for foliage that can be dried and painted to create sustainable and uniquely Bermudian Christmas decorations and ornaments. Check out our other articles on how to DIY wrapping paper and wreaths using the beauty of nature’s local bounty.
Visit The Carter House for a Family Christmas (December 10): Travel back in time for Christmas at Carter House. Both the original building and the new settler’s dwelling will be adorned with traditional decorations, the fire will be on and festive refreshments will be served. Listen out for the tinkling of bells as Father Christmas arrives bedecked in his traditional old wheelbarrow, with a burlap sack laden with gifts for the children.
Photo-Op by the Gingerbread House: Hamilton Princess never disappoints in decorating for the holidays, and this year is no different. Their talented team of chefs and engineers have kept the tradition going strong with their larger-than-life Gingerbread House display. Consisting of 400 bricks made from 572 pounds of gingerbread, 540 eggs and 40 pounds of icing sugar, this festive and traditional gingerbread house greets guests upon their first steps into the stunning lobby. With festive decor complementing the house, a glamorously decorated Christmas tree and the hotel’s stunning art collection, it truly is a sight to see!
Christmas Morning at Elbow Beach (December 25): Is there anything better than celebrating Christmas Day on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, with your toes in the pink sand and a glass of champagne in your hand? We think not! One of the holiday season’s most-loved events is celebrating Christmas Day on Elbow Beach. Starting at sunrise, hundreds of locals, ex-pats and visitors gather on the south shore beach and take part in what has become a timeless modern tradition.
