December 12, 2026 and will start at 6:30 sharp! No island time on this one.

In the heart to December, as the sun dipped into the waters off the north Coast of Christiansted, the island of St. Croix began to glow-not just with lights, but with anticipated joy as the St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade was about to start. The feeling of warmth and committee unmistakable feeling of home of family, friends, and community was everywhere! As the sun faded into the Caribbean Sea, all around was the feeling of community, and of pride in the traditions that make this island so special. At about 5 PM Santa Clause and the elves heavy with candy canes come to the boardwalk by boat, and they pass out candy to all the kids from babies to seniors.
As the first boat rounded the harbor, the crowd erupted in cheers. Decorated from bow to stern with lights, garland, and folks dancing and singing, it’s Christmas. Its was the night of the St Croix Christmas Boat Parade. The entire town buzzed with excitement. Locals and visitors alike gathered along the boardwalk, their faces lit by the soft glow of festive lights, anticipating what was to come. This wasn’t any parade, this is Christmas on the water, and on St Croix, that meant something truly magical. Steel pan bands filled the air with the sweet rhythmic sounds that makes the Caribbean so special. Children laughed and danced, holding tightly to their parents’ hands their eyes wide with wonder as the colorful Moko Jumbies – the island’s stilt walkers- swayed danced their way through the crowd down the boardwalk. Their costumes sparkled like tinsel, towering over the joyful crowd. The vendors lined the streets selling Johnny cakes, chicken and fish pate’s, coconut tarts, of course lots of Coquito, a yummy blend of rum, cream and spices. It just tastes like Christmas!
As the first boat rounded the harbor the crowd erupted in cheers! The second entry was a group of Junior sailers, about 8-11 years old running a race as they moved along the parade route. These little guys will steel your heart for sure. This entry is 2 committee boats with 6 prams (little bath tub size boats) running a race in the middle of a parade. There’s a lot going on during this event. As each boat floated by, every one prettier than the last one, they floated like magical sleighs on water. Every vessel was a masterpiece, glowing with love and creativity. But beyond the beauty, there was something deeper-a shared sense of safety and caring for each other. With Santa in his flip flops and the steel pan band gets the crud to sing along to Feliz Navidad, and just fore a minute time stands still. Then the count down begins and the sky is filled with fireworks. Each one filling the sky with lights and the reflection on the water is amazing. As the evening progresses, with parents and grand parents holding the little ones hands, grandparents and parents trying to decide which boat was their favorite, while teens taking photos captured every moment for social media- sharing the joy of the evening with the world. The unique culture of St Croix which proudly hosts over 26 Christmas events throughout the season. That is why many lovingly call St Croix the Christmas Island. If you are thinking of a Caribbean vacation in the month of December, you will not run out of seasonal events to enjoy. St Croix’s carnival is the final event for the holiday season, with a street parade on the last day. What a party!
This wonderful event takes a huge amount of volunteers and plenty of organization locally and also the Coast Guard here and San Juan Puerto Rico, Not to mention DPNR, Police, Fire martial, ambulances, and the Yacht Club. If you want to put a boat in the parade there is no entrance fee just call Trish 340-643-0555 or go on line for additional information. This year’s Boat Parade will be December 13, 2025 and will start at 6:30 sharp! No island time on this one. Fireworks immediately follows the parade. Web Page www.stcroixchristmasboatparade.com The parade is on line there as well, the parade will be live on that web page courtesy of Caravelle hotel and casino.