December is easily one of the most popular months to visit Belize. With plenty of warm sunshine and fun festivals, there’s something exciting going on all month.
Here are a few festivals and events that you don’t want to miss in Belize in December:
End of the World Marathon
The End of the World Marathon first began on December 21, 2012 when many people around the world interpreted the ancient Maya calendar to predict the apocalypse on that date. After gaining widespread popularity, the End of the World Marathon has continued year after year, blossoming to become one of Placencia’s most popular events. Get more information on this event here.
Christmas Parades
Christmas is a very important holiday in Belize, and the locals love to celebrate with parades for adults and children. Don’t miss the famous Love FM Christmas Parade in Belize City where Santa and his elves share a bounty of goodies with the crowd.
Boat Parades
In coastal areas like Placencia and Ambergris Caye, locals and visitors alike turn out to enjoy the sight of hundreds of boats parading by in a sea of lights, decorations, and enthusiastic cheers.
The Sport of Kings
For more than a century, horse racing has been an important past-time in Belize. The small village of Burrell Boom outside of Belize City is home to a big race on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Years Day (January 1). This is no elitist affair, but a big party where people from all walks of life enjoy the action.
Junkanu Dancing
Spelled a variety of ways, Junkanu is a traditional Garifuna dance developed at a time when African slaves had little to celebrate. Dancers don special garb to mock and ridicule their former European masters in a cavalcade of music, singing, and dancing.
Posadas
Catholics in villages across Belize prepare for the birth of Jesus by re-enacting the pilgrimage of Joseph and Mary in their quest for room at the inn during the nine days leading up to Christmas Day.
Christmas Eve
No one needs reminding of the “reason for the season” in Belize as shops shut down to allow for family members to go to church and sing hymns. Many Belizeans herald the arrival of the big day with a midnight mass.
Christmas Day
A full day of gifts, music, concerts, and lots and lots of delicious food. Don’t be surprised to hear traditional classics as carolers roam the streets to celebrate the big day. Christmas is also a great day to enjoy nature, hiking through the jungle, snorkeling and diving on the reef, or marveling at the enormous stone pyramids and temples left behind by the ancient Maya.
December 26
Celebrated both as Boxing Day, a holiday inherited from the long centuries of British rule, and as Kwanzaa, Belizeans keep the holiday season going strong to close out the year.
Where to stay in December
The multiple award-winning resort of Chabil Mar on the Placencia Peninsula is an oasis of luxury and beauty. With well-appointed villas ideal for families, honeymooners, or adventure travelers, Chabil Mar is a great resort to stay for your vacation in December.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation in December.
