It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is upon us and while some people are dreaming of a white Christmas, here in Belize we are merry and bright with our warm sunshine and sparkling sea. If you happen to be spending the holidays on the Placencia Peninsula, you are in for a treat! This is how we have a holly jolly tropical time in December.
Have a Ball – A Mistletoe Ball
Meet me under the mistletoe at Umaya Resort in your holiday finery. The annual Mistletoe Ball is a longstanding and cherished tradition on the peninsula. In this categorially casual seaside hamlet, the Mistletoe Ball is the one night of the year that you can go all out with fashion and glamour. Dress to impress and come mix and mingle and dance the night away. The Ball is one of Placencia’s premier events; a festive and fun-filled evening to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Tickets are available for a formal sit-down dinner in addition to the dance which will be held on Saturday, December 16th. You can make a weekend getaway of the event by taking advantage of special discount pricing Umaya Resort is offering.
Santa is Coming to Town
Santa arrives in Placencia the only way a Caribbean Claus would: not by sleigh but by boat! Join the festivities down near the municipal pier at the Village Council’s Christmas Night Market on December 9th. A new community custom, the Night Market is a merry, open-air gathering of merchants and musicians. You probably won’t find chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but you are almost guaranteed to encounter some unique crafts, delicious barbeque, and cold cocktails on offer.
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- Photo Credit: Buba Wuba’s Grill & Smoke Shack
The yearly holiday boat parade, which begins at Buba Wuba’s Bar and travels the lagoon, ends at the market and Santa disembarks his boat to greet and take photos with his fans on the dock. If you miss the Christmas Night Market on the 9th you can always try to catch the monthly artisan market at Itz’ana Resort and Residences; they’ll have their Christmas edition of the market on December 17th.
Singing on the Sidewalk
Watch the Placencia Sidewalk come alive this holiday season. Image courtesy Carolee Chanona
Placencia Village’s original main street was its famous sidewalk along the seaside and today this important artery is the lifeblood of the community. The most jovial portion of the sidewalk is the Tipsy Strip and on December 22nd Christmas Carolers will join Santa and his Elves in spreading holiday cheer to one and all. Hot chocolate and treats will be dispensed, and prizes awarded for most festive outfits and most spirited karaoke.
Have a Cup of Cheer
Tipsy Tuna Rum Popo
Set aside the milk and cookies for the fat man, I recommend imbibing in a few holiday spirits to get in the Christmas mindset. Placencia’s many beach bars and quaint watering holes offer special holiday-themed cocktails and seasonal specialties such as Belikin’s Sorrel Stout or the Rum Popo Colada at Tipsy Tuna. Join the fun and interactive mixology class at Itz’ana Resort’s Biblio Bar. They’re offering a festive take on their craft cocktail class where you can sip, swirl, and savor your very own creations.
Soak up the warmth of the Caribbean Christmas season and share in the joy of the holidays with these events and more if you happen to be on the Placencia Peninsula this December.
Featured Photo by Umaya Resort & Adventures
