December in Belize brings balmy weather and tons of holiday season festivities. Plus, with the high season off to a start, it also brings plenty of intrepid travelers looking for new and memorable experiences. Hoping to satisfy your wanderlust during this end-of-year period in Belize? Here are our top ten travel picks for this month.
1. Indulge in a Festive Dinner at A Belize Resort
Palmilla Restaurant at Night
Photo Credit: Victoria House Resort and Spa
Tis the season to splurge a little. This December, treat yourself to an indulgent meal at a Belize resort. Many across the country will be serving up delectable dinners for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, including Victoria House Resort and Spa on the beaches of Ambergris Caye.
Enjoy a three-course meal that features choices of Fennel Arugula Salad or Creamy Lobster Bisque; Mushroom Risotto or Braised Short Rib; and a Chocolate Mirror Glaze to end the night. Combine dinner with a Merry Mango Jalapeno Margarita or a Pitahaya (Dragon Fruit) Yuletide Martini to truly embrace the festive spirit. Call (501) 226 2067 to make a reservation.
2. Go Horseback Riding
Photo Credit: Hamanasi
December in Belize also translates to the start of the dry season. As the showers become fewer and the mud and water dissipate, it’s the perfect time to enjoy horseback riding – especially since the weather is cooler. Explore the country’s natural beauty as you navigate diverse trails and terrain.
3. Venture Offshore for Some Fishing Adventures
Photo via Hopkins Bay
Is there really a “bad” time to go fishing in Belize? Not really. This December though, venture offshore, for some fun fishing adventures that are sure to be memorable. Belize has made a name for itself as a renowned fly-fishing destination and travelers are able to enjoy fly fishing – and chase grand slam fame – all year round. Beyond just fly-fishing, though, December in Belize is a great time for catching bonefish, snapper, barracuda, snook, and wahoo.
4. Get Cozy in the Mountain Pine Ridge
Photo Credit: Gaia Riverlodge
In Belize, plummeting temperatures is a good thing. (Though, it’s less of a plummet and more of a small dip). While we don’t see the same winter chill as our friends up north, the occasional cold front brings a refreshing coolness. Temperatures reach their lowest in the higher elevated Mountain Pine Ridge area, averaging between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit ( 16 – 21°C) in the night.
Where to Stay: Both Blancaneaux Lodge and Gaia Riverlodge offer cozy (and luxurious) accommodations right inside the Mountain Pine Ridge. Enjoy spectacular views with a relaxing ambiance.
5. Attend a Belizean Christmas Bram
Festive season traditions abound in Belize during this time. A quintessentially Creole event, the annual Christmas Bram is one event that many Belizeans look forward to each December. It’s a joyous occasion, complete with traditional music (like brukdong), dancing, and games. Traditionally, the bram involved dancing from house to house. Today, it’s a more stationery event (taking place at Belize’s House of Culture), but according to the National Kriol Council, it can still be observed in its truest form in villages like Gales Point Manatee.
6. Visit the Placencia Peninsula
Photo by @belizemytravels
Home of gorgeous beaches and amazing beachside eats, Belize’s Placencia Peninsula is a must-visit all year round. In December, however, the “island you can drive to” comes alive with Christmastime activities. From the annual Mistletoe Ball and Santa Meet and Greets to luxurious cocktail classes and romantic dinners, there’s something for everyone on the Peninsula in December.
Similar: Mistletoe Balls and More: Spending the Holidays in Belize on the Placencia Peninsula
7. Watch Belize’s Jankunu Dancers
Jankunu in traditional dress. Image courtesy Jaguar Reef Lodge/Tony Rath Photography
December in Belize is a time for festive feasts and cultural displays. Perhaps one of the most representative elements of the holiday season in Belize, the Jankunu Dance – also known as Wanaragua – is a must-see. Witness this masquerade dance rooted in resistance at its most lively in the town of Dangriga. Regardless of where you are in Belize around Christmas time though, you are bound to hear the sounds of seashells shaking and drums beating.
8. Bring in the New Year in San Pedro
Photo via Unsplash
Belize’s party central, San Pedro Town is one of the go-to spots for bringing in the New Year. Watch as the downtown area of the island comes alive with music, parties, and more. Plus, with Ambergris Caye being home to a vast array of resorts and restaurants, expect no shortage of holiday dinners and New Year’s Eve parties.
9. Experience a Belize Christmas Market
Photo Credit: Belize Travelling Market
December in Belize also means pop-up shops and Christmas markets galore. Whether you’re hoping to score some unique Christmas gifts or are looking for trinkets to take back home, there will be tons of mini-markets taking place across the country. That includes everything from a blowout sale on rum at the Tavellers Bazaar to a full-blown artisan experience at Itz’ana.
Similar: Don’t Miss These Christmas Markets Happening Across Belize
10. Enjoy a Hiking Adventure
Photo by ROEming Belize Travel Agency
As with horseback riding, the dry season in Belize is one of the best times to enjoy exploring its many forests and nature reserves. Head to the Mountain Pine Ridge for caves, pine forests, and camping. Or, meander into Belize’s broadleaf forests for some thrilling hikes and stunning vistas.
Featured: Fly-fishing in San Pedro. Photo by the Belize Tourism Board.
