Just as people flock to the ice rink at Rockefeller Center each year, so Grand Cayman residents tour gardens and public venues that sparkle and shimmer with thousands of Christmas lights.
When we were young children on the island in the ‘70s and ‘80s, our mother used to drive us around to see the lights at various homes. It was our yearly ritual, which always included the animatronic Santa that Home Gas had in its window in town.
Those were the days of the big, colourful bulbs with not an LED in sight, but it was magical nonetheless. Mum would have us singing carols in the car as we drove the quiet roads of Grand Cayman.
Now, the displays are nothing short of spectacular. Scientists haven’t just been working on how to build a better mousetrap over the decades – they’ve also been busily making advances in the world of festive decor.
The results can be admired in person at the Crightons’ home and Bodden sisters’ house every December.
For those not in the know, the Crightons’ is located opposite Ocean Club. Trees are festooned in lights, there are animatronic elves in workshops, manger scenes, train sets and inflatable Christmas characters specifically positioned around the vast garden in front of the house. The family very kindly allows the public to walk the grounds, which is always a wonderful experience.
The Bodden property is on South Church Street opposite Sunset House, and once all the decorations and lights are in place, you can practically see it from space. It is spectacularly bright, incorporating all the colours of the rainbow, with touches like an old-fashioned doll choir set up by the front door, a gazebo converted into a winter wonderland, and fanciful birds such as flamingoes and swans gracing open areas between the trees.
Again, people are allowed to go through the gates and walk the grounds, and often a savvy ice cream truck is nearby to enhance the evening. There aren’t many places in the world where a cone of icy cold, creamy vanilla is welcome in the winter months.
Although these two iconic residences immediately spring to mind when families plan their Christmas lights tour, remember that journeying further afield can definitely reap rewards. The island’s main roundabouts are always worth a drive-by, as each is uniquely decorated for the season. For example, the Island Heritage roundabout is a definite nod to Cayman’s history and culture, usually featuring a catboat and old-style cottage.
Cayman National Bank’s roundabout is awash in shades of blue, the company’s signature colour, while the Butterfield roundabout firmly marks its place with a towering ‘tree’ in its centre.
Last year, Heroes Square was beautifully decorated, with a magnificent Santa and his reindeer overlooking a fully-lit Tannenbaum, and giant golden baubles big enough for people to walk through. With George Town now favouring pedestrianised areas, it’s well worth parking the car and wandering the twinkling streets in the quiet night, under the stars.
And, of course, Camana Bay always goes big-or-goes home when it comes to Christmas. Huge reindeer, massive wreathes and lights aplenty turn the town into a real wonderland, not to mention the polar bear you might find in a secluded garden square, or the brick red post box that conveys letters direct to the North Pole and Santa. It all culminates with a tree on the Crescent so tall, it acts as a beacon for pleasure boats cruising into the harbour, looking for a bit of festive magic.
Rather than just heading to one spot this year, bundle the family into the car and make an evening of it. Explore the lights of the island, singing carols as you go, and revel in the simple joy of spending time together, where getting in the spirit doesn’t cost a thing.
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