When it comes to making spirits bright, Cayman pulls out all the stops.
From elaborate lighting displays and spectacular fireworks to homes draped in dazzling decorations, the holiday season sparkles on-island.
Along with the sights and sounds of Christmas, the yuletide calendar is a whirlwind of events and activities spanning from gala tree-lighting ceremonies and carol concerts to appearances by Jolly Old St. Nick.
Driving around to view the holiday lights and magical displays is a long-held island tradition. The Crighton home in Red Bay and the Bodden residence in South Sound are two showstoppers that have become fixtures on the holiday calendar.
Holiday concerts
Christmas concerts are a big tradition on-island, and there are plenty of musical showcases held throughout the season. Among them is the Elmslie Memorial United Church sing-along carol concert and the Cayman Arts Festival’s Christmas concert.
Churches in every district organise special Christmas services and concerts.
In days gone by, groups of revellers would stroll door-to-door serenading with carols and popular songs of the day. Today, that tradition continues as members of the Red Bay Church of God Holiness travel throughout the island on a decorated flatbed truck singing carols and spreading holiday cheer.
Giving back
Numerous fundraising efforts and holiday drives take place during the festive season to help make wishes come true and give back to the community. From food drives and 5K fun runs to fundraising calendars and special events, there’s no better time to show Caymankind.
Acts of kindness – large or small – can make a difference in people’s lives, especially during the holiday season.
Past to present
In Cayman, the holiday season has always been a highly anticipated occasion. That stems from when the islands’ seafaring men – often away for months on end – would return home to reunite with their families. It was a time of family, feasting and fellowship.
That hasn’t changed. With new holiday events mixing with traditional favourites, the Christmas spirit always shines bright in Cayman.
This article originally appeared in the Christmas Wishes 2024 newspaper supplement.
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