Living in the Caribbean, you wouldn’t think that Christmas would be a big deal. After all, it’s 85 degrees outside and the image of palm trees and sandy beaches don’t inspire much Christmas spirit. When I moved to the island I was surprised to find that this holiday is in fact taken quite seriously on the island, so much that decorations start popping up around the last week of November!

Curacao is a Dutch island, and many of the traditions celebrated here derive from the Netherlands. Here are 5 interesting things you didn’t know about celebrating Christmas in Curacao:

1. Christmas fairs throughout the month of December

Christmas markets in Europe are one of the best ways to spend the holidays. They are romantic, dreamy, and full of regional and seasonal treats. Curacao doesn’t quite have the same vibe (you won’t find piping hot mulled wine here) but the island does put on multiple Christmas fairs in December.

The fairs take place every week in various locations around the island and typically feature local vendors selling handmade crafts. I have found jewelry, hand painted ornaments, local artisan ceramics, cute trinket boxes, handmade greeting cards, and more. Santa usually makes an appearance for meet and greets (English conversation not guaranteed), and there are snacks aplenty.

In addition to Christmas fairs, local museums and restaurants host special holiday events throughout the month. Landhuis Chobolobo, for example, is one of the more popular tourist attractions on the island. You can see how they produce the famous blue Curacao liqueur found in tropical cocktails around the world. During the month of December, you can tour their distillery and enjoy the chocolate version of their liqueur in a special festive cocktail. This is an experience that is not to be missed!

2. You can get a REAL Christmas tree on the island

Yes, you read that right. You can get a REAL Christmas tree on this sunny desert island. I was just as surprised as you are! Islanders take this holiday so seriously that vendors will import fresh trees straight from the Netherlands to the island. Shops with banners reading “Kerstboom Fresh Cut” are one of the most popular places to pick up a fresh tree. You’ll walk into a room stacked with Christmas trees surrounded by air conditioners simulating a cold New England day. Expect at least a 20-30% markup to buy a fresh tree on the island compared to the US. Worth it, in my opinion 🙂

Tip: You can also pick up live trees at large home improvement stores, such as Kooyman!

You can also pick up fake trees if you don’t want to keep your air conditioner running 24/7 in December to keep your tree alive. Many home improvement stores, like Building Depot, have a great selection of fake Christmas trees that can be easily set up. Pop over to Bath and Body Works at the Sambil Mall to pick up a Fresh Balsam candle and you have the perfect set up!

3. Christmas-exclusive snacks on Curacao

Oliebollen is a hot topic of discussion among locals and visitors in December. In the Curacao expat and visitors groups someone always asks the group where to get the BEST oliebollen on the island. What is oliebollen you ask?

Oliebollen is a Dutch snack that you can see exclusively for the Christmas season. These are round tennis ball-sized doughnuts with or without raisins and topped with powdered sugar. The doughnuts are sweet with a rich buttery dough and a syrupy exterior. You can find these treats in the bakery sections of popular supermarkets, at Christmas fairs, and in pop-up shacks near bakeries and shops.

Additionally, there are several more treats that start popping up in December. Appelbeignets can be found along with oliebollen, and they are spiced apple slices dipped in batter, deep fried, and then covered in sugar. I have also found marzipan treats, speculaas cake, raisin bread, fruit cake, and more at the bakeries. On the savory side, there are two Christmas treats coming from Venezuela that are popular on the island: Hayaca (steamed cornmeal with chicken wrapped in a banana leaf) and Pan de Jamon (bread wrapped with ham and olives).

4. Sinterklaas tradition on December 5

In November, a friend of mine had asked me if I wanted to participate in Toys for Tots on the island and I jumped on the opportunity. I learned through this program about the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas. I was to obtain and wrap TWO gifts for my child, one to open on Sinterklaas and one to open on Christmas morning.

Sinterklaas is an age old tradition celebrating the arrival of Saint Nicholas into the Netherlands. While the actual tradition in the Netherlands is more intense, involving parades and someone dressed as Santa visiting different towns, the tradition on Curacao is more about the gift giving and family time. Children and their families will have a lovely dinner on December 5th with a present to open that evening – and the present is always labeled “from Sinterklaas”! I find this a fun way to get families together throughout the month and encourage kids to get excited for the holidays.

5. Annual Santa Run in downtown Willemstad

The Santa Run is one of the most highly anticipated events on the island every year. For just 35 ANG (equivalent to $20) per person, you can sign up to join the Santa Run which includes a full Santa suit, entry into the run, live entertainment, and two drinks along the route. The run takes place in the evening at Rif Fort in downtown Willemstad and usually winds through the beautiful streets of Punda. This year, there is an after party at Madero Beach Club with DJs, dancing, and a good time with fellow Santas.

The Santa Run is not just for adults! Families rejoice in this friendly and leisurely event and take the opportunity to walk and enjoy the city with their friends, basking in the festive decorations. I am very much looking forward to participating in this year’s Santa run with hundreds of other Santas!

Final Thoughts

Overall, Christmas in Curacao is more than just hanging out on the beach sipping from a coconut. We have Dutch traditions, tons of decor, fresh trees, local fairs, and tasty snacks. I would highly recommend visiting the island in December! The temperature is a perfect 85 degrees with a strong Caribbean breeze and some short light rain in the mornings and evenings. The island is the greenest and lushest it can get during this period, and the Christmas festivities make being on here even more fun!