December 18: Bermudian Christmas

Christmas in Bermuda

For many, Christmas takes place in cold weather, often with snow on the ground.  There is however, another way! I have recently spent several winters in Bermuda and can highly recommend it. Only a couple of hours flight from the East Coast of the USA, it has an enviable winter climate.

Bermuda is a great place to spend Christmas with temperatures between 70 and 80F and gorgeous blue sky days. Admittedly, there are some days when the weather is more windy and slightly damp, but these are far outweighed by bluebird days.

Christmases in Bermuda, before Covid, have been a heady mix of wonderful events, starting end November with the Christmas Parade which is made up of a range of themed floats working their way from one part of the island to another.

A key highlight of Christmas in Bermuda is walkabout in St George’s town, which is where the first Parliament was held in 1620. St George’s is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a great mix of buildings, some dating back to the 1700s. Walkabout takes place early December and is one night when the Bermuda National Trust properties, including those rented by private individuals, throw open their doors and let people see the built heritage of St George’s. It is magical walking around the town and admiring the houses and Christmas lights around the town, often with a mulled wine in hand.

Please note the following photos are from previous years as there was no Walkabout in 2020 due to Covid.

Not to be outdone, Hamilton, the current capital, also makes an effort with its lights. The highlight in Hamilton is always seeing what the Hamilton Princess has made out of gingerbread. For 2020, it is a Bermuda moongate made entirely out of gingerbread by the hotel’s own chefs.

There is also a boat parade when local boats are decorated with lights and have a driveby in Hamilton or St George’s quayside, competing to be declared the best decked boat.

On Christmas Day, many ex-pats head for Elbow Beach for their Christmas drinks and brunch on the beach as well as catching up with friends and letting the kids have fun on the beach and in the water.

Whatever you choose to do in Bermuda, the turquoises will leave a lasting impression on you.

Earlier in December, I shared the recipe for Bermudian Cassava Pie but many will also be celebrating Christmas with a Dark ‘n Stormy or two – Goslings Dark Rum and Ginger Beer.

However and wherever you choose to celebrate, I wish you a wonderful Festive Season and a happy and healthy 2021.

Susan