Spend Christmas on the Beach at One of These Idyllic Destinations
Colombo, Sri Lanka
What better place to warm up during the holidays then on the lush, south Asian island of Sri Lanka? There are tons of outdoorsy things to do in December, when temperatures still stand around the mid-80s. Christmas just happens to fall during whale watching season, with tours departing Colombo daily.
Sea turtles also frequent the beaches of Sri Lanka, mainly at night, but you can visit the Sea Turtle Hatchery Mahamodara to see dozens of rescued turtles, including recently hatched babies. Although the island’s official religion is Buddhism, there are some places in Colombo that do have Christmas celebrations.
You’ll find a festive spirit at the Galle Face Hotel, a five-star seafront property, that offers a six-course Christmas dinner and seasonal entertainment for the whole family.
Big Island, Hawaii
Have a Polynesian-style tropical Christmas at the beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. Instead of piles of white snow on the ground, enjoy black sand beaches amid volcanoes and wildlife sanctuaries. Find the best beaches in Big Island Hawaii here and spend your entire trip narrowing them down to your favorite!
Relax and enjoy snorkeling or sunbathing at Kamakahonu Beach in Kailua-Kona, near the former vacation home of native Hawaiian royalty.
Imbibe in the festive atmosphere of a traditional luau with plenty of food, cocktails, entertainment and hula lessons near the Royal Kona Resort. Like many other coastal cities in the US, the Big Island also hosts a lighted boat parade in Kailua Bay a few weeks before Christmas. A whole host of concerts, fairs and parties leading up to the holiday are also plentiful in December.
A dark sky park is the perfect place to stargaze, but any remote locale will do. We name some of the best locations in the world to see stars.
Negril, Jamaica
One of the best times of year to visit Jamaica happens to be in December. With hurricane season thankfully over, the skies are blue and the waters are warm — the perfect combination for a fabulous Christmas on the beach. Go cliff diving into Blue Hole Mineral Springs or straight into the ocean via Rick’s Cafe.
The latter has weekly pool parties and special events where you can watch the sunset and enjoy a few bottles of Red Stripe. Christmas in Jamaica also means it’s Jonkonnu time, a celebration full of wild masks, costumes, music and dancing.
Watch the performers up close and personal on the street, but be warned — this isn’t Disneyland. Small children might get frightened by the masks, never mind the fervor and excitement!
