I’m one of those extra people that absolutely loves Christmas. I play Christmas carols year round, I start putting up decorations the day after Halloween, I look forward to the Starbucks holiday cups and I paint my nails a different shade of red every week after Thanksgiving.
Whether you love Christmas like me or you’d rather hear “bah humbug” over “ho, ho, ho” the following list of 5 Holiday Happenings You’ve Got to Attend This Christmas is sure to make your days merry and bright. Several of the events are specific to The Bahamas, but the concept is world wide so no matter where you find yourself this holiday season you can join in the fun.
Holiday Happening No. 1.: The Old Fort Bay Town Centre Christmas Extravaganza
Ever watched that scene in every Hallmark Christmas movie where all the people in the town come together around a big tree and the two star-crossed lovers finally kiss? The Old Fort Bay Town Centre Christmas Extravaganza is a more lit version of that. I can’t guarantee a star-crossed lover but I can guarantee you loving yourself. The 6th annual event takes place on Friday December 8 from 6-9 and features Rhythm N’ Youth (children’s rake n scrape band), Special Blend (St. John’s College band, winners of the Music Project), Windsor Prep Choir, and a Junkanoo Rush-out. There is also FREE FOOD, WINE samples by Commonwealth Brewery and the plaza tenants who sell everything from high fashion to electronics and skin care will be hosting pop up shops and sales!
If for some strange reason you aren’t in The Bahamas for Christmas, add the event to your 2018 calendar and go check out a local festival or event designed to bring the community together.
Holiday Happening No. 2. #Pretty Party
If your local pink and green pretty girls aren’t hosting a holiday shindig with complimentary shots and special AKA mixes for purchase, some regular holiday work party will have to do. If however, you are in Nassau, Bahamas on December 15th, check out #Pretty happening at No. 25 Prospect Ridge. As a member of the most illustrious sorority, I’ll admit to being slightly biased but this party is going to be one for the ages. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15.00 at the door with proceeds going to provide scholarships to top female students from across The Bahamas.
Holiday Happening No. 3. Carolling
Remember the laughter that consumed you whenever you sang the “rude” version of Jingle Bells as a child? Well it still brings the same smile to your face as an adult. This time, try carolling with the right words and add in a verse of Joy to the World (you cannot be unhappy singing Joy to the World). Most churches sing Christmas carols around this time of year so stop on in even if its been a while. If you aren’t feeling church vibes but would still like to get down with your version of “Silent Night”, follow your local choirs on Facebook to find out where there Christmas performance will be. If you are in Nassau, Bahamas, check out Enue’s “Coffee & Carols” or Adrian Archer’s annual “Nine Lessons & Carols” ( this one is at a church too guys, sorry [not sorry]).
Holiday Happening No. 4. Family Gathering
Family is everything. Home Alone taught us how much we’d miss our loved ones if they left us on the holidays (even when they eat all the cheese pizza and get on our nerves). Family comes in different shapes and sizes. Some of us have lost loved ones, some of us aren’t close with our biological kin, but even if its co-workers, teammates, friends or your cats, make time to spend with those you love most.
Not really interested in cooking all of that holiday food on your own? No worries, with three course lunches as cheap as $45.00, Sapodilla Restaurant has got you covered. If you aren’t in Nassau to experience fine dining at its best, there are sure to be local caterers and affordable eateries nearby. The point here is to grab your favourite people, get some good grub, throw in some laughter and make it a holly, jolly Christmas.
Holiday Happening No. 5. Junkanoo
If you haven’t attended the greatest festival on earth in a while, get your life together and head down to Bay Street on December 26 at 12:00 am or January 1 at 2:00 am. Can’t make either of those dates? Not to worry, Jr. Junkanoo happens on December 9th, The Old Fort Bay Christmas Extravaganza ends with a junkanoo rush-out on December 8th and so does Sapodilla’s New Year’s Eve party!
If you live in The Bahamas you know that there is nothing quite like Junkanoo, the combination of colours, feathers, dancing, drums and musical melodies; the sheer artistry, the details, the coordination and the focus of the group members and of course the rivalry between the fans on the street and in the stands. The line up for both official parades are as follows:
Boxing Day
1)Valley
2)Genesis
3)Saxons
4)Roots
5)Music Makers
6)One Family
7)Prodigal Sons
New Years Day:
1)Valley
2)One Family
3)Roots
4)Music Makers
5)Saxons
6)Prodigal Sons
7)Genesis
There you have it, 5 Holiday Happenings You’ve Got to Attend This Christmas. Now go forth and have a Happy Hype Holiday!
