From mid-December to early January, islands and cities mark the season with J’Ouvert, parades, concerts, and small community events that keep the streets busy. Many people travel home to reunite with their families, while others follow the festival circuit from island to island. Some carnivals run for two weeks, and a few carry their final parades into New Year’s Day. The lineup below shows what will close out 2025.
THUR 18 DEC 2025 – SAT 3 JAN 2026
SUGAR MAS
ST KITTS & NEVIS
Holiday-season carnival with J’Ouvert, street parades, music competitions, and folklore displays. The season usually peaks around Christmas week when town centres stay busy late into the night. Visitors can also expect beach parties and community events across Basseterre.
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SAT 20 DEC 2025 – THU 1 JAN 2026
MONTSERRAT CARNIVAL
MONTSERRAT, WI
Year-end celebration with calypso, J’Ouvert, and a New Year’s Day parade. The island also hosts pageants, small village fêtes, and day tours that draw people who return home for the season. Community groups often use this period to showcase local artistry and island traditions.
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FRI 26 DEC 2025 – SAT 3 JAN 2026
CRUCIAN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
A long-standing holiday carnival featuring parades, live music, local food, and celebrations in Frederiksted from late December to early January. Festival Village opens each night with food stalls and concerts. The adult and children’s parades draw crowds to the town for the closing days of the season.
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For more carnivals, visit socanews.com/carnivals
