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New Year Bahamas holidays
The New Year here is a time when people come together to bid farewell to the old year and welcome in the new, complete with music, dancing and enthusiastic celebrations. Witness the Bahamas come alive during the New Year at the traditional Junkanoo Parade on Bay Street on New Year’s Day. Picture elaborate, creative costumes, rhythmic beats, and a palpable atmosphere. This huge street carnival sees groups take part in the competition to be crowned the crème de la crème on the island of Nassau.
If this doesn’t get your blood pumping enough and you’re still debating where to spend your New Year, then read all about holidays to the Bahamas and what to expect from this popular and slightly posh travel destation, alongside a traditional Bahamian New Year. If you're still undecided, our team of friendly travel specialists will help you find your style of New Year holiday, so give us a call on the number above to get the ball rolling before the ball drops!
New Year holidays to the Bahamas
New Year traditions in the Bahamas
Head over to the Exumas and beeline for the Staniel Cay Yacht Club to join their New Year’s Eve masquerade party. Expect a traditional Bahamian pig roast and a spectacular firework display on the beach. Extend your celebrations of the New Year here at the Staniel Cay Cruising Regatta on 1st January.
If you’re lucky enough to be ringing in the New Year in paradise, then it is imperative you witness the elaborate Junkanoo Parade on Bay Street in Nassau on New Year’s Day. Prepare to be dazzled with bursting colours, outstanding performances and an indescribable atmosphere that will make you want to start your own New Year’s tradition of returning each year to the Bahamas!
Best places to celebrate New Year in the Bahamas
Being the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau is a hub of activity over New Year and the holidays. Featuring epic parties, events, magnificent firework displays and jubilant crowds of people all unashamedly letting their hair down. The renowned Junkanoo Festival takes place on islands from Grand Bahama to Abaco, with the main parade being in Nassau on Bay Street and Shirley Street on 26th December and 1st January. For first time visitors to the Bahamas over New Year, Junkanoo is a rite of passage that locals insist mustn’t be missed! The sprawling resort of Atlantis Bahamas also hosts some unforgettable concerts and performances that you can book tickets for in advance.
If you’re in search of something more lowkey, after a night of raucousness, head to a restaurant with a gentle buzz of atmosphere - but be quick, many can book up quick! Indulge your taste buds with some delicious Bahamian cuisine to reign in the new year. Be sure to check out Graycliff Restaurant, and Cleo Mediterraneo for the best food.
Best hotels to celebrate New Year in the Bahamas
Best for families
New Year is a notoriously expensive time to travel, however, there are ways to bring down the costs, such as booking all-inclusive resorts or making use of any early booking discounts. Check out the Reef at Atlantis in Nassau (Paradise Island), featuring XXX. For a truly unforgettable New Year, Atlantis pulls out all the stops with non-stop parties and adventures for all the family to enjoy, from safari adventures, to live music performances and an epic firework display to ogle at when the ball drops at midnight.
Best for couples
Looking for a sweet, romantic spot to ring in the New Year with your other half? Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa, New Providence, Nassau could be the perfect place for you.
Best for groups
Grand Isle Resort on The Exumas is a great place to stay. Expect festive meals with all the trimmings in this 4-Star beach resort boasting a full-service spa and a quick, short walk to Emerald Bay Beach,