Room 1
Christmas Guadeloupe holidays
Escape to the Caribbean this Christmas and swap the cold for sun, sea, sand and rum! December is one of the best times of year to visit the Caribbean, and Guadeloupe is no exception. The weather is at its finest, and an abundance of festive spirit can be found throughout the islands.
With its mix of French, African and Asian cultures, Guadeloupe celebrates Christmas in a unique style, following French traditions but with a Caribbean and Creole flair. One of the best parts of Christmas in Guadeloupe is the food. Feast on seasonal specialities like jambon de Noël (Christmas ham), Boudin Créole (blood sausage), Accras de Morue (cold fish fritters) and yams. There are tasty holiday drinks, too; you’ll love Shrubb, a spice-infused homemade liqueur and Ti-punch, a popular rum cocktail.
Speak to one of our friendly travel experts today to start planning your dream Christmas getaway.
Christmas holidays to Guadeloupe
Christmas traditions in Guadeloupe
Christmas in Guadeloupe is celebrated through music, food and shopping. Just like in the UK and France, present giving is a key tradition at Christmas. After All Saints Day, shops change their displays to showcase Christmas gifts so that parents can purchase presents well in advance.
The singing of Nwel songs (Caribbean Christmas hymns) is another popular tradition in Guadeloupe. From the first week of Advent, well known songs like ‘Michaux Veillait’, ‘Joseph, mon cher Fidèle’, ‘Allez mon voisin’ and ‘Dans la Calme de la nuit’ are played on the radio. At weekends in December, Guadeloupians congregate around a local crib display to celebrate the countdown to Christmas by singing songs.
Homes are decorated with Christmas trees, garlands and fairy lights in the run-up to the big day. Advent ends with a joyous celebration on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Religious residents will attend midnight mass before a large traditional meal with the whole family. Presents are exchanged on Christmas Day.
Best places to celebrate Christmas in Guadeloupe
Whist Christmas tends to be a busy time in the Caribbean, Guadeloupe is one of the less-crowded islands as there are no large hotel resorts. Make the most of a relaxed Christmas and spend your days soaking up the sun on a gorgeous, sandy beach. Discover the golden bays of Grande-Anse beach in Basse Terre, the sugary white sands of Datcha Beach in Gosier and Plage Malendure's volcanic black-sand beach. For an added festive feel at the beach, the trunks of palm trees are wrapped in fairy lights.
A trip away in December wouldn't be complete without some Christmas shopping! There are several giant shopping centres in Grande Terre – Destreland and Milenis. For local souvenirs, visit one of the many colourful markets on the Guadeloupe islands. There are daily markets in Pointe-à-Pitre, Basse-Terre, Le Gosier, Saint Anne and Saint-François.
Best hotels to celebrate Christmas in Guadeloupe
Whether you’re travelling with family, your better half, or a group of friends, there is something for everyone. For an easy-going family holiday with everything included and the kids well looked after, look no further than Club Med La Caravelle. Located on one of Guadeloupe’s most beautiful beaches, Plage de la Caravelle, the all-inclusive resort offers a vibrant island paradise full of fun-filled adventures.
Offering spectacular views over Saint-Anne Bay, La Toubana Hotel & Spa in Grand-Terre is an ideal choice for a romantic Christmas getaway. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the boutique hotel has a fabulous selection of luxury villas, bungalows and suites to choose from.
Groups will love the central location of Hotel Auberge de la Vieille Tour in Le Gosier. This charming hotel boasts magnificent sea views and colonially inspired décor. Enjoy breakfast on the sea-facing terrace, cocktails at the chic lounge bar and embark on a shuttle boat to the Îlet du Gosier. From the hotel, you can explore all the great things to do in Le Gosier, including Le Gosier market, aerial tours, jet skiing, kayaking, Aquarium de la Guadeloupe and Musée Costumes et Traditions.