This holiday season, two of St. Thomas’ leading resorts — Buoy Haus Beach Resort St. Thomas and The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort — are reimagining the holidays with a full island twist. From November through January, guests can take part in Caribbean Carnival Christmas, a months-long celebration that fuses the warmth of the holiday season with the rhythm, color, and culture of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Inspired by the island’s annual St. Thomas Carnival, the program turns both resorts into a festive showcase of local traditions, food, and music. “We are thrilled to introduce Caribbean Carnival Christmas to guests of Buoy Haus and The Westin St. Thomas this year, seamlessly blending cherished holiday traditions with the vibrant flair of island celebrations,” said Maria Vilchez, General Manager of Buoy Haus. “Guests can expect an authentic experience at every turn, from the official madras fabric of the U.S. Virgin Islands incorporated throughout the property to Quadrille Nights with traditional Caribbean folk dancing and an electrifying full moon celebration featuring moko jumbies and live music.”
The season begins with Feathers & Fun in late November, a week of kids’ activities, crafts, and creative workshops tied to Thanksgiving. Sports fans can catch the Paradise Jams Basketball Tournament at the University of the Virgin Islands, while food lovers can celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner at Shorebird, overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor, or dine on chef-curated menus at Luna Mar, Salt Shack, and Isla Blue.
In December, the festivities expand with island-inspired holiday décor in guest rooms, spa specials at the Heavenly Spa at The Westin, and themed weekly events. Guests can join Beach Fiesta Tuesdays for tacos and tequila, dance at Carnival Quadrille Night Thursdays, or end the week with Torches & Tides Beach Party Fridays, complete with fire dancers and live entertainment.
Signature holiday moments anchor the month. The Tree Lighting and Full Moon Party on Dec. 4 brings moko jumbies and Caribbean music to the waterfront, while the Miracle on Mainstreet & Boat Parade on Dec. 12 fills downtown Charlotte Amalie with local vendors and lights. The resorts will also host nightly menorah lightings from Dec. 14–21 and a Santa’s Workshop open through early January with crafts and activities for families.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will include gingerbread house competitions, s’mores and bedtime stories with Santa, and a Sunset Sail with Santa aboard the Flying Frenchman catamaran. Dining experiences range from holiday brunches to Christmas dinner buffets across both resorts.
The season concludes with a New Year’s Eve lineup that includes multi-course dinners at Luna Mar and Salt Shack, a dinner buffet at Shorebird, a dinner cruise on the Flying Frenchman, and a tropical disco celebration on The Westin’s pool deck.
To start 2026, the resorts are offering a Recovery Brunch with bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys, sound bath meditations, and ocean adventures like guided snorkeling and sunset sails. A week-long New Year’s Around the World program will follow, blending international traditions with the laid-back spirit of the islands.
Caitlin Sullivan
2025-11-13 14:13:00