There are many places around the world where couples, families, and tourists go for Christmas and New Year holiday, but none compare to the rich culture and an array of breathtaking places Negril has to offer. A resort town in Jamaica, Negril is known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to feel the tranquility of the Caribbean and enjoy the sun and ocean during the Christmas and New Year holidays. When it’s winter elsewhere, the town comes alive with celebrations and plenty of things to do. Looking for some great restaurants and bars? There’s plenty to do when you’re not soaking up the sun.

Let’s check out the amazing places and fun activities you can enjoy in Negril during the festive season. In the end, we promise you’ll agree that Negril is definitely the place to be!

A couple dining on the beach

Where to Stay in Negril – Negril Villa Accommodations

Consider booking a room at Sandy Haven Resort if you want to take in one of the many festivals and other special events happening on the island. With our top-notch serene environment and shuttle services, you can unwind and take in the festivities without having to worry about the safety of your belongings or your ease of movement.

Things to Do in Negril for Christmas/New Year 2022/2023

Negril is a great place to spend Christmas and New Year with your family – the weather is perfect and there’s plenty to do. Nonetheless, if you’re wondering what fun activities to participate in to make your visit a memorable one, then you’re in the right place. There are plenty of great events and festivals taking place in Negril during the winter holiday season. Here are just a few of the things you can look forward to:

St Elizabeth: River Safari and Y.S. Falls with Lunch

jerk chicken wrap

Do you love adventure? Then include this in your must-attend events while in Negril. This adventurous trip takes you to Black River, where you will board a boat and travel the Black River, Jamaica’s longest navigable river. When the island was a significant producer of sugarcane in the past, the Black River was extremely important for all kinds of produce and trades.

You will travel through the interior of the rainforest before passing through small, coastal settlements. You will have the opportunity to see unusual plant and animal species, including the endangered American Crocodile, as you journey down (or up) the flow.

Prepare your cameras to take pictures of the crocodiles along this river because there are several of them. Following that, you’ll take a break and eat a typical Jamaican meal. Tickets to this adventurous trip are sold from €101.55 per person.

Rockland Bird Sanctuary

a hummingbird being fed

Another amazing place to go is the Rockland Bird Sanctuary located in Anchovy, west of Montego Bay. Here, you will get the opportunity to see common Jamaican birds throughout this excursion. You will see bananaquits and hummingbirds like the red-billed streamer tail and the black-billed streamer tail at the Rockland Bird Sanctuary. Also known as the Doctor Bird, it is the national bird of Jamaica.

A hummingbird might perch on your finger and drink from a bottle of their favorite elixir if you wait long enough. It’s worth to note that you will be only with people who respect the wildlife and birds while taking in the beauty and pure air around you as you take in the sound of nature. All groups go through a short training about caring for the local flora and fauna. You will undoubtedly relish this time spent on the magnificent island of Jamaica. Highlights of memorable moments and experiences at the Rockland Bird Sanctuary include:

  • ● Experience Jamaica’s bird paradise, which includes quits, warblers, streamer tails, and various hummingbirds.
  • ● Discover the local wildlife and plants.
  • ● Feed the birds as they land on your palm to get closer to nature while doing that.

Tickets to the Rockland Bird Sanctuary is sold from € 85.48 per person.

Dolphin Cove Negril Full-Day Admission with Dolphin Swim

Huts on a beach in Negril

Dolphin Cove Negril is a place where tourists can enjoy swimming with dolphins in the Caribbean Sea. This attraction is open from 9am to 4:30pm and offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. You can buy tickets at the gate or online in advance from € 142.58

per person. Highlights of memorable moments and experiences at the Dolphin Cove include:

  • ● Take a swim with your very own bottlenose dolphin at Jamaica’s #1 aquatic attraction center.
  • ● Spend the day in Dolphin Cove.
  • ● Get close to stingrays and other marine animals.
  • ● Take in the Caribbean heat while lounging on a white sand beach.
  • ● Experience an exciting shark show.

The Headley’s Masquerade Ball – December 31st, 2022

If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to ring in the New Year, look no further than the Headley’s Masquerade Ball. This popular event takes place every year at the Headley’s House of Horrors, and it’s always a blast. Guests are encouraged to dress up in their best costumes and masks, and there will be prizes awarded for the most picturesque and dedicated who attend. There will also be live music, dancing, and plenty of food and drink. Tickets usually sell out well in advance, so be sure to get yours early!

Negril Coconut Festival – January 2nd-4th, 2023

If you love coconuts, then you won’t want to miss the Negril Coconut Festival. This three-day festival is dedicated to all things coconut, and it features tons of delicious food, drinks, and crafts made from and with coconuts, coconut water, coconut milk, sugar, flour and more.

The festival also features live music and dance performances, as well as coconut-themed games and activities for kids. It’s a great event for couples, families, and tourists alike.

Wedding Expo – January 6th-8th, 2023

Are you planning on getting married soon? If so, make sure to check out the Wedding Expo. This three-day event is one of the largest wedding expos in Jamaica, and it features everything you need to plan your perfect Jamaican wedding. Meet with local vendors, get inspiration from other couples’ weddings, and get all of your questions answered. You can even enter to win a free honeymoon! The Wedding Expo is a must-attend event for any couple getting married in Jamaica.

NyamJam Food & Music Festival

The NyamJam Food & Music Festival is an event to attend in Negril for a fun-filled and festive experience. The event will take place at the West End Cliffs Resort, and will feature live music performances, delicious food options, and plenty of activities for guests of all ages. There will be something for everyone at the NyamJam Food & Music Festival, so be sure to mark it down in your calendar and join in on all the fun!

Reggae Marathon & Half Marathon

Shops in Negril

The Reggae Marathon & Half Marathon is an event that takes place every year in Negril. It’s a great opportunity for tourists to come and experience the culture and excitement of a Caribbean marathon.

The racecourse winds through some of the most beautiful scenery in Negril, and runners are treated to live reggae music throughout the course. There’s also a huge post-race party with plenty of food and drinks to enjoy.

Restaurant Week – November 15-23, 2022

Weddings on the beach

Another festival you can attend while in Negril is Restaurant Week. At this event, you get to enjoy special discounts on food at various restaurants in the area. This is a great opportunity to try out a variety of restaurants and cuisine types in one trip! The festival, now in its 15th year, will feature 104 participating restaurants that are presenting unique dishes and specially discounted three-course meals. Don’t pass up this opportunity to sample Jamaica at its finest.

There’s never a shortage of things to do in Negril during Christmas and New Year. Whether you’re looking for a festive masquerade ball or a relaxed coconut festival, there’s something for everyone. Whatever your plans are for 2022/2023, make sure to include some of these great events.