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The best things to do in Barbados in December blend festive traditions with coastal charm. This is when the island opens up with surf contests, holiday lights, local markets, and sunset cruises. You’ll step into a calendar full of events, from early morning Christmas services to lively Friday night food stalls. Beaches stay warm, the sea stays calm, and every corner of the island has something happening. Whether you’re here for culture, celebration, or the coast, December in Barbados gives you a full island experience.
Top Things To Do In Barbados In December
December in Barbados offers festive vibes, sunny beaches, and vibrant culture. Discover top things to do in Barbados in December for an unforgettable island escape.
1. Attend The Barbados Independence Surf Festival
Photo: Max Ravier / Pexels / Image Cor Representation Only
Watching the surf finals is among the most thrilling things to do in Barbados in December, especially when the Independence Surf Festival takes over Soup Bowl. The area around Soup Bowl has rough Atlantic waves and draws experienced surfers from Barbados and abroad. December usually brings the final rounds of the event. Food stands, loudspeakers, and small crowds line the edges from early morning. Even if you’re not competing, you’ll get a close-up view of how much surfing is part of local island culture.
Location: Soup Bowl, Bathsheba, East Coast
Nearby Attractions: Andromeda Botanic Gardens, Hackleton’s Cliff
2. Explore The Bridgetown Night Market
Photo: Markus Winkler / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you’re looking for festive local culture, one of the top things to see in Barbados in December is to head to the Bridgetown Night Market at Pelican Craft Centre. The event takes place every Friday evening and becomes more lively in the lead-up to Christmas. You can try traditional dishes like grilled flying fish, sweet bread, and baked macaroni served hot at food stands throughout the market. Handmade crafts range from carved wooden pieces and woven baskets to seasonal items like small gift boxes, scented candles, and holiday sweets.
Location: Pelican Craft Centre, Bridgetown
Average Cost: Bds$5 – 30 / ₹210 – 1250
Nearby Attractions: Chamberlain Bridge, Nidhe Israel Synagogue
3. Celebrate National Independence Festival Of Creative Art
Photo: Evoking Ephemerality / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Taking part in NIFCA is one of the most enriching things to do in Barbados in December if you’re interested in the island’s creative scene. While the festival begins in November, many final performances, art exhibitions, and award shows take place in early December across venues in Bridgetown and nearby parishes. You’ll see a range of categories including dance, music, drama, culinary arts, photography, and spoken word. The performers are mostly Barbadian, with participants ranging from school groups to professional artists. Each show is judged, and award ceremonies are open to the public with tickets available at the venue.
Location: Various venues in Bridgetown and parish centres
Average Cost: Bds$10 – 30 / ₹420 – 1250
Nearby Attractions: Parliament Buildings, Queen’s Park
4. Take A Catamaran Cruise On Carlisle Bay
Photo: P. Hughes / Wikimedia Commons
Booking a catamaran cruise is a top choice when deciding what to do in Barbados in December, especially to explore the scenic west coast by sea. Most cruises depart in the morning or late afternoon and include snorkelling stops near coral reefs and shipwrecks, often with sea turtle sightings. Calm waters around Carlisle Bay make conditions ideal. Onboard perks include buffet lunches, drinks, open bars, and shaded lounges. Some offer live music or private charters for a more intimate atmosphere. Departures are from Bridgetown’s harbour—reserve a day early, especially near the holidays.
Location: Carlisle Bay, Bridgetown
Average Cost: Bds $200 – 300 / ₹8400 – 12600
Nearby Attractions: Pebbles Beach, Garrison Savannah
5. Join The Christmas Morning Service At St. Michael’s Cathedral
Photo: Ian Karuhanga / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Attending the early morning service at St. Michael’s Cathedral is one of the most meaningful things to do in Barbados in December. The service takes place on Christmas Day and begins at 5:00 AM. By the time it starts, the main hall is already full, and many people stand outside to listen. The church was built in the 1600s using coral stone and has kept its original shape. On Christmas morning, the interior is decorated with candles, red flowers, and fabric banners. The service follows the Anglican format. Some of the hymns are sung in the usual way.
Location: St. Michael’s Cathedral, Bridgetown
Nearby Attractions: National Heroes Square, Broad Street
6. Enjoy The Festive Illumination At Queen’s Park
Photo: LittleT889 / Wikimedia Commons
Spending an evening at Queen’s Park is one of the most relaxing things to do in Barbados in December, especially during the holiday weeks. The park is set up with Christmas lights and simple decorations from early December through New Year’s. Most of the displays are arranged around the fountain, footpaths, and bandstand area. You can walk through the grounds in the evening when the lights are switched on, or sit along the benches where families often gather after sunset. It’s a quiet space compared to other festive spots in the city.
Location: Queen’s Park, Bridgetown
Nearby Attractions: Barbados Museum, St. Ann’s Fort
7. Attend The Oistins Christmas Fish Fry
Photo: Valeria Boltneva / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Christmas fish fry in Oistins is one of the top things to do in Barbados in December. Held every weekend, it draws larger crowds during the festive season. Stalls serve holiday specials like baked ham, jug jug, and sorrel alongside grilled flying fish, marlin, and mahi-mahi. Picnic tables fill up quickly, so seating is first-come, first-served. Music ranges from calypso and reggae to seasonal hits, with occasional live shows or karaoke. Arrive early to visit nearby Miami Beach before enjoying dinner and the lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Location: Oistins Bay Gardens, Oistins
Average Cost: Bds$25 – 40 / ₹1050 – 1680
Nearby Attractions: Miami Beach, Christ Church Parish Church
8. Go Hiking With The Barbados National Trust
Photo: Lisa Kessler / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Joining a hike is one of the most active things to do in Barbados in December, especially if you want to explore off-the-beaten-path locations. The Barbados National Trust offers free Sunday hikes with two start times: 6:00 AM and late afternoon. Routes vary weekly and are posted on local news and community boards. Trails may pass through cane fields, forests, cliffs, or old estates. Some are easy, others are more challenging. Mornings are cool, ideal for hiking. Most bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Local volunteers lead the hikes and share insights along the way.
Location: Trails vary weekly across the island
Nearby Attractions: Welchman Hall Gully, Farley Hill
9. Visit Animal Flower Cave
Photo: Cristian Tejeda / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you’re in northern Barbados, visiting the Animal Flower Cave is one of the most interesting things to do in December. Located in St. Lucy, this sea cave stays open all month and offers guided tours down stone steps into a chamber with rock pools and sea views. On calm days, Atlantic waves crash below while sunlight filters through the rocks. Inside, you’ll spot sea anemones—called “animal flowers.” Tours run every few minutes. Outside, there’s a scenic lookout and a café, with peaceful views of the rugged coastline all around.
Location: North Point, St. Lucy
Average Cost: Bds$25 / ₹1050
Nearby Attractions: North Point Lighthouse, Little Bay
10. Watch Horse Racing At The Garrison Savannah
Photo: Barry Haynes / Wikimedia Commons
Attending a race at Garrison Savannah is a long-standing tradition during December in Barbados. The racing season features several Saturday events just outside Bridgetown. Races start in the afternoon, but crowds arrive by midday. Some bring food and relax on the grass, while others choose the stands for better views. Food stalls line the gates, and tents surround the betting counters. Tickets are affordable, with options for open or seated areas. The crowd includes racing fans and families alike, and December races often tie into holiday gatherings and festive afternoons outdoors.
Location: Garrison Savannah, Bridgetown
Average Cost: Bds$20 – 50 / ₹840 – 2100
Nearby Attractions: George Washington House, Needham’s Point
Barbados in December offers much more than a beach getaway. From surf contests and cultural festivals to night markets, church services, and scenic hikes, the island is full of local energy. Whether you’re visiting for Christmas or earlier, the list of things to do in Barbados in December is packed with festive, natural, and cultural experiences. With great weather and open attractions, plan your trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Pontificalibus / Wikimedia Commons
