A 5-Day Multigenerational Bermuda Christmas Itinerary

Spending Christmas in Bermuda is a unique and mesmerising experience for the whole family. Check out this 5-day itinerary for the perfect multigenerational Christmas vacation. 

Where to Stay 

The centrally located Hamilton Princess and Beach Club is bustling with holiday spirit throughout the month of December. Located just a short walk from the City of Hamilton, the hotel features a larger-than-life homemade Gingerbread House. Imagine, 572lb of gingerbread, 540 eggs, and 40lb of icing sugar! 

For families with small children, consider Pompano Beach Resort. This hotel property features a kiddie pool, a games room, and a private beach that is calm and shallow due to the natural sandbar that has formed. The views at this property are breathtaking, looking out at the shades of blues and turquoise out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 1

BEFORE THE HOLIDAY (December 23)

There is just enough time to squeeze in any last-minute gifts, and why not make them authentically Bermudian? Shop at boutique shops across the island, the main hubs being the City of Hamilton, St George’s, and The Royal Naval Dockyard. Pick up unique gifts like paintings, handmade jewellery, soaps and perfumes, Bermuda shorts and ties, liquor, baked goods, and plenty more from Bermudian artists and entrepreneurs. 

Once you have selected your gifts, settle down for lunch somewhere in Hamilton. Try somewhere on Front Street with a 2nd-floor balcony to enjoy harbour views. Your options include Pickled Onion, The Terrace, Flanagan’s Irish Pub, Pearl Sushi and Glaze.

For dinner, try some seasonal seafood before you tuck into the traditional Christmas fare. For starters, try the traditional fish chowder, a perfect winter warmer for the cooler December evenings. Served with sherry pepper sauce and rum you can season to your liking. Spiny lobster is a seasonal dish in Bermuda that is served between September and March. The ½ or whole lobster is served either Thermador, broiled with lemon butter or curried. 

Day 2

CHRISTMAS EVE

Christmas Eve can be an overwhelmingly exciting time for young children. Keep the whole family sane on the countdown to Christmas day with a day full of activities. 

Start the day in the Royal Naval Dockyard, where the whole family can participate in a little friendly competition at Fun Golf. Next, walk around to the National Museum of Bermuda, where the family can split up and find the exhibitions that most interest them. Children love to run around and explore the grounds and tunnels of this one Georgian House that turned into a Royal Marine barracks. Once you have completed the grounds and taken in the views from the Commissioners House, the whole family can meet at Dolphin Quest, where you can watch the dolphins and their trainers interacting. The dolphin enclosure is part of the National Museum of Bermuda’s property, and to watch the dolphins is included in the entrance fee. 

Cross the street to have lunch at the Frog & Onion Pub, which is housed in the mid-18th century Cooperage. Try some traditional English-style pub food, fresh seafood dishes, or something from the smoker. Wash it all down with the local Dockyard Brewing Co. ales and beers, or perhaps an egg nog spiked with Goslings rum, while the kids enjoy the games room at the back.

Before tucking into bed for the night, join a ‘carols by candlelight’ session at one of the many churches in Bermuda. With over 110 churches across the island, you’ll be spoiled for choice, but here are a few to consider:

• Christ Church Anglican Church in Devonshire - candlelight Christmas Eve ‘crib’ service. 
• St Mark’s Anglican Church in Smiths - ‘carols by candlelight’ service.
• The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in the City of Hamilton - midnight celebration of the nativity.
• Wesley Methodist Church in the City of Hamilton – candlelit service and traditional carols.
• St Peter’s Church in St George’s – Christmas by candlelight.

Day 3

CHRISTMAS DAY

An exciting day for the whole family! Waking up to sunshine, palm trees and the ocean may be a little different from what you are used to but you can spend the early morning at your hotel or guest house incorporating your family's Christmas traditions.

Once you are up and ready, you will want to make your way to the beach! It is tradition for residents to head to Elbow Beach in their favourite Christmas hats with a bottle of bubbly to toast Christmas Day. Pack your swimsuits for a Christmas Day swim. The water temperature averages around 68F at this time of year, but you won’t see many locals braving the waters unless it is part of their family tradition. In fact, if you travel around the island, you may see people jumping from the cliffs and bridges into the water for their annual Christmas dip. 

Your traditional Christmas meal is not lost in the Bermuda Triangle, but you may have a few extra surprises on your plate (make sure to try the cassava pie!). It is recommended that you book your Christmas lunch or dinner in advance as the restaurants will book up in advance. 

Day 4

BOXING DAY

Boxing Day is a public holiday in Bermuda, so you can expect most local businesses to be closed. Locals enjoy this day for family connection and continued celebration. One thing on the top of every Bermudian’s agenda is to find the Gombeys. Across the island, throughout the day and into the evening, Gombey troupes will be dancing through neighborhood streets and spreading joy. It takes a little bit of inside knowledge to find them, so make it a priority to ask a Bermudian about this tradition while you are here.

Head to St George’s for a wander around the historic town. Although the shops will not be open, this is an ideal time to explore the little alleys, and charm of the town. Enjoy a waterside dinner at Wahoo’s or The Wharf to try some fresh seafood. 

When the sun goes down, check out the Somers Garden Christmas Wonderland, a place for the children to run through the lights and festive décor. 

Day 5

LAST DAY

Your final day in Bermuda should be spent doing what you love. If that is golf, book a tee time at one of our award-winning golf courses. Or perhaps you want to book a little me-time at the spa, away from the family. 

For an activity for the whole family, look into chartering a boat to see the island from the water. Discover little coves and parts of the island you can only see from the water. 

During the month of December, there are lots of family-friendly festivities including the St George’s Christmas Walkabout, Christmas markets, Santa Claus Parade, Boat Parade and so much more. Make sure to check the events calendar for a full line-up of events to see if you can incorporate them into your itinerary.