Holidays in the BVI: Where to Celebrate with Your Crew
Trade winds, twinkle lights, and toes in the sand—there’s nothing quite like the holidays in the British Virgin Islands. The islands light up with a special kind of magic this time of year, when laughter carries across anchorages, palm trees glow with string lights, and families gather around beachside tables instead of fireplaces.
If you’re already here with your family or friends, ready to celebrate the season on the water, here’s your guide to what’s happening across the islands—where to find the best Christmas dinners, live music, and New Year’s celebrations.
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Virgin Gorda — North Sound Highlights
Leverick Bay Resort & Marina
Leverick Bay brings the holiday spirit to life with festive decorations, live music, and two delicious celebrations on the calendar: a traditional Christmas Dinner and a lively New Year’s Eve celebration overlooking the marina.
Click to see Special Holiday Menus
Bitter End Yacht Club
Just across the water, Bitter End Yacht Club hosts one of the North Sound’s most vibrant parties—“New Year, New Me, New BEYC.” Expect live music from Profile Band, dancing under the stars, and a laid-back but lively crowd ready to welcome the new year in true island style.
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Saba Rock
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, Saba Rock offers an elegant New Year’s Eve dinner surrounded by twinkling lights and turquoise water. Perfect for couples or small crews wanting to toast the new year with a bit of island luxury.
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Tortola and Surrounding Cays
Marina Cay
This tiny island has made a big comeback and is once again a favorite for cruisers looking for good food and live music. You’ll find steelpan Thursdays and Sunday afternoon sessions that roll right into sunset—an easy, festive stop between the North Sound and Jost Van Dyke.
Scrub Island Resort
Scrub Island keeps the holiday vibe classy with live entertainment, sunset cocktail hours, and occasional buffet nights or themed dinners around the holidays. It’s the perfect midweek stop for a quiet evening or spa day before the bigger New Year’s celebrations ahead.
Peter Island Resort
Recently reopened, Peter Island offers a more refined option for guests looking for a beautiful meal and sunset views. The Drake Steakhouse and Drunken Pelican both offer island-inspired holiday menus and cocktails with a view that rivals anywhere in the Caribbean.
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Norman Island — The Bight (Pirate’s Bight)
Norman Island is the perfect stop before the big New Year’s party. Spend the day snorkeling the Caves or the Indians, then head ashore for a sunset dinner at Pirate’s Bight. Past years have included live bands and beach bonfires leading up to Old Year’s Night.
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Jost Van Dyke — The Grand Finale
Soggy Dollar Bar
White Bay is pure holiday happiness—music, laughter, and the original Painkiller flowing freely. The beach is always buzzing during Christmas week, and the energy builds as everyone drifts toward New Year’s Eve.
Foxy’s Tamarind Bar
The legend. Old Year’s Night at Foxy’s is one of the most famous New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Caribbean. Costumes, live bands, and an unforgettable midnight party that draws sailors from around the world. Whether you anchor in Great Harbour or taxi in from White Bay, Little Harbour, or Diamond Cay, Foxy’s is where the BVI counts down to midnight.
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Anegada — Lobster and Laid-Back Vibes
If your crew prefers to start the year in peace, head to Anegada. The beaches are calm, the skies are wide, and the lobster grills are hot. The Anegada Reef Hotel and other beach bars often host casual dinners and live music during the holidays. It’s the perfect “reset” after a week of celebration.
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Cooper Island — Easygoing Holiday Evenings
For those who love quieter evenings, Cooper Island Beach Club offers the perfect stopover between festive events. Enjoy dinner with your feet in the sand, a beautiful sunset, and good company. It’s the kind of night that reminds you why you came to the islands in the first place.
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Quick Tips While You Island-Hop
• Holiday week is lively—arrive early if you’re going ashore for special dinners or live music.
• Keep an eye on your dinghy and weather when heading to shore on New Year’s Eve.
• Mix big nights with quieter evenings to make the most of your week.
• Island casual is always appropriate—flip-flops, linen, and maybe a little sparkle.
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The Spirit of the Season
Whether you’re enjoying Christmas dinner under the palms at Leverick Bay, dancing into the new year at Foxy’s, or toasting the sunrise with your crew at anchor, the holidays in the BVI are about something deeper than parties or presents—they’re about connection.
Here, surrounded by turquoise water and the people who matter most, every moment becomes a memory. Here’s to slow sunsets, shared laughter, and another year of adventure in paradise.
