St. Croix's Christmas season turns the corner and heads into a long stretch of entertainment and cultural activities, with a variety of events scheduled to take place over the course of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Among them is the annual Limpricht Park Tree-Lighting event, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 13, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on King Street in Christiansted. The event, now recognized as a mainstay on the Crucian Christmas calendar, will be celebrating its 6th year. Attendees can expect a flurry of entertainment from moko jumbies, traditional dancers, poetry, and a grand performance by Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights.
Last year, Vivian Ebbesen-Fludd, chair of the Crucian Cultural Committee, noted the group’s focus on preserving the Virgin Islands' heritage, saying, “Our focus is to preserve, maintain and showcase our rich Virgin Islands culture.”
On Saturday, Dec. 14, countless Virgin Islanders and visitors alike will crowd the Christiansted Boardwalk, the Bypass Lookout, and other spots with a clear view of the Christiansted waterfront for the annual Boat Parade. Many consider this event the official kickoff of St. Croix’s Christmas season, and this year’s parade — now under new leadership — is expected to keep the cherished tradition alive.
The St. Croix Boat Parade features participants streaming through the waters from Gallows Bay to Fort Christianvaern, the Christiansted Boardwalk, and beyond. Boats and yachts will be adorned with Christmas lights and filled with revelers dancing to pulsating music. The craft deemed the most visually appealing by judges will be awarded a trophy. The festivities, running from 3:00 to 11:00 p.m., will also bring downtown Christiansted to life, with vendors selling everything from freshly squeezed cane juice to local favorites like patés.
On Sunday, Dec. 15, the first-ever Soup Festival will take place in Frederiksted. Organized by House of Printing, the event will run from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Buddhoe Park. It promises to highlight the rich culinary traditions of the Virgin Islands, featuring a diverse array of soups, local dishes, and entertainment.
And that's just the beginning. The Crucian Christmas Festival kicks off the day after Christmas, boasting a village lineup that includes Machel Montano, Sizzla, Kes, a host of Bouyon artists, and local stars. Other highlights include the Adults’ and Children’s Parades, the Food Fair, Crucian-Rican Breakfast, WTJX’s Christmas Foreday Serenade Featuring Stanley and the Knights, and a plethora of day and night events organized by promoters.
