The holiday season is supposed to bring “good tidings of comfort and joy,” but these days, the pre-mature appearance of holiday decorations in stores is more likely to bring feelings of pressure and stress. The savvy alternative to escape the retail frenzy: a quick hop to a low-key, laid-back destination steeped in holiday charm. The beautiful island of
Bermuda is an out-of-the-ordinary antidote to the holiday grind, offering an accessible escape to connect with who and what really matters most in your life. Below is a snapshot of some of the island’s best holiday offerings.
- Christmas Walkabout in St. George’s (Dec 5, 2014) – Bermuda kicks off the holiday season with Bermuda National Trust’s yearly Christmas Walkabout in St. George’s. St. George’s Parish, one of the oldest established towns in the new world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with historic homes, some dating all the way back to the 17th century. The town gets seriously gussied up for the Walkabout; several homes, complete with lavish seasonal décor and lights, are open to the public, historical re-enactors roam the candlelit streets, and the sound of classic carols fills the air.
- Rudolph Exhibit at Masterworks Museum (Dec 6, 2014 – Mid-January, 2015) – It’s a surprise to many that animator Arthur Rankin, creator of Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer®, was a longtime resident of Bermuda. His legacy will be honored at Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art in the Bermuda Botanical Gardens with the Celebrating 50 Years of Rudolph and the Works of Rankin/Bass The show will feature more than 50 dolls, scripts, photographs and other tools used by Rankin and partner Jules Bass to create their beloved works, including the original Rudolph model.
- Hamilton Christmas Parade (Dec 15, 2014) – Dozens of festive floats, performers and thousands of spectators give a warm welcome to Jolly St. Nick at the Hamilton Christmas parade.
- Boxing Day (Dec 26, 2014) – Boxing Day, the UK’s public holiday, is given a very Bermuda twist each year, as traditional Gombey troupes decked out in colorful costumes dance down the streets to the infectious sound of goatskin drums, beer bottle fifes and tin whistles. We could tell you how much fun a Gombey (derived from an African word meaning “rhythm”) performance is, but it’s probably easier to show you.
- New Year’s Eve Onion Drop (Dec 31, 2014) – On New Year’s Eve, head to St. George’s in Hamilton for an only-in-Bermuda tradition, which celebrates the island’s longtime association with onions. The Big Onion comes down at midnight to ring in 2015, and is preceded by parties, live music and more.
Fore more information on what to do, where to go, what to eat and where to stay visit
GoToBermuda.com.