A full moon party in Trellis Bay Courtesy of the British Virgin Islands
Destinations

Ultimate Guide to British Virgin Islands Festivals: 2024 Holiday Parties

Discover the best festivals in the BVI, and close out 2024 with full moon parties, the Anegada Lobster Festival, and epic New Year's Eve celebrations!

Mark Derho

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are the Luxury Destination  to End the Year with Unforgettable Experiences

With beautiful beaches, rich culture, and vibrant celebrations, the islands offer a unique way to enjoy tropical paradise while embracing festive traditions.

From October 2024 onwards, the BVI will host a series of exciting events, each with its own flair and charm.

Whether you're looking for a laid-back beach experience, delicious local food, or a thrilling New Year’s Eve party, there's something here for every luxury traveler.

Here’s a deeper look into the must-see events from October through the end of the year.

October 2024: The Return of the Full Moon Parties

Full Moon Parties are a staple of nightlife in the British Virgin Islands. What started as a small celebration at the iconic Bomba Shack on Tortola’s Carpoons Bay has now spread across the islands, offering monthly full-moon celebrations that attract locals and tourists alike.

In October 2024, you can expect these parties to bring a magical experience under the stars.

Taking place on beaches from Tortola to Virgin Gorda, these vibrant events are famous for their live music, dancing, and beach bonfires. Imagine kicking off your shoes, feeling the sand beneath your feet, and dancing the night away under the light of the full moon.

The October Full Moon Party is particularly special, as it marks the beginning of cooler weather and calmer seas, making it a fantastic time to explore the islands by day and party by night.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, this event is a great way to immerse yourself in the BVI’s rich local culture.

Don't forget to sample the local drinks, particularly the famous BVI rum punches, as you enjoy the live bands that keep the party going well into the night.

Key Locations for Full Moon Parties:

  • Tortola’s Trellis Bay: Known for its artistic twist on the full-moon festivities, with fire dancers and local crafts.

  • Beef Island: Smaller but equally exciting parties where you can mingle with locals.

  • Virgin Gorda: Famous for its beachside bonfires and moonlit parties with stunning ocean views.

Anegada Lobster Festival

Guide to BVI November Festivals: Anegada Lobster Festival

November marks the beginning of one of the most anticipated events in the British Virgin Islands—the Anegada Lobster Festival. Held on the northernmost island of Anegada, this two-day culinary extravaganza is a lobster lover’s dream come true. Known for its serene beaches and pristine waters, Anegada is the only coral island in the BVI archipelago and offers visitors the chance to indulge in the freshest seafood dishes imaginable.

As per the BVI Newbie magazine, the 2024 Anegada Lobster Festival will feature various local restaurants and food stalls serving up a range of creative lobster dishes. You can expect everything from traditional grilled lobster served with butter and lime to more innovative dishes like lobster fritters, lobster pizza, and even lobster tacos. As you feast on the day's catch, you can enjoy the island’s laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery.

Aside from the culinary delights, there will be plenty of activities to keep you entertained. You can explore the island’s white sandy beaches, snorkel in the clear blue waters, or take a guided tour of the famous Horseshoe Reef.

The festival is not just a feast for your stomach; it’s also a feast for your senses. The sounds of live reggae and calypso music fill the air, and the vibrant energy of the island ensures you have a memorable experience.

Things to Do at the Anegada Lobster Festival:

  • Try Lobster in All Forms: From grilled to curried, the variety of lobster dishes is endless.

  • Explore the Beaches: Anegada is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the BVI, perfect for a relaxing walk after your lobster feast.

  • Discover Horseshoe Reef: Snorkel or dive along the world’s fourth-largest coral reef and explore the underwater beauty.

Anegada Lobster Festival

December 2024: Christmas in the BVI  

Spring Regatta BVI
One unique tradition in the BVI is the “Christmas Tramps,” where bands parade through the streets, often on the backs of trucks, playing lively music to celebrate the holiday season. These early-morning processions are a great way to kick off Christmas Day in a unique and festive way.

Christmas in the British Virgin Islands is unlike anywhere else. The warmth of the tropical sun combined with festive holiday spirit makes December one of the best times to visit. Virgin Gorda, in particular, is known for its lively Christmas celebrations.

Locals and visitors come together for beachside festivities that last throughout the holiday season, featuring live music, family-friendly events, and plenty of good food.

The holiday spirit in the BVI is infectious, and you can expect a blend of traditional Christmas cheer with a Caribbean twist. Holiday parties are often held right on the beach, with reggae and steel drum music replacing the usual carols.

The island’s local restaurants and resorts pull out all the stops, offering special Christmas menus featuring seafood, tropical fruit dishes, and holiday cocktails.

Celebrate the Emancipation Festival and Virgin Gorda’s Christmas in July Each July, thousands of joyful and triumphant visitors and hundreds of boats make their way to Virgin Gorda for Xmas in July, a daylong celebration filled with music and beachside festivities. In 2007, the annual event was born out of the neighborly love between Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands.
AFAR Magazine

Must-Do British Virgin Islands Christmas Activities:

  • Attend a Beach Party: Join locals for a beachside Christmas celebration complete with island music and festive food.

  • Sample Christmas Cocktails: Try holiday-inspired drinks made with local rum and tropical flavors.

  • Experience the Christmas Tramps: Don’t miss the opportunity to see these lively musical processions early in the morning.

Although it’s one of BVI’s smallest islands, Jost Van Dyke (named for a Dutch privateer) still encapsulates an abundance of charm and history. 
BVI Tourism Jost van Dyke island

New Year’s Eve 2024: Ring in 2025 on Jost Van Dyke

When it comes to New Year’s Eve, there’s no place like Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. Known as one of the Caribbean’s most epic party destinations, Jost Van Dyke is famous for its Old Year’s Night celebration, hosted at the legendary Foxy’s Tamarind Bar. The event kicks off with live music, local food, and endless drinks as partygoers gather to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome in 2025.

Foxy’s New Year’s Eve celebration is known around the world, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

The party begins in the evening, but the fun lasts all night, with revelers dancing until the early hours of the morning. As midnight approaches, everyone gathers for the iconic “Old Year’s Walk,” a parade of partygoers led by Foxy Callwood himself, marching along the beach to welcome the new year.

The atmosphere on Jost Van Dyke is electric, with beach bonfires, fireworks, and the sound of waves crashing nearby. As the clock strikes midnight, the energy peaks, and the island comes alive with cheers and laughter.

There’s no better way to ring in the new year than by experiencing the vibrant energy of Jost Van Dyke’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

Charter a yacht or hire a captain to explore hidden gems like Salt Island, Great Tobago, and Sandy Cay.

What to Expect at Foxy’s Old Year’s Night:

  • Live Music All Night: Enjoy a mix of Caribbean beats and international tunes.

  • The Old Year’s Walk: Join the parade of partygoers on the beach led by Foxy Callwood himself.

  • Beach Bonfires: Relax by the fire and watch the fireworks light up the sky at midnight.

Beyond the Festivals: Explore the Lesser-Known Islands

While the festivals and events are the main draw, there’s much more to explore in the British Virgin Islands after October 2024. Take the opportunity to visit some of the lesser-known islands, where you can escape the crowds and experience the untouched beauty of the BVI.

Charter a yacht or hire a captain to explore hidden gems like Salt Island, Great Tobago, and Sandy Cay. These uninhabited islands offer pristine beaches, perfect snorkeling spots, and secluded coves that provide a more tranquil side of the BVI.

Whether you're an experienced sailor or a novice, the calm trade winds and protected waters of the BVI make it easy to navigate, and plenty of charter options are available.

Top Hidden Islands to Explore: - Salt Island: Known for its historic salt ponds and serene beaches. - Great Tobago: Ideal for snorkeling and diving, with rich marine life and coral reefs. - Sandy Cay: A small, uninhabited island perfect for a peaceful day on the beach.

Ultimate Guide to British Virgin Islands Festivals Conclusion: Your Adventure Awaits  

From October 2024 and beyond, the British Virgin Islands promise an unforgettable array of festivals, parties, and events that showcase the best of island life. Whether you're dancing under the full moon, feasting on fresh lobster, or celebrating New Year’s Eve on the beach, the BVI offers endless opportunities to make memories. So pack your bags, set sail for paradise, and get ready to celebrate in style in the British Virgin Islands!

Resources and References:

About the Author: Mark Derho

Vieques, Puerto Rico

Mark Derho is a seasoned expert in the Internet industry with over 25 years of experience in NYC's software development, digital marketing, and advertising sectors. A certified Google Partner, Mark specializes in content creation, AI chatbot development, open-source software, modern website design, and SEO/SEM marketing. He leads PR Website Agency and lives in Puerto Rico with his dog, Luno.

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