St. Kitts Carnival
December 23rd, 2024 – January 03rd, 2025.
St. Kitts Carnival, also known as Sugar Mas, is the island’s most vibrant and anticipated celebration, blending rich cultural heritage with the festive spirit of the holiday season. Taking place from mid-December to early January, this unique carnival stands out as the only major Caribbean festival held during Christmas and New Year.
Tour outline
St. Kitts Carnival brings its own flavor to the carnival calendar with a twist. J’ouvert kicks off the fun on Boxing Day, and the vibrant street parades roll through on January 1st and 2nd.
- Day 1: Arrival St. Kitts – Meet And Greet – Fete #1: ASAP Glow Parade
- Day 2: Fete #2: Aktivate Boat Ride
- Day 3: Christmas Day
- Day 4: J’ouvert Morning Experience – Fete #3: Luxe Carnival Arrivals
- Day 5: Fete #4: Sunset Fete
- Day 6: Fete #5: Inception Fete Breakfast Party – Fete #6: Anchored
- Day 7: TBD
- Day 8: Day Trip to Nevis
- Day 9: TBD
- Day 10: Carnival Street Parade Day 1 (Full Costume)
- Day 11: Last Lap – Carnival Street Parade Day 2 (Day 2 Wear)
- Day 12: Departure
What’s included
- Accommodation in double rooms
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary inclusive of entrance fees
- Fete (party) tickets
- Group transportation to and from all the activities on the itinerary
- Backline carnival costume for Day 1
- Street parade wear for Day 2
- Costume pickup
- Costume photography
- Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
- Max 20 travellers per group
- One farewell group lunch or dinner
Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren’t included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you’d prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.
St. Kitts Carnival group itinerary
DAY 1: DECEMBER 23
Arrival St. Kitts – Meet And Greet – ASAP Glow Parade
- Arrive in St. Kitts and transfer to your chosen accommodation
- Meet your fellow Soca Islanders and get to know who will be partying with you for the next eight to 12 days
DAY 2: DECEMBER 24
Aktivate Boatride
DAY 3: DECEMBER 25
Christmas Day
Christmas in the Caribbean promises a magical, sun-soaked twist on the most wonderful time of the year.
DAY 4: DECEMBER 26
J’ouvert Morning Experience – Luxe Carnival Arrivals
J’ouvert Morning in St. Kitts is pure, unfiltered fun on Boxing Day. Picture this: it’s the crack of dawn, the sky is still dark, and the streets are already buzzing with energy. You’re surrounded by a sea of people covered in paint, mud, and powder, dancing to the pounding beats of soca music. There’s no dress code—just good vibes and a carefree spirit as everyone lets loose in the ultimate pre-dawn street party. The music pumps, the revelers jump, and the whole island feels alive! J’ouvert is more than a celebration—it’s a wild, joyous release that you’ll remember long after the sun rises.
DAY 5: DECEMBER 27
Sunset Fete
DAY 6: DECEMBER 28
Inception Fete Breakfast Party – Fete #6: Anchored
DAY 7: DECEMBER 29
TBD
DAY 8: DECEMBER 30
Day Trip to Nevis
DAY 9: DECEMBER 31
TBD
DAY 10: JANUARY 01
Carnival Street Parade Day 1 (Full Costume)
DAY 11: JANUARY 02
Last Lap – Carnival Street Parade Day 2 (Day 2 Wear)
DAY 12: JANUARY 03
St. Kitts Departure
- Depending on your departure time, you might have a few hours for some last-minute shopping or a final dip in the sea
- Bid farewell to the island and your new friends
St. Kitts Carnival payment plan
Final Payment due on or before December 01 2024
Soca Islands provides you with the most flexible payment plan making it super easy and affordable to book your St. Kitts Carnival experience by providing two payment plan options.
- Option One: 15% deposit is due upon booking, followed by 35% of the total cost due 30 days after booking. The remaining 50% due 60 days before your trip.
- Option Two: 25% deposit is due upon booking, followed by regular monthly payments. The total cost must be paid in full 60 days before your trip.
For bookings made between 90 and 60 days before the start date of the experience, 50% of the total cost of the experience must be paid upon booking.
Bookings made between 60 days and 30 days before the start date of the experience, 100% of the total cost of the experience must be paid upon booking.
Accommodations
Here’s a glimpse of the hotels we selected for this adventure.
Royal St. Kitts Hotel
Located in Frigate Bay, 400 metres from Marriott Royal Beach, Royal St. Kitts Hotel provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Featuring room service, this property also has a restaurant and a terrace. The accommodation offers karaoke and free WiFi.
Bird Rock Beach Hotel
Facing the beachfront, Bird Rock Beach Hotel offers 3-star accommodation in Basseterre and features an outdoor swimming pool, garden and shared lounge. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can have a drink at the bar.
About St. Kitts Carnival ( Sugar Mas)
The island’s carnival showcases the island’s deep cultural heritage, combining traditional African, European, and indigenous influences in a colorful display of music, dance, and pageantry. Participants and spectators alike are treated to a feast of lively parades, creative costumes, pulsating steel pan music, and infectious soca rhythms, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity across the island.
One of the highlights of Sugar Mas is the Grand Parade, where masqueraders don elaborate costumes adorned with feathers, beads, and sequins, dancing through the streets to the sounds of calypso and soca. This event, alongside other popular activities like the Jouvert street party, the Calypso Monarch competition, and the National Carnival Queen Pageant, keeps visitors and locals immersed in the festive spirit. Jouvert, in particular, is a high-energy experience that begins at dawn, with revelers covered in paint and mud, dancing through the streets as they celebrate freedom and community.
The carnival not only brings a festive end to the year but also serves as a time for Kittitians to express their identity, preserve traditions, and share their culture with the world. Visitors are welcomed with open arms, encouraged to join in the celebration, and experience the unique blend of history, music, and entertainment that makes St. Kitts Carnival a truly unforgettable event.
St. Kitts travel information
Time Zone: GMT -04:00
Currency: Easter Caribbean Dollar. 1 USD = 2.72 XCD
St. Kitts, the larger of the two islands that make up the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, is a tropical paradise in the Caribbean known for its lush landscapes, golden beaches, and rich history. From its towering dormant volcano, Mount Liamuiga, to its sugar plantation past, St. Kitts offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that captivates visitors. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a taste of authentic island life, St. Kitts promises a memorable Caribbean experience.
How to Get Around St. Kitts
Getting around St. Kitts is relatively easy, with several transportation options available to explore the island. Taxis are a convenient way to travel, especially from the airport or cruise port, and most drivers also offer island tours. Renting a car is another popular option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace, with several agencies providing rental services. Alternatively, public buses operate between main towns and villages, offering a budget-friendly option to navigate the island.
Where to Stay in St. Kitts
St. Kitts boasts a variety of accommodations, from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses. On the island’s southeastern peninsula, you’ll find upscale resorts offering beachfront access, golf courses, and breathtaking views. For a more intimate stay, there are charming boutique hotels in Basseterre or along the island’s quieter coastal areas. Additionally, vacation rentals and smaller hotels offer more affordable options, providing comfort with easy access to key attractions.
Things to Do in St. Kitts
There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy in St. Kitts. Hike through lush rainforests or trek to the summit of Mount Liamuiga for panoramic views of the island. Explore the island’s history with a visit to Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or take a scenic ride on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway. For beach lovers, South Friars Bay and Cockleshell Beach are perfect spots to relax or enjoy water sports. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore local culture through vibrant festivals, market visits, and indulging in Kittitian cuisine.
Nevis
Just a short ferry ride away from St. Kitts lies the tranquil island of Nevis. Known for its unspoiled beauty and peaceful atmosphere, Nevis offers a quieter, more laid-back Caribbean experience. Visitors can enjoy hiking up Nevis Peak, visiting the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, or simply relaxing on its pristine beaches. Nevis is also home to luxury resorts and charming inns, making it an ideal escape for those looking to unwind in a serene environment.