Spend Your Winter Holiday in Turks and Caicos

Following a stormy September and a lot of hard work by everyone across Turks and Caicos in October, Providenciales and Grace Bay Beach are ready for the fall and winter travel season.

Not only is the turquoise ocean warm and the sandy Grace Bay Beach as beautiful as ever, there are a number of annual events that once again kick off the holiday season here on Providenciales.

In fact the Caribbean Food & Wine Festival was already held on November 2nd to 4th, and was a big success… and a big return to normal for Providenciales.

This annual event kicks off the holiday season, pairing internationally renowned chefs and winemakers with Turks and Caicos’ diverse local talent for an authentic and innovative celebration of Caribbean cuisine.

This was just the start of holiday events this fall and winter in Turks and Caicos. To help you plan your stay at the Tuscany resort, here are some more festive happenings you can experience during your stay.

Conch Festival (November 25th)

Every November, the island of Providenciales hosts the Turks and Caicos Conch Festival – a celebration of the islands’ national symbol and top export. This large shellfish has always played an integral role in local cuisine, which they now share with the world.

Now in its thirteenth year, the festivities kick off with a Calypso event on Friday November 24th. The next day, Saturday November 25th, is when the full-blown festival occurs, with gourmet dishes including conch salad and conch chowder.

This is the official kickoff of the Christmas season, with a visit from Santa for the children.

Learn more.

Christmas in Turks and Caicos

Our resort typically decorates a spectacular Christmas trees that greets you when you arrive in the resort. There will be decorations around the resort as well, adding to the festive atmosphere. Many restaurants offer a special Christmas dinner service.

Maskanoo Parade (December 26th)

Maskanoo is an annual event in the Turks and Caicos and is held “Boxing Day”, the day after Christmas (a holiday in Commonwealth countries like the Turks and Caicos).

Maskanoo has its roots in the ‘Masses’, a masquerade tradition that fuses traditional African culture with costumed balls held in the colonial era. On Provo, Maskanoo originated with enslaved people brought by the Bermudian salt farmers to work the salt ponds of nearby Salt Cay and South Caicos two hundred years ago, and the event is observed by the residents of Provo today.

On Providenciales, the Maskanoo parade on December 26th follows a route along Grace Bay Road between the Regent Village and Salt Mills Plaza. Grace Bay Road is closed to traffic for this event.

Food, drink and souvenirs are widely available from local vendors, and visitors can enjoy a street parade, local music, island food, arts, & entertainment.

Post-Christmas Beach Party

Following Maskanoo is the Post-Christmas Beach Party on December 28th, right on Grace Bay Beach. This annual event features live music, stalls selling authentic local “comfort food”, and sometimes even kayak racing.

New Year’s Eve and Old Year’s Night

On Providenciales, New Year’s Eve typically starts off with an island tradition called Old Year’s Night. Turks and Caicos residents typically attend church services in the evening, and church bells ring out late into the night to bring good luck into the New Year.

At midnight, fireworks are set off to ring in the New Year.

How Do You Want to Spend the Holidays in Paradise?

Starting at the beginning of November, there are many festivals and activities that usher in the winter season. If you’re looking for activities during your stay at our resort this winter, there is lots to do. Of course, if you just want to relax, you never need leave our luxury resort on Grace Bay Beach.

For more information about these events, or to create your own special celebration, please contact our concierge, who will be happy to help you create a unique and personalized holiday plan, just for you.