Camana Bay, Grand Cayman (16 November 2012): When the holidays roll around, families know they can look forward to a host of seasonal events and activities at Camana Bay. From an annual tree lighting celebration, special appearances by Father Christmas and festive outdoor concerts to spectacular holiday displays, local craft markets and a host of exciting new events – Christmas at Camana Bay is truly magical.

“The holidays are one of the most special times of year at Camana Bay,” agrees Davina Tresidder, Events Manager at Camana Bay. “There’s truly something for everyone – it even ‘snows’ in the Town Centre! From our annual rituals to a number of new exciting traditions, we invite everyone to come down and take part in
this year’s festivities.”

Here are 10 reasons to visit Camana Bay this holiday season:

1) 8th Annual Festival of Trees Showcase
The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) Annual Festival of Trees Showcase ushers in the holiday season. Discover an enchanting forest of beautifully decorated Christmas trees on display next to Bay Market on Market Street, which will later be auctioned off at a festive gala dinner on Saturday 24 November. The week-long festivity kicks off with a primary school carol competition on Monday 19 November at 6:30pm. Listen or join in as local schools take part in a merry singsong of favourite Christmas carols.
Monday 19 – Friday 23 November 5:30-7:30pm, Market Street

2) 6th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Craft Market
Camana Bay’s festivities kick off at the Town Centre’s annual tree lighting ceremony. Experience the magic of the season when The Crescent is transformed into a sparkling wonderland with a giant Christmas tree and
thousands of fairy lights illuminating the Town. The Cayman National Choir, Orchestra and Cayman International School Elementary Choir will add to the enchantment with a festive performance of carols and Christmas music, accompanied by local children’s choirs. Santa will switch on the lights and make a much anticipated appearance bringing candy canes for well-behaved kids, who will have the opportunity to have their photos taken by their parents with Santa. There is also a Christmas market, with a variety of stalls selling an array of local crafts and evening opening hours at all of Camana Bay’s stores makes it an ideal opportunity to start Christmas shopping.
Friday 23 November 6-9pm, Camana Bay Town Centre

3) Drop & Shop
Parents can shop interrupted while kids explore their creative side with fun Christmas crafts. This year, Drop & Shop will be supervised by Starfish Village, a children’s “edutainment” centre coming soon to Camana Bay. A suggested donation of $10 will benefit the Camana Bay Christmas Give.
Wednesday 21, 28 and Thursday 29 November | Wednesday 5, 12, 19 and Saturday 8 December 5-8pm, Gardenia Court

4) Snow Days
Snow in Cayman? Only at Camana Bay! Witness the look of joy and wonder as magical snowflakes fill the air in Gardenia Court.
Every Tuesday and Thursday 27 November – 20 December and Monday 24 December 5-8pm, Gardenia Court

5) Parade of Lights
Cayman 27’s Annual Parade of Lights is always a spectacular sight to behold. A pageant of boats decorated in thousands of sparkling lights cruises proudly through The Harbour while onlookers enjoy live music, carol singing and local food and drink. There will also be a Christmas market with a variety of stalls selling local
crafts.
Saturday 1 December 6-8pm, Camana Bay Town Centre

6) Christmas Evening Market
Savour the flavours and essence of a traditional Caymanian Christmas as the Islands’ favourite artisans, craftmakers, farmers and ranchers set up stalls along Market Street to offer visitors a delicious range of local produce and homemade goods. From sausages, banana bread and pepper jelly to local crafts, plants and
produce, the flavour is truly Caymanian.
Wednesday 5 December 3:30-8pm, Market Street

7) Santa Photos
Good little boys and girls can share their wish lists and have their photos taken with Santa Claus when he visits Camana Bay. Every Thursday from 5-7pm, children can pose with Santa in his workshop in Gardenia Court. On Saturdays, find Caribbean Santa relaxing on The Island from 3-5pm.
Every Thursday and Saturday 22 November – 22 December, Gardenia Court and The Island

8) Moonlight & Movies Christmas Series
Every Tuesday in December, families are invited to watch favourite holiday films under the stars.
Tuesday 4 December 7pm: Shrek the Halls (2007, PG)
Tuesday 11 December 7pm: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000, PG)
Tuesday 18 December 7pm: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, U)
Every Tuesday before Christmas Day 7pm, Gardenia Court

9) The Night Before Christmas Pajama Party
New this year, The Night Before Christmas Pajama Party will bring families together for an intimate reading of Clement Clarke Moore’s holiday classic, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Children are invited to don their pajamas for a special performance of the classic holiday tale complete with milk, cookies, crafts with Starfish Village and a surprise appearance from a very special guest.
Sunday 23 December 5-7pm, The Crescent

10) New Year’s Eve Fireworks
The holiday season ends with a bang as The Harbour skyline illuminates with an awe-inspiring New Year’s Eve Fireworks display. Relax with a glass of champagne at KARoo, dine alfresco at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink while the kids play in the fountain nearby or sit back and relax on Ortanique’s waterfront veranda and enjoy spectacular views of the show.
Monday 31 December 9pm, The Crescent