Most Caribbean Carnivals happen in the summer, but Saint Croix does it over Christmas and New Year's. The Crucian Christmas Festival takes over Frederiksted for a full week, with a waterfront Festival Village, free live music every night, local food stalls, and a crowd that keeps going well past midnight.

J’Ouvert kicks off in the dark on the last morning of the year, and the parades carry the festival into the new year. It's the only Carnival where you can ring in New Year's on the road. Saint Croix is a U.S. territory, so it's U.S. dollars and no passport needed for U.S. citizens. Holiday flights fill up fast, so book your flight and your stay early.

The Saint Croix guide covers the mas bands and J’Ouvert troupes you can join, fetes, parade days, and where to stay and eat. This guide is coming soon and will be $10 in the Shop.