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15 Best Things to Do in Bermuda in December (Events and Activity Guide)
Skip the Caribbean comparisons. December in Bermuda is a completely different beast. You trade sweltering humidity for crisp ocean breezes, empty trails, and a surprisingly busy local social calendar.
If you want a deep dive into temperatures and packing lists, check out my guide to
Bermuda weather in December. This guide focuses entirely on what to do once you drop your bags.
At a Glance
| Category |
Details |
| Best Time for Events |
Mid-December |
| Total Cost Estimate |
Moderate to High (Winter hotel rates are lower) |
| Ideal Duration |
4 to 6 days |
| Primary Transport |
Sooter or Twizy EV rentals, public bus |
Who This Is For / Who Should Skip
This month is perfect for active travelers, avid golfers, and history buffs. The cooler air makes hiking and biking incredibly pleasant.
You should skip December if your dream vacation involves baking in the sun. The ocean water is too chilly for prolonged swimming without a thick wetsuit.
What Surprises Visitors the Most: The Festive Energy
Many people expect a sleepy winter island. Instead, they find intense holiday energy. While the beaches are largely empty of tourists, the historic towns come alive. You will smell cedar wood burning in local fireplaces and hear Gombey troupes practicing in the distance.
Top Holiday Events and Traditions in December
The Bermuda National Trust
Christmas Walkabout is the highlight of the season. The streets of
St. George's are illuminated by candlelight. You can walk right into historic homes that are normally closed to the public. It gets crowded, so expect slow foot traffic on the uneven cobblestones.
If it is a parade year, do not miss the biennial
Christmas Boat Parade in Hamilton Harbor. Locals deck out their vessels with thousands of lights. Grab a spot along Front Street early, as the best viewing areas fill up fast.
If you are here on Christmas morning, head to
Elbow Beach in Paget Parish. The historic Elbow Beach Resort is permanently closed and undergoing a massive redevelopment by The Loren Group. However, the public beach gathering is still a massive tradition. Hundreds of expats and locals show up in Santa hats to drink champagne on the sand.
For New Year's Eve, the party centers around
King's Square in St. George's. They drop a massive Bermuda onion at midnight instead of a traditional ball.
Pro-Tip: Bring cash for these events. Many pop-up vendors selling hot chocolate and fish sandwiches do not accept cards or mobile payments.
Outdoor Adventures (No Sweat Required)
December offers the best conditions for walking the Bermuda Railway Trail. This 18-mile path cuts through lush greenery and offers sweeping ocean views. Without the summer heat, you can easily tackle several miles in a single afternoon. You can read more about the routes in my guide to the
Bermuda Railway Trail.
Golfers flock to the island this time of year.
Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton Parish is in peak condition. The famous Goodwill Golf Tournament usually takes place in early December. Check out my breakdown of the
best Bermuda Golf Courses to book your tee times.
Nature lovers should head to
Spittal Pond or
Tom Moore's Jungle. Migratory birds stop here during the winter. The trails can get muddy and slippery after a winter rain, so wear shoes with good traction.
History, Art and Culture (Perfect for Cooler Days)
When the winter wind kicks up, head indoors. The
National Museum of Bermuda at the Royal Naval Dockyard is a must-visit. The massive Hall of History mural spans all four walls of a historic building (the Commissioner's House). It tells the complete story of the island.
Photo: Andrew Malone/flickr, cc by 2.0
Do not miss the
Unfinished Church and
St. Peter's Church in St. George's. The winter lighting casts dramatic shadows through the open roof of the Unfinished Church. It is a photographer's dream.
Winter Dining and Local Flavors
December falls right in the middle of Spiny Lobster season. The season runs from September through March. You will find half-lobsters stuffed with crab meat at high-end restaurants in Hamilton.
For a casual lunch, nothing beats traditional Bermuda fish chowder. Head to the
Swizzle Inn in Bailey's Bay. The chowder is served with small bottles of black rum and sherry peppers. You splash them into the bowl yourself to adjust the heat.
Bermuda fish chowder
Photo: kansasphoto, flickr, cc by 2.0
Pro-Tip: Local bakeries sell cassava pie during the holidays. It is a sweet and savory meat pie that locals fiercely debate the best recipe for. Try a slice if you see it behind the counter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in December
Relying on summer transit schedules. The public ferries move to a reduced winter schedule. The Orange Route to St. George's typically stops running entirely.
Assuming all water sports are dead. While snorkeling is chilly, the winter winds make for world-class kite surfing at
Somerset Long Bay.
Visiting closed resorts. The Elbow Beach Hotel and its Lido Complex is closed for a massive new redevelopment project by The Loren Group.
Practical Details for December Sightseeing
Watch the clock. The sun sets around 5:15 pm in December. Plan your outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Rent a Twizy. Renting an electric micro-car is the best way to get around. Look for charging stations clearly marked at major hotels and public lots.
Learn the bus poles. If you take the public bus, remember that pink poles mean the bus is heading toward Hamilton. Blue poles mean it is heading away.
Alternatives: If December Isn't for You
If you are looking for hot sand and warm water, you should visit in July or August instead. If you are locked into December dates but need a hot beach, you will need to book a flight further south to the Caribbean.
About the Author
By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj has been writing about Bermuda since 2008, when he launched bermuda-attractions.com, one of the longest-standing independent guides to the island. A Certified Bermuda Specialist (Bermuda Tourism Authority), his work draws on personal visits, local contacts in Bermuda, and questions and trip reports from thousands of readers over the years.
Learn more about Raj Bhattacharya
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