Quick Links: About Us - Contact Us
December is one of the best months to visit Belize—especially for families. With warm tropical weather, festive holiday celebrations, and endless outdoor adventures, Belize offers a magical Christmas escape perfect for all ages. Whether your family loves beaches, wildlife, culture, or adventure, you’ll find plenty of activities that bring everyone together.
From tree-lightings and Christmas markets to snorkeling with turtles and exploring Maya temples, Belize truly transforms into a holiday playground. Below are the top family-friendly activities to enjoy in Belize this December, along with tips to help you plan the perfect holiday getaway.
Top Family-Friendly Holiday Activities in Belize This December
1. Attend Tree-Lightings & Christmas Parades Across Belize
Belize’s December celebrations start early with annual tree-lightings, public concerts, and holiday parades that every family will love. Cities and towns like Belize City, Belmopan, San Pedro, and Placencia host lively outdoor events featuring Christmas music, gift booths, food stalls, and colorful light displays. Kids enjoy meeting Santa, watching dance performances, and participating in small craft activities.
Tree-lightings usually happen in the first week of December, making them a festive way to kick off your family vacation. Arrive a bit early if you want front-row views because these events get crowded quickly. Parents can enjoy Belizean treats while little ones take in the excitement and glowing atmosphere.
2. Visit Christmas Breeze Markets & Local Holiday Fairs
If your kids enjoy exploring and picking out small gifts, you’ll love Belize’s holiday markets. Known as “Christmas Breeze” fairs in some towns, these markets feature local artists, handmade ornaments, chocolate treats, Belizean fudge, carved wooden toys, and festive decorations.
Popular markets include:
- San Ignacio Art & Craft Fair
- Belize City Christmas Bazaar
- Placencia Holiday Market
Markets are family-friendly, walkable, and full of cultural charm. Kids can try holiday snacks while parents shop for meaningful souvenirs. December evenings are cool and breezy, making it the perfect time to enjoy these open-air markets.
3. Beach Games & Family Fun on Placencia and Ambergris Caye
Belize’s beaches are at their best in December—sunny, breezy, and perfect for all-day family fun. Placencia and Ambergris Caye offer wide, sandy beaches where kids can safely play while adults relax under palm trees.
Popular beach activities include:
- Sandcastle building competitions
- Frisbee and beach volleyball
- Paddle boarding in shallow waters
- Banana boat rides
- Snorkeling near the shore
Many beachfront hotels on Placencia and Ambergris Caye even offer supervised children’s programs or family-friendly game days, ensuring everyone stays entertained.
4. Family Snorkeling Adventures in Hol Chan Marine Reserve
If you’re visiting Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, a family snorkeling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a must. The waters are calm, clear, and shallow—perfect for beginners and kids.
On a guided tour, you may spot:
- Sea turtles
- Nurse sharks
- Southern stingrays
- Colorful reef fish
- Bright coral gardens
Tours typically include safety instructions, child-sized gear, and support in the water. Snorkeling in Belize allows your family to experience the barrier reef up close. The marine life here tends to be friendly and curious, making this one of the most magical December activities for families.
5. Take a Sunset Cruise with Hot Chocolate or Tropical Punch
A sunset cruise is a relaxing activity that appeals to the entire family. In December, many tour operators offer holiday-themed sunset sails featuring hot chocolate for kids and rum punch for adults. The warm glow of the setting sun, combined with calm waters, creates an unforgettable evening.
Popular departure spots include:
- San Pedro
- Caye Caulker
- Placencia
- Hopkins
Most cruises offer snacks, fresh fruit, and laid-back music. Kids love watching pelicans and dolphins along the way, while parents enjoy a peaceful holiday moment on the water.
6. Explore Belize’s Wildlife on Kid-Friendly Jungle Tours
Belize is known for its wildlife, and December’s cool weather makes it ideal for jungle adventures. Families can visit easy-to-walk attractions such as:
The Belize Zoo
Home to jaguars, tapirs, toucans, and other native species, the zoo offers up-close views in a natural environment. It’s great for young kids thanks to clear paths and educational signs.
Community Baboon Sanctuary
See and hear howler monkeys in the wild. The guided walks are short and fun for children.
Butterfly Farms
Several butterfly farms in Cayo let kids learn about these colorful insects while walking through magical tropical gardens.
These wildlife activities encourage curiosity and nature appreciation, making them perfect for family travel.
7. Chocolate-Making Workshops for Kids in Southern Belize
In southern Belize, especially in the Toledo District, families can join chocolate-making tours that are interactive and educational. Kids will love grinding roasted cacao beans, mixing ingredients, shaping chocolate, and sampling fresh treats.
These workshops often include cultural storytelling, giving families insight into how ancient Maya communities used cacao. It’s hands-on, delicious, and great for a rainy December afternoon.
8. Visit Maya Ruins with Easy Hiking Trails
Belize’s Maya sites are surprisingly accessible for families. Ruins like Xunantunich, Altun Ha, and Cahal Pech offer wide paths, shaded areas, and manageable climbs—ideal for curious kids.
At these sites, families can:
- Walk up ancient temples for panoramic views
- Learn about Maya history with a guide
- Spot iguanas, birds, and jungle plants
- Explore plazas and courtyards
Visiting ruins is a memorable and educational activity, especially for school-aged children. Go early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures.
9. Cave Tubing Adventures Suitable for Older Kids
Belize’s famous cave tubing tours at Nohoch Che’en are thrilling yet safe when done with experienced guides. Families float through spectacular cave systems on inner tubes, surrounded by stalactites, clear waters, and cool air.
This activity is best for kids 8 years and older, as younger kids might find the caves dark or intimidating. The short jungle walk to the river is enjoyable and easy, with guides sharing stories about plants and wildlife.
If your family loves adventure, this is one of the highlights of Belize holiday travel.
10. Enjoy Festive Street Food & Belizean Christmas Dishes
One of the best parts of visiting Belize in December is the food! Families can enjoy holiday meals and street snacks such as:
- Rice & beans with stewed chicken
- Panades and garnaches
- Belizean fudge
- Tamales
- Fresh ceviche
- Relleno (holiday dish)
Street vendors and beachside shacks serve quick, delicious bites perfect for families on the go. Many resorts also offer special Christmas buffets featuring a mix of Belizean and international favorites.
11. Family Kayaking & Paddle Boarding in Calm Waters
For relaxed family fun, kayaking and paddle boarding are excellent choices. Ambergris Caye’s lagoon side and Placencia’s calm bay are especially safe for children learning for the first time.
Families can paddle along mangrove shores, spot small fish, look for seabirds, and enjoy the peaceful December breeze. For a special treat, combine kayaking with a short boat ride to see manatees—an unforgettable experience for kids.
12. Join Local Christmas Choirs & Community Events
Belize’s holiday spirit truly shines through music and community gatherings. Many churches, schools, and local groups host holiday concerts featuring Belizean Christmas songs, drumming, and storytelling. Towns like Dangriga, San Ignacio, and Punta Gorda are especially known for vibrant cultural events.
These performances offer families a warm, local experience that highlights the heart of Belizean culture.
3-Day Family Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 – Beaches & Sunset Magic
- Morning: Beach games in Placencia or Ambergris Caye
- Afternoon: Family snorkeling near your resort
- Evening: Holiday tree-lighting or beachfront dinner
Day 2 – Wildlife & Culture
- Morning: Belize Zoo or Butterfly Farm
- Afternoon: Chocolate-making workshop
- Evening: Explore a Christmas market or try street food
Day 3 – Adventure & Relaxation
- Morning: Maya ruin exploration
- Afternoon: Kayaking or paddle boarding
- Evening: Sunset cruise with cocoa or punch
This itinerary balances adventure, relaxation, and culture—perfect for family holiday travel.
Tips for Visiting Belize with Kids in December
- Pack smart: reef-safe sunscreen, swimsuits, hats, mosquito repellent, and water shoes.
- Book early: December is peak season, so tours and hotels fill fast.
- Stay in family-friendly areas: Placencia, Hopkins, Ambergris Caye, and San Ignacio are ideal.
- Use safe transportation: golf carts on islands, shuttles or private transfers on the mainland.
- Stay hydrated: even December can be warm, especially during outdoor tours.
These simple tips help families enjoy a safe and memorable holiday trip.
Conclusion
A December vacation in Belize offers everything a family could ask for—sunny beaches, festive events, wildlife encounters, and unique cultural experiences. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas by the sea, exploring ancient Maya history, or enjoying outdoor adventures, Belize creates unforgettable moments for both kids and adults. Plan your Belize family Christmas with confidence and discover why so many families choose this tropical paradise for their holiday escape.