Garifuna Settlement Day: What It Means and Where to Celebrate in Belize

Thanksgiving may be an American holiday, but in Belize, it’s become a heartwarming celebration that blends tropical charm with home-style traditions. Whether you’re an expat craving turkey and pumpkin pie, a Canadian escaping the cold, or a traveler looking to join a community feast by the beach, Belize offers plenty of ways to give thanks under the sun.

Each November, resorts, restaurants, and local communities host Thanksgiving dinners, potlucks, and beach cookouts that bring people together. From Ambergris Caye to Placencia, you’ll find festive meals served with a side of Caribbean hospitality.

Here’s where to celebrate Thanksgiving in Belize 2025, even if you’re not American.

1. Ambergris Caye: Beachside Feasts and Island Vibes

Ambergris Caye, the largest and most popular island in Belize, is a hub for expats and travelers looking to combine holiday spirit with seaside relaxation.

Where to Go:

• Blue Water Grill (San Pedro) A Thanksgiving favorite, this beachfront restaurant serves a full turkey dinner with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and dessert. Reservations fill up fast, so book early.
• Rain Restaurant at Grand Caribe Known for its rooftop dining and ocean views, Rain offers a refined take on the traditional Thanksgiving feast, complete with Belizean-inspired sides.
• Truck Stop Belize The island’s famous outdoor food park often hosts a community-style Thanksgiving potluck, with local dishes, music, and games.

What to Expect: Locals, expats, and travelers all come together for a relaxed evening of good food and laughter. Expect island music, tropical cocktails, and a festive crowd that proves gratitude knows no borders.

2. Placencia: Thanksgiving by the Sea

Placencia is another top pick for Thanksgiving in Belize. The peninsula’s beach bars and boutique resorts transform the coastal strip into a lively, family-friendly celebration.

Where to Go:

• Rumfish y Vino One of Placencia’s most beloved spots, this restaurant hosts an annual Thanksgiving dinner blending American classics with local seafood twists.
• The Shak Beach Café Expect beach bonfires, buffet-style dinners, and community spirit.
• Robert’s Grove Beach Resort Known for all-inclusive Thanksgiving experiences, from turkey feasts to sunset cruises.

What to Expect: You can dine barefoot in the sand while listening to live drumming or jazz bands. Placencia’s close-knit expat community makes newcomers feel right at home.

3. San Ignacio: A Thanksgiving in the Jungle

If you’d rather trade beaches for rainforest views, San Ignacio in western Belize offers a cozy inland Thanksgiving experience surrounded by nature.

Where to Go:

• The Lodge at Chaa Creek Their organic farm-to-table restaurant prepares a sustainable Thanksgiving menu, often featuring locally raised turkey and fresh garden produce.
• Cahal Pech Village Resort Offers buffet-style dinners with panoramic valley views and live Belizean music.
• The Guava Limb Café Perfect for those seeking a casual yet festive setting in the heart of town.

What to Expect: Cool jungle air, candlelit dinners, and an eco-luxury twist on Thanksgiving classics. Many lodges include guided hikes or river canoeing trips to round out your holiday stay.

4. Hopkins Village: Thanksgiving with Garifuna Flavor

For a truly cultural Thanksgiving, head to Hopkins Village on the southern coast. This small Garifuna community brings a soulful energy to every celebration.

Where to Go:

• Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort Hosts a Thanksgiving dinner that fuses Caribbean spices with traditional American dishes.
• Driftwood Beach Bar & Pizza Shack A favorite among expats and locals, this spot throws a lively party with a mix of reggae beats and turkey pizza.
• Lebeha Drumming Center While not a dining venue, it’s worth stopping by for a post-dinner cultural experience with live Garifuna drumming.

What to Expect: Warm hospitality, live music, and an authentic Belizean take on Thanksgiving—where cassava bread and turkey share the same table.

5. Caye Caulker: Laid-Back Island Celebrations

Caye Caulker’s motto, “Go Slow,” perfectly sums up the pace of Thanksgiving here. Small restaurants and beach bars host casual gatherings where everyone’s welcome.

Where to Go:

• The Lazy Lizard Serves grilled fish, BBQ chicken, and sometimes turkey sandwiches right at the Split, overlooking turquoise waters.
• Il Pellicano Cucina Italiana Offers an Italian-inspired Thanksgiving with a Caribbean twist.
• Chef Juan’s Kitchen Known for delicious Belizean comfort food; their Thanksgiving specials draw both locals and tourists.

What to Expect: A casual, no-frills island vibe—perfect for solo travelers or anyone wanting to escape big crowds. You’ll still find plenty of warmth (and rum punch).

6. Belize City: Traditional Meets Modern

Belize City might surprise you with its Thanksgiving variety. From hotel buffets to charity dinners, there’s something for everyone.

Where to Go:

• Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina Puts on a full Thanksgiving spread, often featuring live jazz or acoustic performances.
• Celebrity Restaurant Known for fine dining and festive décor, perfect for couples and families.
• Local Expat Gatherings Community centers and churches often organize potlucks for expats and travelers looking for a homestyle meal.

What to Expect: A mix of formal and casual celebrations that highlight Belize’s multicultural food scene—expect both turkey and rice & beans on the same plate!

For Travelers on the Move: Thanksgiving Cruises & Day Trips

Many visitors explore Belize via cruise or short tours during November. Several operators offer special Thanksgiving-themed packages.

Options Include:

• Belize Barrier Reef Snorkel Tours Some operators include a BBQ lunch and rum punch party.
• Sunset Catamaran Cruises Join a festive dinner at sea with music and cocktails.
• Inland Adventure Packages Combine a morning cave tubing or ziplining tour with a Thanksgiving lunch back in Belize City or San Ignacio.

These experiences let you enjoy the holiday without missing out on adventure.

Tips for Celebrating Thanksgiving in Belize 2025

• Book Early: Resorts and restaurants that offer special Thanksgiving menus often fill up weeks in advance.
• Check Event Listings: Follow local pages like Ambergris Today or The Placencia Breeze for updated event announcements.
• Try Local Twists: Belizean cooks love to experiment—don’t skip turkey with plantains, or pumpkin pie made from local calabaza squash.
• Join a Potluck: Many expat communities open their homes or organize beach potlucks—great for solo travelers.
• Extend Your Trip: Stay for Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19), one of Belize’s most vibrant cultural events.

Final Thoughts

In Belize, Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday—it’s a state of mind. Whether you’re eating by the sea, in the jungle, or under the stars, the sense of community and gratitude is unmistakable. You don’t have to be American to celebrate—just come with an open heart and an appetite for adventure.

This November, swap snow for sunshine and experience a Thanksgiving you’ll truly be thankful for in Belizean style.