The festive season is here and as usual Jamaica’s entertainment sector is buzzing with life. From family activities to exciting raves, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Yuletide.

This year, Observer Online brings you a guide featuring 11 events to add to your calendar to help you get into the holiday spirit. Here are some of the exciting activities happening around Jamaica this Christmas.

Christmas in the Park – December 5

Location: Emancipation Park, Kingston

Admission: Free

Kick off the holiday season with Scotiabank’s Christmas in the Park. The event promises to be a fun-filled evening of family friendly entertainment, perfect to help your loved ones get into the festive season.

Zoo Lights at Hope Zoo – December 21–22

Location: Hope Zoo, Kingston

Admission: $1,000 for children, $1,500 for adults (Gate prices: $2,000)

Another family friendly activity for the holiday season is Zoo Lights, hosted by Hope Zoo. A combination of festive games, exciting rides, craft stalls, and lots of holiday treats, the event offers a magical experience that combines the best of Christmas with the beauty of nature.

Yesterday “Best of the 90s” – December 21

Location: Mas Camp, Kingston

Admission: Tickets as low as $1,500, $4,000 (Presold VIP)

If you’re a lover of 90s music, then the Yesterday “Best of the 90s” series is an excellent option for an enjoyable night out. With a special holiday edition, December’s staging of the event will feature live performances from the iconic Sizzla. Get ready to vibe to the best tunes from the 90s while enjoying an energetic atmosphere not to be missed.

Christmas Comedy Cook-Up – December 26

Location: Jamaica Pegasus, Kingston

Admission: Early bird tickets $6,000, Pre-sold tickets $7,000 (At the gate $8,000)

Laugh till your sides hurt at the 21st edition of one of Jamaica’s best comedy shows, the Christmas Comedy Cook-Up — an annual Boxing Day event. Hosted at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, this event features top stand-up comedians delivering an unforgettable night of humour. With the theme “Laugh Some More for 2024”, it’s the perfect way to close out the year with a smile. The show kicks off at 7:30 pm, so grab your tickets early and bring your friends for a night full of laughter and good vibes.

Sting 2024 – December 26

Location: JamWorld, Portmore

Admission: Early bird general $5,500, Early bird VIP $7,700, VVIP $23,000

Dubbed the “Greatest One-Night Reggae and Dancehall Show on Earth”, Sting returns this year to deliver another electrifying experience. With headliners like Tommy Lee Sparta, Turbulence, Teflon, Gyptian, and many more, this event is sure to light up your Boxing Day with an all-star lineup of Jamaican talent. Expect high-energy performances, epic moments, and a crowd full of die-hard dancehall fans.

Strictly 2K: Lights, Camera, Action – December 28

Location: Mas Camp, Kingston

Admission: Early bird general US$38, Presale General US$46, Presale VIP US$70

If you love the 2000s era, Strictly 2K is the ultimate throwback party! With this year’s theme “Lights. Camera. Action.” partygoers are being encouraged to dress as their favourite movie characters. Regardless of whether or not you dress the part, Strictly 2K promises a festive celebration of music, style and culture. Attendees have the option of purchasing cabanas for US$1,930 or sky decks for US$1,155.

Grateful: The Concert – December 29

Location: University of the West Indies (UWI) Bowl

Admission: Presold online general $6,000, Presold online VIP $15,000, VVIP $40,000

Headlined by Agent Sasco, “Grateful: The Concert” will showcase Jamaica’s finest in music, culture, and cuisine, all while fostering a family-friendly entertainment atmosphere. If you’re a fan of Agent Sasco aka Assassin, the concert is perfect for anyone looking for a night of good music, vibrant culture and positive vibes.

Freedom Street – December 31

Location: National Stadium, Kingston

Admission: Ticket prices range from US$150 for bleachers to US$2,000

With the highly anticipated return of Vybz Kartel to the performance stage, Freedom Street is the place to be on December 31. Whether or not you are a “Gaza” fan, Freedom Street promises a historic and vibrant celebration of dancehall music and culture. The event will see Spice, Skillibeng, and some of the biggest names from Kartel’s Portmore Empire crew including Popcaan, Tommy Lee Sparta, Lisa Hyper, Sheba, and Shawn Storm, joining the dancehall king on stage for an extraordinary night of entertainment. The event will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight as fans ring in the New Year in true Gaza style.

UDC’s Fireworks on the Waterfront – December 31

Location: Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay

Admission: Free

Arguably the most anticipated calendar event of the year in Jamaica, the Urban Development Corporation’s Fireworks Festival promises a stellar firework show contested by no other in the country. With live entertainment, family-friendly activities and Jamaican culinary offerings and craft, there is no better way to ring in the New Year with your loved ones.

Fireworks display at a previous new year’s celebration on Kingston waterfront (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Frenchmen Climax: Arabian Night – January 1, 2025

Location: Caymanas Golf Club, St Catherine

Admission: Presold $45,000

Frenchmen is Jamaica’s premier all-inclusive New Year’s Day event, and the theme this year is “Arabian Night”. If you’re looking for a more exclusive way of celebrating the start of 2025, then Frenchmen promises an unforgettable experience to ignite your new year with style and energy.

Intimate – January 4, 2025

Location: Plantation Cove, St Ann

Admission: Presold general US$80, Presold VIP US$220

If you are hoping to start your New Year with great reggae music  to help set the tone for 2025, then Intimate is the event for you. Promising a night of unparalleled entertainment, the event will see reggae icons Beres Hammond and Buju Banton headline their popular annual concert, supported by a star-studded line-up of performers including Marcia Griffiths, Wayne Wonder, Romain Virgo and more surprise guests. You won’t want to miss it!