It’s December, and that means tis’ the season to unlock your inner party animal. With a calendar full of entertainment activities, the sector is already abuzz with excitement. From fun family engagements to all-inclusive luxury parties and action-packed stage shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Yuletide season.

As is customary, Observer Online has prepared the ultimate event guide featuring 11 activities to add to your calendar. Here’s to unleashing your holiday spirit “yaad style”.

1. Zoo Lights at Hope Zoo — December 20–21 

Location: Hope Zoo, Kingston

Admission: $1,500 for children, $2,000 for adults, Babies: FREE

A family-friendly activity, Zoo Lights is hosted annually by Hope Zoo. Touted as the most magical lighting display you’ll see this Christmas, Zoo Lights offers a combination of festive games, exciting rides, a shopping village, and lots of holiday treats. The event combines the best of Christmas with the beauty of nature. Tickets are available for purchase at Tac Bar, Cannon Ball, Creeping Closet, Eleni’s Bakery, Armband Plus and Hope Zoo.

2. Footloose — December 20, 2025 

Location: Mas Camp, Kingston

Admission: Presold $1,500, Gate $2,500

Celebrated as one of Jamaica’s premier retro parties, Footloose returns for another unforgettable staging on December 20. Set to take place at Mas Camp in Kingston, this edition promises an electric blend of nostalgia, feel-good vibes and expertly curated throwback hits delivered by some of the island’s most iconic veteran DJs. Partygoers can expect a night of classic anthems, high energy and the signature Footloose atmosphere that has made the event a staple on the entertainment calendar. Tickets can be purchased online via www.xticketz.com. Physical outlets include Kingston Jerk (New Kingston), Collectibles (Mall Plaza), Intimate Curves (Clock Tower Plaza), Genus Pharmacy (Portmore), Avery’s Beauty Concepts (Molynes Road), Marshalls Pharmacy (Greater Portmore)

3. YUSH — December 24, 2025 

Location: National Stadium, Kingston

This annual Christmas Eve party is set to provide just the right environment to usher in Christmas. Boasting an energy they say will be unmatched, organisers have revealed a performance line-up which includes Ding Dong and Elephant Man. They say the event will bring the right balance of joy, culture and good vibes. Music will be provided by Ricky Platinum, Prince Royal, DJ Nicco, Creep and JR Chromatic. Pre-sold tickets are now available at yushparty.com. Physical outlets include Morgan’s Creek Sovereign, Fesco Beechwood Avenue, Coochiana’s and Candy Craze, Waterloo.

4. Yesterday “Best of the 90s” — December 26 (Boxing Day) 

Location: Mas Camp, Kingston

Admission: Tickets as low as $1,500 (pre-sold) $2500 (Gate), $4,000 (Presold VIP), $6000 (Gate)

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 this Boxing Day. This holiday edition of the nostalgic event is extra special as it marks the show’s 24th anniversary. It will feature music from DJ Marvin, DJ Liquid, DJ Nicco and DJ Marc Chin, so get ready to vibe to the best tunes from the 90s while enjoying an energetic atmosphere not to be missed.

5. Christmas Comedy Cook-Up — December 26 

Location: Jamaica Pegasus, Kingston

Admission: Early bird tickets $7,000, Pre-sold tickets $8,000, At the gate $9,000

Also on Boxing Day is Jamaica’s longest-running holiday comedy showcase, Christmas Comedy Cook-Up. Scheduled for the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, this event features top stand-up comedians delivering an unforgettable night of humour. This year, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, organisers say the show will be a night of joy and purpose. With the theme “Laughter for Recovery”, the show offers the perfect way to close out the year on a positive philanthropic note, as part of the proceeds from the event will go towards Operation Love for continued hurricane relief support.

6. Zimi Seh Riva (F1 Racing Edition) — December 26, 2025 

Location: Tru Juice Riva in Bog Walk, St Catherine

Admission: $10,000 pre-sold

Racing back to the Christmas calendar this Boxing Day, Zimi Seh Riva is gearing up to be one for the books. The food-inclusive cooler party is renowned for serving up an energetic and vibrant atmosphere. Blending the natural scenic aesthetic from the river with a communal vibe, the party is set to create a relaxed and highly social environment guaranteed to distinguish it from any other beach party this season.

7. Strictly 2K: 2000s vs 2010s — December 27 

Location: Mas Camp, Kingston

Admission: General – $7000 (Wray Rum inclusive), VIP – $10,000 (Food and drink inclusive)

If you love the 2000s era, then Strictly 2K is the place for you. Often described as the ultimate throwback party, this year’s theme will feature a match-up of the best of the best of two decades of music from the 2000s and the 2010s. As is customary, partygoers are being encouraged to dress in their best throwback outfits. Tickets are now available for purchase at www.strictly2K.com.

8. UDC’s Fireworks on the Waterfront — December 31 

A view of fireworks on the Waterfront from the Palisadoes Road on New Year’s Eve.(Photo: Bryan Cummings)

Location: Kingston

Admission: Free

One of the most anticipated calendar events of the year in Jamaica, the Urban Development Corporation’s Fireworks Festival, is set to return to the Kingston Waterfront this New Year’s Eve. Promising its usual stellar fireworks display featuring live entertainment, family-friendly activities and Jamaican culinary offerings and craft, it is bound to provide the ultimate atmosphere to ring in 2026.

9. Frenchmen Climax: Arabian Night — January 1, 2025 

Location: Caymanas Golf Club, St Catherine

Admission: Presold $45,000

Widely considered Jamaica’s premier all-inclusive New Year’s Day event, Frenchmen Climax is an ultra all-inclusive, high-fashion party. If you’re looking for somewhere to channel your inner “fashionsita” in an exclusive environment while ushering in 2026 with family and friends, this is the place to be. Offering the perfect blend of style and energy, Climax will not only serve up an unforgettable party experience but will also ensure patrons contribute to Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts just by attending. Part proceeds from the event are slated to go directly towards continued hurricane relief and restoration efforts.

10. SANDZ All-White edition — January 1, 2025 

Location: Stadium East, Kingston

Admission: Early bird – $5500, Tier 1 – $7500, Tier 2 – $9000

Make SANDZ a part of your New Year’s resolutions as the event promises an entertainment package unlike any other. The ultimate cooler event, Sandz has booked an experienced line-up of deejays guaranteed to put you in the right frame of mind for 2026. Music will be provided by the likes of Ricky Platinum and Prince Royal and will feature what is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated performances of the holiday season as Skippa makes his debut at the people’s festival.

11. Sunrise Day Soiree — January 1, 2025 

Location: Kingston

Admission: US$135

If you’re looking for a more exclusive way of celebrating the start of 2026, then Sunnation’s Sunrise breakfast party is the place to be. It promises an unforgettable experience, as the food-and-drinks-inclusive event is set to provide the perfect environment to kickstart your new year in style.