The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals Announce Dates for St. Croix’s Crucian Christmas Festival 2026-27
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (September 14, 2026) — The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals are excited to announce the official dates for the 2026–27 St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival, inviting visitors and residents alike to join in the celebration. Taking place from December 26, 2026, through January 2, 2027, this year’s festival will once again bring together generations of Crucians, Virgin Islanders and visitors for weeks of pageantry, live entertainment, culinary experiences and beloved cultural traditions.
The 2026–27 celebration officially gets underway in early December with a series of competitions and community events leading up to the opening of the Festival Village and the festival’s signature parades. The early festivities, including the Prince & Princess Pageant and Calypso Monarch Competition, showcase the creativity, talent, and traditions that are at the heart of the Crucian experience.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience our Crucian Christmas Festival, from residents and returning festivalgoers to first-time visitors,” said Jennifer Matarangas-King, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism. “It’s a magical time when our community comes together and offers visitors an authentic way to experience the spirit and culture of St. Croix.”
The Festival Village will serve as the hub of nightly entertainment, offering free live performances by top local, regional, and international artists from December 26 through January 2. During the day, visitors can experience the island’s festive atmosphere while exploring St. Croix’s beaches, historic towns, culinary scene and rich cultural heritage.
The Crucian Christmas Festival is a celebration of St. Croix’s distinctive heritage and the spirit of its people, offering an immersive experience through music, cuisine, and community traditions, and the festival remains one of the territory’s most anticipated annual celebrations like the Food Fair, Boat Races, and highly anticipated J’ouvert. Visitors can experience the island’s festive atmosphere while exploring St. Croix’s beaches, historic towns, culinary scene and rich cultural heritage. The celebration will culminate on the final night of Festival Village with fireworks lighting up the sky over St. Croix, providing a spectacular finale to the week of festivities.
Additional event details, including entertainment lineups and programming, will be announced as they become available. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and experience the energy and traditions of the Crucian Christmas Festival during the 2026–27 season.
For up-to-date information on the St. Croix Carnival, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/experiences/carnivals-festivals.
For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands and its offerings, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.
About the U.S. Virgin Islands
About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to www.VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI).