Here on St. John in the pretty U.S. Virgin Islands, they like to keep the party going all year long. You can see that fun-loving attitude in January, where right after New Year’s Day, St. John observes yet another public holiday just five days later on Three Kings’ Day, commemorating the day the three wise men came to visit the baby Jesus.
From January all through the year, there are lots of great events and holidays to enjoy on vacations at St. John vacation rentals.
Celebrate Love in the U.S. Virgin Islands
St. John is a wonderful place to spend Valentine’s Day. The nickname for the island is “Love Island” and there are free marriage renewal ceremonies offered every year on Trunk Bay Beach. Nearly a thousand couples have renewed their vows here over the past decade. It’s a great way to make your stay at a St. John rental house even more memorable by turning your trip into a second honeymoon!
St. John Arts & Music Festival
The St. John Music Festival is also staged in mid-February, with free concerts in Cruz Bay Park. Local restaurants also set up food fairs for the week-long festival, and artists set up tables to display and sell their arts and crafts.
St. John Blues Festival
The music keeps playing into March, when the island hosts the St. John Blues Festival. The best local Blues acts and musicians from all over the islands come to St. John for a week of mellow tunes and great music.
St. John Festival
St. John’s version of Carnival kicks off in June and lasts through until July. There are a whole host of street parties and parades, masquerades, and plenty of excellent Caribbean treats to eat. The St. John Festival concludes with J’Ouvert, which is a July 4th all-night parade and street party. Watch for evening fireworks over Cruz Bay, and the ever-popular moko jumbies (costumed stilt walkers)
Flavors of St John
In late October, the chefs of St. John host an evening of music, dancing and the best food on the island. All the local restaurants and bars prepare special dishes and drinks for the occasion and everyone votes for their favorite. It’s usually held at one of the island resorts and tickets are sold to raise money for the local Rotary Club.
Coral Bay Thanksgiving Regatta
Of course, St. John is a part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, so Thanksgiving is celebrated on the island, but here it comes with a tropical twist. The island hosts the Coral Bay Regatta at the Coral Bay Yacht Club, with races around several desert islands in the area. It’s fun to race, or even just to watch from the shore.
Mongoose Junction All-Island Holiday Party
When it’s time to get into the holiday spirit, the shops at Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay host a great party on the second Saturday of December with lots of music, drinks and dancing. With deals available, and a party going on, it’s a fun time to go shopping and have a good time.