As the weather cools up north, the island’s calendar heats up. Between now and the end of the year, St. Croix is packed with live music, art shows, holiday celebrations, and cruise-day energy.
This guide covers the biggest events across the island — with a special spotlight on Frederiksted, where the waterfront comes alive with Rhythms at Sunset, Island Vybez Promotions’ year-end parties at The Fred, and the Crucian Christmas Festival. You’ll also find a cruise-ship schedule, links to local happenings in Christiansted, and ideas for what to do if you’re visiting for just one day.
Late October & Halloween
Halloween kicks off the winter season in true Crucian style.
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Oct 31 – Halloween “Grave Rave” at Shupe’s on The Boardwalk (Christiansted, adult): Live DJ, costume contest with a $500 grand prize. Doors open at 9pm.
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Nov 1 – Masquerade of the Dead (Frederiksted, adult): Black, gold and crimson attire required. Candlelit Caribbean masquerade by the sea with live DJ, specialty cocktails. Free entry with RSVP; VIP upgrade ($40) includes SkyDeck access, complimentary cocktail and mask (or bring/purchase mask at door). Reserve your spot.
November Highlights
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Nov 9 – Sunset Sounds at Loops Beach (Frederiksted, family & adult): Sunday evening live music from 5–7 p.m.
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Nov 21 – Rhythms at Sunset (Frederiksted, family): Third-Friday waterfront concert at Verne I. Richards Veterans Park (6–9 p.m.) Our Town Frederiksted+1
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Nov 23 & 30 – Sunday Funday at Fort Christiansvaern (Christiansted, family): Storytelling, crafts and live music (2–4 p.m.).
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Nov 25–30 – Thanksgiving & Jump Up Weekend (Christiansted, family & adult): The Nov 28 Jump Up fills the streets with steel pan, dancing and local food.
- Nov 27-30 – Feast Mode at Margarita Fred’s: If you’re looking for the best spot to watch the Thanksgiving Day and weekend football, head to The Fred. They have two big screen TVs that will be airing all the big games and have food and drink specials.
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Nov 28–30 – Crucian Coconut Festival (Mid-Island, family & adult): Coconut-themed cuisine, contests and music.
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Nov 9 – Coral Reef Swim Race (Christiansted, athletic): The open-water swim at The Buccaneer Resort returns for another year.
December – Holiday & Carnival Season
Family & Community
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Dec 5 – Children’s Night at St. George Village Botanical Garden (Christiansted): Holiday lights and Santa for the kids.
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Dec 13 – St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade: Boats lit up with lights, fireworks and boardwalk nightlife.
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Dec 18 – Art Thursday (Christiansted): Galleries open late (5–8 p.m.).
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Dec 19 – Rhythms at Sunset (Frederiksted): The final show of 2025 under the stars.
Festival Season & Headline Events
The beloved Crucian Christmas Festival returns from December 26, 2025 – January 3, 2026, offering tradition, music, parades and village-vibe celebrations. More details will be posted in the official schedule at VisitUSVI.
In the midst of the festival week, on of the Virgin Islands premier event organizers Island Vybez Promotions is returning with three headline events that should be some of the biggest parties on island of the year.
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Dec 28 – Sunny Side Up: Scenes of Santorini (4–10pm) at The Fred – dress Brunch-Chic (Shades of Blue), unlimited mimosas.
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Dec 31 – Midnight Opulence: A New Year’s Affair at The Fred – 10pm-late, beachside countdown.
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Jan 2 (2026) – Escape: The Premier Festival Pool Party (location TBD) – swimwear, DJs and high-energy finale.
If you want to attend all 3 events, there are special VIP early bird tickets now available. We recommend that you get on it, because all three events are almost guaranteed to sell out.
Island Vybez first made waves earlier this year when they brought their Sunny Side Up: Melanin & Mimosas day-party to The Fred on July 13 — an event that drew a massive crowd and set the tone for this fall/winter’s lineup. Follow Island Vybez on Facebook for more information and tickets for these events.
Things to Do in St. Croix When You Arrive on a Cruise Ship
If your ship docks at the Ann E. Abramson Pier in Frederiksted, you’re in one of the most accessible and enjoyable ports in the Caribbean. Here are the best ways to spend your day ashore.
Day Pass at The Fred
Just a few minutes’ walk from the pier, The Fred Resort & Spa offers day passes at $30 per person or $40 per couple. Enjoy the pool, jacuzzi, beach-chairs, bar & grill — often with live music or Moko Jumbies when ships are in port. Book online here.
Sandy Point Art Oasis
A short drive south (or via free shuttle on cruise days) is the eco-friendly Sandy Point Art Oasis: beach bar, food truck, art installations, watersport rentals and family beach games.
Guided Tour with St. Croix Adventures
Want more than just a beach day? Consider a guided snorkeling or sea-turtle tour via St. Croix Adventures — great for families or first–time island visitors.
Moke Tour Experience
For style and efficiency, the Frederiksted Moke Tour includes open-air transport from the pier, plus day passes to both The Fred and Sandy Point Art Oasis. See details and book on TripAdvisor.
Explore Frederiksted on Foot
Prefer to stay nearby? Wander downtown Frederiksted: visit Fort Frederik, browse Company Street art shops, and grab a rum cocktail at a waterfront bar before heading back to the ship.
Cruise Ship Arrival Schedule (Frederiksted Pier)
(Courtesy of the VI Port Authority – times are subject to change.)
Closing Out the Year on St. Croix
From parades and parties to live music and beach days, St. Croix’s year winds down in full color. Whether you’re here for the Crucian Christmas Festival, a weekend stay at The Fred, or just stepping off a cruise ship for the day, there’s something happening around every corner. The months ahead are packed with local flavor, creativity, and Crucian pride — the perfect mix of island relaxation and celebration.
Check back with News of St. Croix throughout the season for updates to the festival schedule, new event announcements, and photo coverage from around the island.