Have a Holly Jolly Holiday Season With The Belize Collection
If you’re already feeling the holiday spirit, you’re certainly not alone. We’ve been dreaming up plenty of ways to spread festive cheer this year, and we can’t wait to share them with you. Whether you love a good holiday feast or are looking for creative ways to have fun with the family, our festive calendars (and menus) are sure to be a treat. Here’s what we have in store for this year.
Feasts and Treats
Gear up for the upcoming festive season with us in the jungle or on the beach on Thanksgiving Day. Celebrate gratitude and togetherness with your nearest and dearest over a sumptuous three-course turkey dinner. Over at Umaya Resort & Adventures, we’ll be keeping things traditional–complete with familiar fixings like green beans and glazed carrots. At The Paddle House in Hopkins, indulge in a smoked butternut squash bisque, herb-roasted turkey breast, and pumpkin spice pecan pie. Meanwhile, at the Grove House, enjoy the elevated experimental cuisine that Executive Chef Rahim is renowned for throughout all three courses.
Then, revel in the magic of the season at our tree lighting ceremonies, starting as early as November 21st at Jaguar Reef. Head to The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant on December 6th, where a decked out courtyard will be waiting. Or, enjoy a lagoonside lighting at Umaya on November 29th.
Festive Fun for All Ages
We also have a host of family-friendly activities on the calendar for this season. The Banks, the most recent addition to The Belize Collection family of properties, will serve as the setting for a full day of holiday shopping on December 13th. Our jungle pop-up shop will feature a wide array of Belizean artisans offering handmade treasures and unique finds perfect for those last-minute Christmas gifts. And on the 26th, all are invited to join us on the deck at Humo Restaurant for a night of fun competition. Our family game night will feature a classic favorite: Chalupa (Bingo with a cultural flair).
It’s a Belize Collection Christmas!
Visiting Belize for the holidays is never a bad idea. Falling in the heart of the high season, there’s always plenty to do. And, of course, the weather is just right. It makes the perfect backdrop for an extraordinary Christmas spent traveling with loved ones. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, join us at any of our signature restaurants for a feast worthy of the season. In between meals, enjoy a special sweet treat with a cookie decorating class perfect for both kids and kids at heart. Finally, toast to the end of the year with us at Umaya’s Restaurante Laguna.
We’ll be ushering in 2026 in a big way – complete with a champagne toast, DJ, party favors, and a photobooth. No matter how you choose to celebrate, though, we invite you to celebrate Belize’s festive season with us at The Belize Collection.
Spread Some Belizean Holiday Cheer with This Black Cake Recipe
Can’t make it this year? Have a slice of Belizean Christmas right at home with this mouthwatering black cake recipe.
Ingredients:
2lbs all purpose flour
mixed fruits
3 lbs brown sugar ( set aside 1 lb for stewing fruits)
1 tin Wood Dun Butter, room temperature
1 quart Traveller’s Gold Rum
1 cup pecans
6 eggs
1 whole nutmeg
6 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon allspice
1 bottle Ruby Rich Wine
1 bottle Karo Syrup
1 pint Belikin Stout
1/2 pint caramel coloring
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 275°F. Line cake pans with parchment paper and grease the paper with shortening or butter. Stew all fruits with rum and 1 lb brown sugar in a medium pot until the liquid becomes thick like syrup. Set aside to cool, preferably overnight.
2. Cream butter and 2 lbs sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one. Combine flour, baking powder, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon, alternating with stout and coloring.
3. Fold in nuts and fruits until blended. To avoid fruits sinking to the bottom of the batter, drain them and coat them in flour before adding them to the batter. Fill prepared cake pans ¾ full and bake for about 3 hours.
4. When finished baking, decorate the top of the cake with Red & Green Cherries. Let’s Cool and Enjoy!