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Christmas Goes Coastal
Who says Christmas has to come wrapped in snowflakes and woolly scarves? All around the world, beach towns, cruise decks and coastal hideaways are proving that the holiday spirit shines just as bright under the sun.
From palm trees strung with twinkle lights to mango-glazed ham and seashell ornaments, the tropical take on Christmas is full of creativity, color, and cool breezes. Whether you’re swapping snow boots for sandals or just dreaming of a seaside December, it’s time to discover how the holidays go coastal.
The Rise of the Tropical Christmas Vibe
I want to be somewhere warm for Christmas… maybe Santa’s trading reindeer for dolphins this year. ~Jimmy Buffett
Not everyone dreams of a white Christmas. For some of us, the best holiday memories are made with sandy toes, sea breezes, and a piña colada in hand. Over the years, more beach towns, cruise lines, and tropical resorts have joined the jingle bell bandwagon—minus the winter chill.
In places like Hawaii, the Florida Keys, and Australia (where Christmas is in the summer!), locals have always embraced warm-weather holiday vibes. But now, the trend is spreading. Cruise ships deck their halls with seashell garlands and host poolside visits from swimsuit-clad Santas. Caribbean resorts throw full-on Christmas luaus. Even TV and music jumped on board—Baywatch holiday episodes showed lifeguards stringing up lights on lifeguard towers, and Jimmy Buffett’s “Christmas Island” album turned steel drums into a sleigh bell substitute.
Decorations have followed suit. Say goodbye to icicles and frosty snowflakes. The tropical Christmas aesthetic brings out flamingo ornaments, palm trees glowing with fairy lights, and frozen piña coladas garnished with candy cane stirrers. Whether you’re near the ocean or just dreaming of it, the coastal Christmas look is here to stay—and it’s a whole lot of fun.
Decorating for a Sun-Kissed Noel
Coastal Christmas Decorations
Bringing a beachy twist to your Christmas décor is easier than you think. Start with color: trade in the classic red-and-green for coral, teal, hot pink, and sandy gold. Think beach umbrellas instead of evergreen boughs. Instead of mistletoe, try a sprig of tropical hibiscus.
For the tree? Driftwood trees are a coastal favorite. You can buy one or build your own by stacking bleached wood pieces into a triangle shape. String it with shell garlands, tiny flip-flop ornaments, and mini starfish. Coral reef wreaths are another eye-catching option—use faux coral, faux pearls, and glittery sea creatures to add sparkle.
Want an easy showstopper? Turn a pineapple into a tropical centerpiece. Just slice off the top, hollow out the fruit (save the chunks for smoothies!), and add a short string of battery-powered fairy lights. Decorate the outside with mini ornaments or wrap it in tinsel. It’s quirky, colorful, and makes a great conversation starter.
And don’t worry if your “fireplace” is a fire pit on the beach or a tabletop candle inside your apartment. Just place a row of holiday flip-flops in front of it and cue the festive music. The coastal Christmas mood is about joy, not snowdrifts.
Frozen Treats and Luau Feasts
Growing up in Hawaii, Christmas meant a huge family feast—kalua pig, coconut rice, lomi salmon. No snow, just a ton of food and laughter. ~Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Food is where the tropical Christmas truly shines. Swap the roasted chestnuts for coconut macaroons. Add a splash of summer to your ham with a mango glaze. Mix up a big batch of passionfruit punch served in coconuts or mason jars with silly straws.
Dessert? Think cool and refreshing. Try shaved ice “reindeer snacks” topped with syrups and candy eyes. Or serve a platter of starfruit slices, tropical cookies, and mini cupcakes topped with edible hibiscus flowers. It’s colorful, it’s cheerful, and it keeps guests cool in the heat.
Feeling grown-up? Blend up some frozen eggnog with rum and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a sprinkle of nutmeg and top it with a mini umbrella for flair.
To help you plan your coastal feast, we’ve created printable recipe cards with retro surf-style illustrations. Think: cartoon Santas riding waves, reindeer in sunglasses, and coconuts with Santa hats. They’re perfect to print and share—or pin on the fridge with a starfish magnet.
Whether you’re spending Christmas in flip-flops or just daydreaming about it, the tropical twist on the holiday proves one thing: it’s not about the weather. It’s about the wonder.
Island-style Christmas is all about fun, family, and flavor—with a side of sunshine. From sun hats to steel drums, this warm-weather celebration shows that the holiday spirit doesn’t melt in the heat—it thrives. So crank up the calypso carols, pass the passionfruit punch, and let yourself enjoy the season in full-color, coastal cheer.