Island-by-Island Guide To The Best NYE
The Caribbean is a top destination to escape the cold northern hemisphere. It’s also where island life and rum go hand-in-hand. However, a significant surge in cruise bookings makes this the busiest festive season yet – the FOMO is real. So, we’ll guide you on festive celebrations, good spots for New Year or ‘Old Year’s Night’ as it’s called, rum distilleries and rum bars. With a little planning, your vacation memories can be all the more magical.
In this guide, we’ll share some local rum producers, where to enjoy rum, and what events are being held on the island. With it being high season, and naturally some businesses will close for the holidays, you’ll need your game face on to make the best trip ever. Each island has a unique culture, we cover festivities, and a few spots to enjoy rum. And, remember to use our map to find those all-important rum distilleries.
There are about 130 distilleries in The Caribbean region, but many island distilleries close for a few days at Christmas and re-open in early January. Check what’s open for your trip dates and aim to book before you go. It’s often best to plan your itinerary around what’s open, and where it is. Boat trips and cruises might have special trips or tastings if regular services are not available and may be more enjoyable than traffic jams.
ABC-islands: Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao
Aruba is a popular cruise destination. There are a few rum distilleries with tours, tastings, and events but check in with them on our maps. At New Year expect Pagara, Chinese firecrackers, special dinners, and parties at restaurants, bars, and resorts in Oranjestad. Then, on New Year’s Day “Nieuwjaarsduik” or New Year’s Plunge at the beach.
Sip Aruba Ariba cocktails, and go down south to Baby Beach and Rum Reef. Bonaire is smaller and more laid-back, it has the Cadushy distillery in the centre of Rincon. Expect Maskarada, on New Year’s Day. Try Rum Runners in Kralendijk. Curaçao’s colourful Willemstad fireworks on New Year’s Eve. At Netto Bar try the green rum, Ròm Bèrdè (rum blended with herbs and spices).
Find out more on Aruba Rum Map Bonaire Rum Distillery & Curaçao Rum Map
Antigua and Barbuda
English Harbour and Jolly Harbour Marina are where the festivities are. Antigua Distillery is in English harbour or go rum tasting at the Academy of Rum at Galleon Beach. Check out The Great House to see a glimpse into the past. For rum bars try these; The Rum Shack, The Nest Beach Bar, Kon Tiki Bar, Rum Bus Beach Bar, and Skullduggery Bar.
Find out more on Antigua and Barbuda Rum Map
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is the top destination and is a vast archipelago with more than 16 distinct destinations across the islands. The Atlantis Paradise Island is popular for the holidays and New Year. Nassau is where the main distilleries are, check ahead what’s open and when to go.
On Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, Nassau hosts the traditional Junkanoo Parade on Bay Street. Expect the rum to flow at Rake-and-scrape performances and Freetown Festival during the holidays. For rum bars try; Harbour Bar, Rum Runners, Rum Cay Lobby Bar, or Rum Cay Lobby Bar, and don’t forget to have a Bahama Mama cocktail!
Find out more on The Bahamas Rum Map
Barbados
Barbados is a paradise for rum lovers and is regarded as the birthplace of rum. Home to 4 main distilleries and 2 new producers this year. Barbados rum distilleries are must-visits for any rum enthusiast. They are spread out, so it’s best to coordinate and take in local nearby experiences. There are 1500 rum shops, small local bars where you can hang out with locals and small buses fly up and down the west coast.
The island is busy over the holidays, so book ahead for New Year celebrations. For New Year’s Eve on the West Coast, there’s 1st Street, Holetown, Alleynes Bay, and Paynes Bay. In Bridgetown, on the beach outside the Hilton Barbados Resort. On the South Coast, there’s Hastings Boardwalk, St Lawrence Gap, or Carlisle Bay Beach.
For exclusive experiences, there’s Shady Lane, The Cliff, or the Atlantis Gala. For a more local atmosphere, head to the Oistins Fish Fry for the lively street party or the Harbour Lights for family-friendly fireworks. Bars in Speightstown on the West Coast, the Horny Ram Pub on the road out of Holetown, or The Tiki bar at Rockley Beach. Our advice is to go early to avoid the traffic.
Find out more on Barbados Rum Map
British Virgin Islands
BVI is the New Year’s Eve capital of the Caribbean. On Tortola, there’s one of the oldest continuously operating pot distilleries in the Caribbean at Callwood Rum Distillery. Virgin Gorda is a cruise stop, and Jost Van Dyke although the smallest of the four main islands; is where the party is for New Year’s Eve. As a yachting destination, expect New Year’s boat-hopping, so make sure you have rum for the “Old Year’s” at Trellis Bay celebrations. Popular spots for rum are Foxy’s Bar, Soggy Dollar Bar, and Hendo’s Hideout.
Find out more on the British Virgin Islands Rum Map
Cayman Islands
Another top cruise destination, and home to the Caribbean’s most famous rum cake. Grand Cayman has Cayman Spirits Co and Tortuga Rum. Check ahead to see what’s open over the holidays. Get over to Rum Point Club at Rum Point and enjoy some rum cocktails. And, there are plenty of options along the seven-mile beach or Silverside Rum Bar in George Town. New Year’s Eve on the waterfront, seven-mile beach fireworks, ballrooms, bars, and restaurants are where it’s at, but book ahead!
Find out more on the Cayman Islands Rum Map
Cuba
Cuba is a top rum-producing country. The two main spots rum tourists can see are the rum museums in Havana and Santiago de Cuba. The Cuban government restricts general access to distilleries, so you can’t just turn up in a hire car and wander around. Parrandas de Remedios has a Christmas festival. Visit the famous El Floridita Bar for Daiquiri, La Casa del Ron, or the Bar at the Hotel Nacional for some old-world charm.
Americans can travel to Cuba by ticking the OFAC form that says, ‘Support of the Cuban People’ and follow a few easy rules. This includes enjoying rum cocktails in soaking up the local vibe. Exploring the countryside, driving to the small town of Trinidad, visiting the Valley of the Sugar Mills, soak up the culture, and good food. Havana has the biggest New Year’s Eve party and puts on a show.
Find out more on our Cuba Rum Map
Dominica
Dominica is a beautiful island with a rum tradition. Macoucherie Distillery produced on the centuries-old Shillingford Estate but is silent just now after some tropical storm damaged their facility. The Belfast Estate Rum, you’ll see island-wide with their BB Rum.
The new Rosalie Bay Distillery on the East Coast has started and you can try their rum. Also, beware of the local bush rum found in local bars, or so they call it mountain dew. Dominica is a natural beauty island, and it’s where neighbouring islanders come to get away from it all, so has a more laid-back vibe. Rosalie Bay’s Dominica Resort will have a New Year’s Eve Dinner, so book ahead if staying locally.
Find out more on Dominica Rum Map
The Dominican Republic
In the capital, Santo Domingo, festivities take place in Zona Colonial, live-music free concerts on Plaza Espana. There are a few rum bars to explore like SugarCane or La Casa Del Ron. On the north coast, Puerto Plata, and Sosua Beach beaches and resorts will have festivities and special New Year’s Eve events. Taino Bay Rum Bar is a good spot in Puerto Plata to try the many local rums.
In hedonist’s dream destination, Punta Cana seek out these rum bars; Rum Republic, Rum & Juliet Bar, Don Queco Cigar Bar, and Coco Bongo host the big New Year celebrations – enjoy the local Barceló rum. Try the local festive food pasteles en hoja (beef pockets) and Dominican ponche (rum eggnog). Spanish traditions of eating 12 grapes, with every stroke of the clock at midnight.
Find out more on The Dominican Republic Rum Map
Grenada
The Spice Island is a top 10 Caribbean destination over the holidays. With 4 distilleries to visit displaying the old ways and new innovative distillers, do check in advance which are open or closed. From resorts to a laid-back atmosphere, gorgeous beaches, and lively street parties. Explore the island, on Friday nights, go to the north-west coast fishing village of Gouyave.
For New Year’s Eve, the Grand Anse beach party and the street party in St. George. The New Year’s Day Junkanoo parade is also in St. George. Dress up for plush ballroom events to see in the new year. Check out Umbrellas Beach Bar, and Esther’s Bar for rum punch, and try a Guinness Punch while you’re in Grenada.
Find out more on our Grenada Rum Map
Guadeloupe
The Butterfly Island and Marie Galante experience family time over the festivities. Hire a car to visit the many local rum distilleries and plan ahead to know what’s open. There’s less of a stay at a big resort here, so not so many big hotel gala dinners as other islands, expect a later start for New Year dining and book ahead.
The annual fireworks on New Year’s Eve are at Gosier on the south coast of the island of Grande-Terre. And, much like neighbouring Martinique, Ti Punch or Planteur Punch are the local rum drinks to enjoy.
Find out more on Guadeloupe Rum Distilleries
Jamaica
Jamaica is a top festive destination. Many of the island’s distilleries, are spread out and need some planning, check ahead which are open over the holidays. Local rum distilleries also host parties and events, but close at Christmas. And, there are thousands of local rum bars like you see in Barbados, where you can immerse yourself in the culture. Try local rum punch, rum & ting, or boom energy drink, and sorrel juice made with ginger and rum.
On Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, expect to see traditional Jonkonmu parades, Pantomime, a New Year’s Eve Ball, and firecrackers. New Year’s Eve parties in Montego Bay, boat parties, or Ocho Rios on the north coast. In Kingston, head to Ocean Boulevard at the Waterfront for the celebrations. Book ahead for resort and ticketed events.
Find out more on Jamaica Rum Distilleries
Martinique
The Island of Flowers boasts many beautiful gardens to visit, with many of the distilleries having the best botanical gardens. Getting around the rum distilleries in Martinique requires some planning, there are so many to see. Like Guadeloupe, it’s best to hire a car to get around. Most distilleries will be closed at Christmas and will reopen at New Year. They won’t be in production because the sugarcane harvest begins in February. The North is the least populated, the south has the beaches and bars.
Festivities centre on the central region of the Fort-de-France Bay for Christmas and New Year. Ti Punch or Planteur Punch are the island’s staple rum drinks. Book ahead for any special events. Check out the many
Find out more on Martinique Rum Distilleries
Puerto Rico
The rum capital of the world is the top 3 vacation destination over the holidays. So it helps to plan ahead to get the most out of your visit. Rum producers and tours are spread out, especially if you go all the way to Crab Island! For the many distilleries, check ahead for tours, tastings, holiday hours, and any special events they might have on.
For old-world charm and good rum bars in Old San Juan visit La Casita de Rones, La Factoría, Jungle Bird, and Scryer Rum. For New Year’s, Condado beach has fireworks, and most hotels, restaurants, and bars have special New Year’s Eve events, gala dinners, and fireworks.
Find out more on our Puerto Rico Rum Map
Saint Barthélemy
In Saint Barts, Port de Plaisance in Port of Gustavia is where the superyachts and yachties hang out. There is a rum brand from St Barts made with cane juice. And, there was the famous Rhum Room, with the largest Agricole Vieux collection but it has closed down. You can visit La Case St-Barth instead.
The harbour becomes packed at New Year with exclusive parties, DJs, and Le Ti has a legendary New Year’s Eve party. St. Jean’s Nikki Beach is also a well-known party hotspot. The New Year’s Regatta is where sailing meets party atmosphere and the rum flows!
Find out more on Rhum St Barth
St. Kitts & Nevis
Sugar Mas Carnival starts mid-December until the New Year with festivities and the Grand Carnival Parade on New Year’s Day. There are a couple of rum distillers to seek out, Clifton Estate on Nevis is the local rum, as is Hibiscus spirits. You can check out the old Wingfield Sugar Estate.
Enjoy some rum at Discovery Beach Bar, and Shipwreck Beach Bar. On Nevis, try the Crowned Monkey rum bar. Local Kittsian’s drink Ting & Sting (rum and grapefruit soda). For New Year’s Eve, South Frigate Bay is the favourite spot for special dinners and celebrations.
Find out more on St. Kitts & Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia has one distillery, near Marigot Bay, which is a good place to hang out. Boat trips will pop in for drinks at the Beach Club, Rum Cave or Zoëtry. Arriving by boat can be more pleasurable than the Lucian roads! Christmas festivities include the Festival of Lights and bamboo bursting.
On New Year’s Eve there are fireworks and parties in the north at Rodney Bay and Gros Islet, where there are plenty of bars and gala dinners – but do book ahead. Expect traffic jams if not already staying in that part of the island. Many take boat trips along the southwest coast to the Pitons at Soufrière and sip St Lucia Rum Punch.
Find out more on our St Lucia Rum Map
St. Martin/Sint Maarten
Home to Topper’s Rhum Distillery, try the local Guavaberry Rum, and Rhum Ma Doudou. On New Year’s Eve, people flock to Philipsburg, the capital to watch the fireworks from Great Bay Beach Promenade over Great Bay. Enjoy rum at Dirty Sanchez Crew Bar, or La Part des Anges, Grand Case Bar in St Martin.
Find out more on our Sint Maarten Rum Map
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago have a big rum tradition. There’s just one distillery now, so check out when it’s open if here over the holidays. Festivities include Parang, a popular folk music originating from Venezuela. And, soca parang, which is an energetic mix of traditional parang and the tempo of Trini soca.
For New Year’s Eve, there are lots of parties at hotels, Port of Spain, or San Fernando check out the rum shops for a local experience. And, enjoy the Trinidadian Rum Punch or a Queen’s Park Swizzle. For a more laid-back vibe visit Tobago, they have plenty of rum shops as well.
Find out more on our Trinidad and Tobago Rum Map
Turks and Caicos Islands
Like other islands, Junkanoo is a colourful festival that is celebrated on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Fireworks light up the sky over Grace Bay Beach – so grab a seat on the beach and enjoy the show. At the cruise centre there’s the largest Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville in the Caribbean. Grand Turk has the Sandbar, Jack’s Shack, and Da Conch Rum Bar are all bound to be busy.
Find out more on our Turks & Caicos Islands Map
U.S. Virgin Islands
The Crucian Christmas Festival is on St. Croix and runs until New Year. St. Thomas, St. John, or Tortola expect special dinners and events at hotels and resorts, with fireworks on New Year’s Eve. St. Thomas is the main cruise drop-off, and among the duty-free port of Charlotte Amalie you’ll find plenty of rum to stock up on and the Rum Island Pub. And, check if the local rum distilleries are open while you are there.
Hiring a driver, or mini bus and going early can save you sitting in a traffic jam. New Year events are often best reserved, some places allow serendipity but don’t rely on it.
Find out more on our U.S. Virgin Islands Rum Map
Even if you’re on a cruise, you’ll have the chance to pop into a local rum distillery or bar, we highly recommend you do. It’s often a vacation highlight.
You can read up on your destination in our comprehensive Rum Guides
Also, our maps can help you locate and coordinate a visit as they are updated by the brands. Each island has its vibe and culture, they’re not all the same, so it’s worth going on an adventure. Check your liquor allowance, as there will be opportunities to bring something unique home.
In The Caribbean, visiting a rum distillery is a cultural experience, it’s often the best place to learn about local history and enjoy a stroll around a botanical garden even if you don’t drink alcohol.
Some general travel advice:
The Atlantic hurricane season was very active and destructive, so please check your destination – things may be different since your last visit. For the best rum trip, check what’s local to where you’re staying, ask your accommodation provider, and check ahead what distilleries are open. Ask around locally for events in the days running up to NYE, and take in the local bars or restaurants nearby. If distilleries are not nearby, it can be better to stay local when it gets busy. Split up the days rather than trying to conquer them all.
For more information check out our rum brand profiles with their site links, and socials for the latest info. You can also check out destination tourism sites.
A special thanks to our rum producers for their input to this article and image credits to Canva Pro and other user contributions.