Christmas Markets and Fairs in Jamaica 2026 - A Seasonal Guide
From artisan fairs to the Christmas Eve buzz of Grand Market, the festive season is the busiest time of year for Jamaican vendors and shoppers. Here is our guide to confirmed and expected markets and fairs between now and Christmas, with tips for shoppers and sellers. Dates were checked on 30 October 2026; please confirm with organisers before travelling.
November
Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival - 6 to 8 November, St Elizabeth. The main day, Saturday 7 November, includes a Food & Artisan Village curated with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation and Things Jamaican to showcase locally made products. Tickets via foodrumreggaefestival.com.
Craft with a Difference - Saturday 28 November, Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios. Presented by the Tourism Product Development Company with the Urban Development Corporation, this free event (11am to 8pm) features Jamaican-made apparel, beauty products, art, horticulture, wellness and food, plus live craft demonstrations. A good chance to buy gifts directly from makers.
December
Jimuaa Expo - Saturday 5 December, The Summit, Kingston. A free-entry expo (11am to 7pm) billed as a day of early Christmas shopping with exhibitor sales and free seminars.
Montego Bay extended Grand Market - expected from mid-December. In 2025 the St James Municipal Corporation opened Grand Market from 15 December to help vendors recover after Hurricane Melissa. The mayor said it was slated to be repeated this year; 2026 dates have not yet been announced, so watch for a notice from the municipal corporation.
Grand Market - Thursday 24 December, island-wide. The Jamaica Information Service describes Gran' Market as one of the most anticipated events of the season, held in major towns across Jamaica on Christmas Eve. Trading lasts all day, but crowds grow sharply from about 6pm, and in many towns the music and shopping run into Christmas morning. Expect decorations, clothes, toys, household goods and plenty of food. Popular locations include Half Way Tree, downtown Kingston, Montego Bay, Mandeville and parish capitals such as Port Maria. There is no single organiser or ticket; check your local municipal corporation for vending areas and road closures.
Tips for shoppers
- Set a budget and bring small notes; change can be scarce late in the evening.
- Check notes you receive. The police warned about counterfeit notes in Kingston earlier this year.
- Keep valuables secure in busy crowds, and agree a meeting point if you are with children.
- Buy local. The government's "Buy to Build" message encourages Jamaicans to support local artisans and small businesses this Christmas (Jamaica Information Service).
- Beware of online "Christmas deals" that ask for payment upfront for goods you cannot see. See our guide to avoiding marketplace scams.
Tips for vendors
- Register early. Organised fairs often have application deadlines; for example, Craft with a Difference closed vendor registration on 23 October.
- Check vending rules with your municipal corporation for Grand Market.
- Price clearly and offer a range of price points.
- Accept safe payments and keep cash secure.
- Advertise ahead. Post your stall location and products on Splash Jamaica so shoppers know where to find you.
Looking ahead
Early 2027 brings the Hague Agricultural Show in Trelawny (10 February) and the Jamaica Food & Drink Festival in Kingston (4 to 7 March). Expo Jamaica, the JMEA's showcase of Jamaican-made products, follows from 15 to 18 April 2027. See our Events section for details.
Sources
- JIS, Gran' Market: https://jis.gov.jm/information/25daysofchristmas/4th-day-christmas-gran-market/
- Jamaica Observer, Montego Bay extended Grand Market, 10 Jan 2026: https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2026/01/10/extended-grand-market-breathes-life-melissa-ravaged-mobay-business-sector/
- TPDCo, Craft with a Difference: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tourism-product-development-company-limited_tpdcoja-craftwithadifference-supportjamaicanartisans-activity-7503074758872326144-_ST1
- Caribbean National Weekly, Food, Rum & Reggae Festival, 22 Oct 2026: https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/posts/food-rum--reggae-festival-set-for-november-return-to-st-elizabeth
- Jimuaa Expo listing: https://wehfigo.com/listing/jimuaa-expo/
- JIS, "Corporate Jamaica Encouraged to Buy Local for Christmas": https://jis.gov.jm/corporate-jamaica-encouraged-to-buy-local-for-christmas/
- Hague Agricultural Show, Jamaica Gleaner, 22 Oct 2026: http://web5.jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20261022/hague-agricultural-show-set-february-2027-return-after-melissa-cancellation
- Expo Jamaica: https://jmea.org/expojamaica/