On Tuesday evening, families gathered at the entrance to Havensight Mall for the annual Governor’s Children’s Christmas Party, the first of three celebrations held across the territory as part of a decades-old holiday tradition.
From 6 to 9 p.m., the mall transformed into a festive holiday market. Local vendors lined the path as children ran past carrying glow sticks, waving bubble wands, and setting off small crackling pop-rock toys. The air filled with the scent of local sweet treats and other island-style snacks, unmistakable signs of the holiday season.
This year’s event — free and open to families, with gifts distributed to children ages newborn through 12 on a first-come, first-served basis — drew large crowds eager to be part of the tradition.
The next parties are scheduled for Thursday, at Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park on St. John, and for Monday, Dec. 15, at Government House in Christiansted on St. Croix. Families across the territory are encouraged to attend.
“There’s lots of action. So anybody out there, come on down,” said one vendor.
Members of a local business, Coquito Breezes, which sells coquito and offers free delivery, said the festival meant much more than commerce.
“We’re good, just enjoying the festival, and we’re in the Christmas spirit,” one member said.
They emphasized how important it is that every child feels included. “It gives the kids an opportunity — even if they’re less fortunate, everybody gets a chance to feel the Christmas spirit, and I think that’s really important,” the member said.
A few booths away, another pair of longtime participants stood beside racks of holiday toys and stocking stuffers. “I wish everybody a Merry Christmas,” the participant said.
For Snuggle Blossom, a local online children’s boutique, the party offered the chance to meet customers face-to-face.
“It’s a lot of children, a lot, but it’s exposure for my boutique,” said Carol, a representative for the brand. “My boutique is actually an online store, so with all the children, and as they pass through, you’re exposed. So yeah, the experience is good.”
For Carol and others, the highlight of the night was watching children light up as they approached the gift area — where Santa greeted families and government agencies distributed toys and information.
“It’s the anticipation of gifts. They’re seeing the tables, and they’re just so excited. Children are so innocent, so pure. This is a wonderful experience for them, because so many agencies — as well as the governor — are giving out gifts. They’re excited, and that makes me excited for them,” said Carol.
At JD Slushy Toys, a representative said turnout from both locals and tourists helped lift the evening.
“It’s awesome. We have a lot of kids that came out. We had supporters from the cruise ship. A lot of tourists came and supported earlier today. So it was nice,” the representative said.
They added, echoing many vendors’ messages of holiday cheer and goodwill: “I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a fresh and bright New Year. I hope everything goes well in the Virgin Islands.”
Throughout the evening, a stage featured live local music and classic holiday songs, while local dance groups and costumed performers took turns entertaining crowds on the makeshift dance floor flanked by food trucks.
Across booths selling handmade metal art, local food and drinks, toys, and children’s clothing, many vendors noted a common theme: slower sales than in years past — but a strong sense of community. Several said they were happy to see children running around, waving bubble wands, clutching their gifts, and dancing near the stage. As long as the kids liked their gifts, they said, the holiday spirit on St. Thomas was still alive and well.
