The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) is teaming up with Wally Castro Marine to announce the official stops for the highly anticipated summer event, Xmas in July 2026, which will take place on Saturday, July 25, at Pond Bay Beach on Virgin Gorda.
From July 23 to 27, attendees can visit a series of stops throughout the islands that will offer signature moments. These may be events or unique experiences created by each partner. Each stop will have its own holiday celebration and will offer special rates and menus.
“This is an initiative we’re launching for the first time, with a primary focus on marinas, but we’re open to the idea of involving more businesses and properties throughout the territory,” said Clive McCoy, director of tourism for the British Virgin Islands (BVI). “This network of special stops not only builds anticipation for the event but also encourages visitors to learn more about what the territory has to offer and inspires them to visit us more often.”
At each stop, attendees will receive collectible stickers that are specially designed for each participating venue, giving them an incentive to visit all the stops. In addition, they can place the stickers on the official Xmas in July 2026 tumbler and share photos on social media to win prizes. All they have to do is tag the event’s Instagram account @xmasinjulyparty and the BVITBFC’s account @bviturismo, as well as the Facebook accounts of Wally Castro Marine and the British Virgin Islands.
The schedule of activities at the official stops includes:
Thursday, July 23:
- Pusser’s West End, Tortola — (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) This is the stop for the Virgin Rico Party, the official welcome party for the Puerto Rican Navy at Soper’s Hole, featuring live music, a DJ, a menu of Caribbean fusion dishes, prizes, and the first official sticker. For reservations, interested parties can visit the Virgin Rico Party website at https://virginricoparty.com/.
- Hendo’s Hideout, Jost Van Dyke — (12 p.m.–4 p.m.) Hendo’s Hideout will host a pre-Xmas in July celebration on White Bay Beach, featuring a DJ, special drink deals, and a beach barbecue with a whole roasted pig.
- Loose Mongoose, Tortola — Loose Mongoose will host its Fuel & Sabor Party at Trellis Bay all day on Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24. The party will feature a happy hour and a Boricua menu. There will also be a 5% discount on gas for boats from Friday through Monday and a free pennant for the first 50 boats to arrive.
- Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina — From July 23 to 25, Donovan’s Reef will host three days of Puerto Rican-inspired celebrations. Attendees can enjoy traditional Puerto Rican dishes such as tostones, mofongo, and bacalaítos. Santa Claus will be there too.
Friday, July 24:
- Omar’s Coffee House, Tortola — (9 a.m.–1 p.m.) Here, visitors can kick off their day at Soper’s Hole, West End with a Frozen Summer Coquito, a photo next to a Christmas tree, a playlist of festive songs and locally roasted coffee.
- Willy T, Norman Island — (3 p.m.–6 p.m.) This floating bar off the coast of Norman Island will be decked out with a touch of mischief typical of the holiday season. Santa Sauce will be served, and Christmas-themed sunglasses, red and green beaded necklaces, and festive flower leis will be handed out to celebrate a lively pirate-style party.
- The Mangrove at Biras Marina & Resort, Virgin Gorda— (4 p.m.–7 p.m.) XMAS Biras is the resort’s signature Xmas in July celebration. It will be an afternoon to enjoy some great music as the sun sets. Guests can enjoy the Merry Mangrove, a rum cocktail.
- Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda — (4 p.m.–12 a.m.) There will be a beach barbecue served buffet-style with Puerto Rican dishes, a happy hour at Jumbies Bar from 4 to 7 p.m., special offers on Tito’s Vodka and Don Q rum, festive decorations, a live band at 7 p.m., a show featuring Moko Jumbies and fire dancers after dinner.
Saturday, July 25:
- Xmas in July 2026 — (9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.) The most anticipated event of the summer returns to Pond Bay Beach on Virgin Gorda. There will be food, entertainment, and live music, featuring a special performance by Pedro Capó, the bands La Vecina and Maeso y su Orquesta, as well as the band Final Faze from Tortola.
- Oil Nut Bay, Virgin Gorda — (11 a.m.–9 p.m.) On Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, Oil Nut Bay will be hosting its Fiesta del Puerto, a signature resort event featuring a bohemian atmosphere, artisanal appetizers, gourmet-style pizzas, original cocktails, and happy hour specials during the entire week.
Sunday, July 26:
- Lobster Trap, Anegada — (Starting at 8 a.m.) The bar will be open and offering an all-day happy hour, spicy lobster tacos, and a free pennant for the first 50 boats to arrive in Anegada.
- Top of the Baths, Virgin Gorda — (9 a.m.–4 p.m.) Top of the Baths will host a pool party featuring panoramic views, live DJ music, Puerto Rican cuisine, and a selection of cocktails. The event will also include raffles, games, and contests.
- Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda (1 p.m.–3 p.m.) Everyone is invited to their Christmas Beach BBQ, featuring an island-style barbecue menu and drink specials on the North Sound beach, with a DJ playing until sunset. The event is free and open to the public.
- Saba Rock — (8 p.m.–11 p.m.) Saba Rock welcomes the Puerto Rican Navy with a roasted pig, a Caribbean buffet, an optional all-you-can-drink package, views from the Sunset Bar, and a DJ. Those interested can make reservations by sending an e-mail to events@sabarock.com.
Monday, July 27:
- Willy T, Norman Island — (3 p.m.–6 p.m.) The floating Christmas party continues with Santa Sauce, festive decorations, and a lively pirate bar atmosphere.
- Saba Rock — (8 p.m.–11 p.m.) The celebration at Saba Rock continues with a Puerto Rican menu, drinks, a DJ, entertainment, and festive activities.
For more information about the activities and stops, attendees can visit https://wallycastro.com/xmas-in-july-2026/#stops and click on each one of the partners they would like to visit
