Best Bets - Events to attend this holiday season

The holidays are a time of celebration and in Jamaica, the long list of events often include popular parties. But which of these events give you the most bang for your buck?

Here are 12 events to attend this holiday season.

December 23

Artiful X-mas Pop-up

The Sky Gallery celebrates its anniversary with a special exhibition dubbed 'Silience: The Brilliant Artistry all around us' at The Sky Gallery, 9 - 11 Phoenix Avenue, Unit 15, Kingston 10. Admission is free. Start time is 6 p.m.

December 24

Daybreak

'Twas the morning before Christmas and at Sabina Park, fabulous patrons are set to gather for a breakfast party hallmark. Premium breakfast inclusive event, Daybreak, will take place at Sabina Park, 24 South Camp Road, Kingston. Gates open at 8 a.m.

Yush – No Long Talking, Just Dancing

Now on its fourth staging for 2022, and high off of its recent Mega staging, Yush, which will take place at 36 Hope Road in St Andrew, is a guaranteed good time for the professional partygoer and the newbie. This drinks-inclusive event serves up retro music and vibes of the late '90s and early 2000s. Music will be provided by Kurt Riley, Richie Feelings, Arif Cooper and DJ Banka.

Renaissance All-White

The Renaissance crew is ready for the Renaissance All-White Christmas Eve Party, 90s to 2K Edition at Hope Gardens in St Andrew. The drinks-inclusive party starts at 9 p.m.

Night Carnival

Dust off your Monday wear and Carnival costumes for Night Carnival. The event, which be held on Ocean Boulevard, at the Waterfront, downtown Kingston, will feature music by Bloodline Franco, Aaron Fingal, DJ Lantern MD, Coppershot, Brush1 The Road Marshal, DJ Tyler, Laing D and Fyahmatic.

December 25

A-List

Christmas night staple A-list returns with an enviable list of amenities and a sparkle chic dress code. The ultra all-inclusive is set for The Ruins at The University of the West Indies, Mona campus, and will feature music by DJ Lank of Code Red Sound, Jazzy T and DJ Phenix.

December 26

Sting

Sting, dubbed ‘the Greatest One-Night Reggae and Dancehall Show’, returns to the live stage this year at Grizzly’s Entertainment Centre, Plantation Cove, Ocho Rios, St Ann.

Sting founder Isaiah Laing said that Sting is the ultimate colosseum where lyrical masters unleash their lyrical projectiles with the intention of emerging the ultimate victor. Among the performers this year are: Skeng, Silk Boss, Jahshii, A’mari, Queenie, Jada Kingdom, Valiant, 450, Bayka, Shane O, Jahvillani, Daddy 1, Malie Don, Kraff, Chris Martin, Govana, Etana, Jamiel, Shaneil Muir, Dovey Magnum, Topmann, Gyptian, Rhumba, YGF Pablo, KipRich, Pamputtae, Rebecca, Moyann, Stalk Ashley, Vanessa Bling, Laa Lee, Brysco, and Droop Lion.

I Love Soca

For soca fanatics, I Love Soca is a must-attend event. This soca cooler festival delivers a soca-dancehall fusion that patrons can’t get enough of. It is slated to have partygoers feting from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. with a special live performance by Kes the Band. Transforming the lawns of the Constant Spring Golf Club on Boxing Day, I Love Soca patrons get more than 10 DJs, luxury cabanas and a high-energy ambience that captures the essence of carnival.

Yesterday: Best of the '90s

This staple retro party series is one of the more affordable for general entry, costing patrons only $1,500 to enjoy hits of the late '90s. While VIPs pay a bit more for a 'wraytastic' drink-inclusive experience, the vibes at this party are unmatched. On December 26, head to Mas Camp for the best musical selections of the '90s.

Zimi Seh Riva

Come out and enjoy mouthwatering food and amazing music paired with plenty of surprises. Zimi Seh Riva unfolds at Tru Juice River in Bog Walk, St Catherine. The naturally scenic and refreshingly cool ambiance is undoubtedly the perfect getaway to relax and unwind.

December 30

Strictly 2K: Best of The 2000s

Throwback music festival Strictly 2K: Best of The 2000s, is hosting a massive millennium reunion under the theme 'Class Party'. The event takes place at Mas Camp and will feature music by ZJ Chrome, Johnny Kool, Coppershot, Code Red and Antsman.

December 31

Fireworks On The Waterfront

Jamaicans have their favourite traditions for ringing in the new year. Bring your friends and usher in 2023 at the fireworks show at the Kingston Waterfront. After being notably missing for the last two years, the show has returned to Kingston and a new location. New Year celebrants from the western part of the island can now ring in 2023 at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, St James, on December 31.

Though the fireworks experience is typically free, you can also celebrate the return of the fireworks show in style with a grand view. Purchase a VIP ticket for you and your friends at the Urban Development Corporation's head office, 12 Ocean Boulevard, Kingston, or at the St Ann Development Company main office, Ocean Village Shopping Centre, Ocho Rios.