The 2026 edition of Xmas in July has been deemed a success. Photo: Facebook

Scenes from Xmas in July 2026. Photo: Facebook/Hon Vincent O. Wheatley

Scenes from Xmas in July 2026. Photo: Facebook/Hon Vincent O. Wheatley

Xmas in July 2026 is expected to attract 400 boats and over 4,000 attendees this year, bringing together boating communities from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Photo: BVITBFC/File

Puerto Rican singer Pedro Capó (born Pedro Francisco Rodríguez Sosa) is the headline act for Xmas in July 2026. Photo: Provided

Since its inception in 2007, Christmas in July has become a cherished tradition, growing each year and attracting thousands of visitors. This annual event is a testament to the strong relationship between Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Photo: BVITBFC/File

The event, a collaboration between the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission (BVITB&FC) and Wally Castro Marine, took place at Pond Bay Beach in Virgin Gorda. 

“It was fantastic. Last year was huge but i think this year was even bigger than last year,” District 9 Representative, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley, said. 

He highlighted the changes made by organisers which he said made a big difference. 

“They moved the stage a bit more central, so you got tents to the north and south of the stage, so that the entire beach could be used not only in length but also in breadth,” he explained, adding, “Things were a bit more efficient and of course you had this big name artist Capo

Hon Wheatley said the addition of Puerto Rican artist, Pedro Capo, also elevated Xmas in July. “He had the crowd rocking,” he said. 

It was just good fun

The Minister said a little known fact about Xmas in July is that it always begins with a church service which he always attends. 

“This year we had the rows of boats, the taxis bringing guys, taking guys, the tents were full…it was a really good time, there were no accidents or injuries on the beach or anything, it was just good fun.”

He added that persons from all over came to Virgin Gorda to support Xmas in July, among them was Premie and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). 

“Virgin Gorda was buzzing, Saturday. It was a really good economic boost; most of the rentals were out, restaurants benefitted significantly, hotels benefited significantly…it was just a wonderful time in Virgin Gorda this weekend…it was just a good time.”

See previous article published on Juy 24, 2026

Xmas in July 2026 expected to attract 400 boats & over 4,000 attendees- BVITBFC

- Festivities will take place on Saturday, July 25 @Pond Bay Beach on Virgin Gorda

POND BAY, Virgin Gorda, VI- Xmas in July 2026 is expected to attract 400 boats and over 4,000 attendees this year, bringing together boating communities from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, as well as international visitors for an unforgettable day of live music, local cuisine, and beach partying, the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission (BVITBFC) has said.

Xmas in July 2026, a collaboration between the BVITBFC and Wally Castro Marine, will take place on Saturday, July 25, at Pond Bay Beach on Virgin Gorda.

"The annual Xmas in July celebration is expected to attract 400 boats and over 4,000 attendees," BVITBFC stated on its Facebook page on July 23, 2026.

The festivities will begin at Pond Bay at 9:30 AM and conclude at 6:00 PM.  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.

Impacting the community positively

Beyond the festivities, the BVITBFC said, this event not only celebrates the nautical heritage of the islands but also supports positive impact on communities throughout the Virgin Islands.

Once again, Xmas in July 2026 organisers will donate 15% of the proceeds from the tumblers’ sales to Beyond the Reef, a nonprofit organisation in the Virgin Islands that focuses on marine environmental education and preservation efforts. Members of the organization will be at the activity to help with the sale of merchandise to benefit the entity and to raise awareness among attendees about the importance of marine environment conservation.

Travelers who need assistance with entry, immigration or customs matters, or with airline information for travel to the Xmas in July event, can contact the BVITBFC’s Puerto Rico office at (787) 721-2525 or send an e-mail to bvi@prlinksco.com. They can also follow the BVI Tourist Board on social media as Islas Vírgenes Británicas on Facebook and BVITurismo on Instagram.

Since its inception in 2007, Xmas in July has become a cherished tradition, growing each year and attracting thousands of visitors. This annual event is a testament to the strong relationship between Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.