The National Pantomime has become an annual Christmas tradition for everyone in Jamaica which usually opens on December 26 (Boxing Day). It is said to be a tradition that has been around since the late 1800s. Before it was officially called the Pantomime, Soldiers assigned to Port Royal staged productions as a means of entertainment for themselves and friends.

Pantomime began the English way in 1941 in which the first play featured was ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ at the Ward Theatre spearheaded by Greta and Henry Fowler, founders of the Little Theatre Movement (LTM). The Jamaican style started off in 1943 and was interspersed by the English settings between the years 1944-1949 and 1950 – 1954. After this we have used our Jamaican style to depict our own local folklore and continued in this role.

Grand Market, also called Christmas Market, begins early Christmas Eve morning leading into early Christmas morning for the sole purpose of elaborate shopping for upcoming Christmas day. The ‘Gran Market’ is dated back to slavery where slaves were given days off from laboring in the sugar cane fields. On Christmas Eve the slaves rewarded themselves by getting dressed in their finest and celebrated with singing and dancing in groups until Christmas morning. They also used this opportunity to sell their handmade crafts.

This tradition is observed across Jamaica in most parish Capitals. It is one of the most anticipated day for most Jamaicans as they look forward for discounted items on sale whether it be household items, food, Christmas décor, clothes etc. This is also made convenient for last minute Christmas shoppers.

Grand market night can be classified as a more relaxed setting for both vendors and customers. With vendors selling alongside sidewalks with pounding music and other festive entertainment.

The Annual tree lighting ceremony in Kingston is a tradition of turning on the hundreds of lights on a large Christmas tree and is proceeded with exciting fireworks displays, singing of Carols, Christmas messages and the distribution of gifts.

In 1952, Saguenay Terminals Ltd. of Canada through their local agents Sprostons (Ja.) gifted the Municipal Christmas Tree which was placed at Victoria Park. Since 1979 the KSAC has been using locally grown trees from Clydesdale. Between 1961 and 1979 the tree was placed in George VI Memorial Park (National Heroes Park). Today the Municipal Christmas tree can be found in The Victoria Park it was renamed as the St. William Grants Park for the yuletide season.

The Annual Christmas tree lighting is not only observed in Kingston, but the tradition is also popular for most Parish capitals across the island with similar extravagant and strategic festivities.

From as early as the beginning of the 18th century John Canoe or Jonkonnu has been a very traditional folk festival, consisting of both African and European elements. It began as a festive opportunity afforded to slaves by plantation owners, and usually involved feasting, drumming, singing, dancing and parading/procession of masked troupes.

The troupes consisted of vibrantly clothed participants who were usually males. The European influenced troupes were modeled after English masquerades with core characters such as a king and queen, while the African/traditional Jonkonnu most often included core participants such as the cow head, the horsehead, the devil as well as a character known as Pitchy-Patchy.

The troupe is usual accompanied by a band incorporating music from the fife (lead instrument), bass and rattle drums and grater.

Over the years the custom has died out and Jonkonnu is hardly seen except at special events and functions.