Christmas in French Guiana
Spend December in French Guiana
Swapping the traditional snow-covered fir tree for a palm tree under the sun? That's the unique experience awaiting you this Christmas in French Guiana. Forget woolen sweaters and fireplaces: here, Christmas is celebrated at 86°F, combining authentic Creole traditions with a tropical atmosphere.
Why spend Christmas in French Guiana?
December in French Guiana is an opportunity to experience the holidays differently. While mainland France shivers in the cold, French Guiana offers a unique combination of tropical warmth, rich cultural traditions, and a festive atmosphere that begins in early December and lasts until Carnival in March.
The climate in December: sunshine and tropical showers
Let's be honest: December in French Guiana is the short rainy season. Temperatures range from 75°F to 88°F, with highs reaching 95°F on some days. There are around 6 hours of sunshine per day, with approximately 18 days of rain during the month. But don't worry: tropical showers are usually short and intense, quickly giving way to sunshine. And even when it rains, you'll still enjoy much more daylight than in mainland France at this time of year. Practical tip: pack light, breathable clothing, but also a raincoat and closed shoes if you're planning trips to the Amazon rainforest.
Guyanese Christmas traditions: a fascinating cultural mix
The "chantés noël," sung in Guyanese Creole, fill homes and streets from the beginning of December. This Creole tradition has its roots in Catholic hymns celebrating the birth of Christ. Once sung in the privacy of homes throughout Advent, the chanté nwèl or chanté noël have now become veritable street performances. Singers dressed in traditional clothing are accompanied by drums and local instruments.
Where can you attend chanté nwèl?
In Cayenne: Place des Palmistes, lively after dark with food trucks and entertainment.
In Kourou: in residential neighborhoods and public squares.
In Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni: in Creole and Bushinengue communities.
What to do in December and at Christmas in French Guiana?
CTG Christmas Market: the must-see event
Since 2023, the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana has been organizing a large Christmas market in Cayenne. This year, the market will take place from Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8, 2025. The December 2025 edition promises to be even more beautiful, with:
📊 140 exhibitors (vs. 80 in 2023): spectacular growth
🎄 New highlights: 7-meter giant Christmas tree, North Pole Village, fairground games
🎶 Chanté Nwel: featured with artistic performances
👵 Gangans Day: Sunday, December 8 (strong cultural element)
Our ideas for excursions in December in French Guiana
Take advantage of your stay to discover:
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral for midnight mass
The Museum of Guyanese Cultures
Cayenne Market for its local produce
Place des Palmistes: the beating heart of the city, particularly lively during the festive season
Kourou, just an hour's drive from Cayenne:
The Guiana Space Center (even during the holidays, the facilities are worth a visit)
The beaches of Kourou for a Christmas with your feet in the sand
The Îles du Salut: an unforgettable maritime getaway (accessible by boat)
For New Year's Eve by the ocean:
Montjoly Beach: the most popular, ideal for swimming
Rémire Beach: wilder and more authentic
Sea turtle watching (depending on the nesting season)
Christmas dinner in French Guiana: an explosion of Creole flavors
The Christmas meal aperitif is accompanied by rum with ti'punch or coconut punch, true Guyanese institutions. As for appetizers:
Creole pâtés: small pastries filled with spicy meat
Creole blood sausage: blood sausage with local spices
Cod and pumpkin accras: crispy fritters
Head cheese: traditional charcuterie
Guyanese Christmas ham is brushed with spiced syrup, covered with pineapple slices, and caramelized in the oven. It is a true culinary work of art that takes pride of place on tables on December 24 and 25.
Side dishes include pork (ribs, fricassee), poultry, yellow banana gratin, red beans and, depending on the family, pepperpot (spicy stew) or palikur soup with cassava juice. Products from mainland France (foie gras, salmon, oysters) remain popular despite their high cost.
For dessert: homemade Yule log alongside fresh fruit salads. The must-have? Bindingwel, a dense cake that brings the feast to a delicious close.
Practical tips for a successful Christmas in French Guiana
What to pack in your suitcase?
For the coast: Lightweight clothing (cotton, linen), swimsuits, sunglasses and hat, high protection sunscreen, sandals, and lightweight sneakers
For forest adventures: Waterproof clothing, closed-toe shoes with high tops, mosquito repellent, high socks
Essentials: camera (the landscapes are spectacular), ID, driver's license.
Budget to plan for December in French Guiana
Christmas in French Guiana can be more expensive than in mainland France:
Food: imported products (foie gras, oysters, salmon) are costly
Accommodation: book early, as the holidays are a popular time to visit
Car rental: plan your reservation in advance to get the best rates
Safety and health
Consider getting vaccinated against yellow fever (mandatory for certain areas).
Protect yourself from mosquitoes (dengue fever and chikungunya possible).
Remain vigilant in isolated areas.
Merry Christmas from Europcar and happy holidays, French Guiana! 🎄🌴
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