Two countries on one island means twice the reasons to celebrate. From sailing races and beach parties to two different carnivals, there's something happening in St. Maarten and St. Martin almost every month. Here are the biggest events for the coming season, so you can plan your trip around them, or avoid the crowds if you prefer a quieter stay.
Dates below were confirmed when we published this guide. Organizers sometimes change them, so always check the official event pages before you book.
November
St. Martin's Day, November 11
The whole island's shared holiday, celebrating centuries of French and Dutch living side by side. Expect official ceremonies, flags, music, local food and a festive mood on both sides. In 2026 it falls on a Wednesday. Want to know the story behind it? Read One Island, Two Nations.
December
Christmas and New Year's Eve
The holidays are a big deal here. Look out for Christmas lights in Philipsburg and Marigot, holiday markets, and guavaberry liqueur, the island's traditional Christmas drink. New Year's Eve brings fireworks over the bays and parties all over the island. This is peak season, so book your rental and dinners early.
January to March
Les Mardis de Grand Case (Grand Case Tuesdays)
Every winter, Grand Case's boulevard closes to traffic on Tuesday evenings, usually from about 6 to 10 PM, and becomes one big street party. Expect around a hundred stands of local crafts and food, live bands, carnival dancers and a different parade every week. It runs for several Tuesdays between late January and March. The exact dates are announced each winter, so ask us when you arrive.
Tip: arrive early, park away from the boulevard and make dinner reservations if you want a table at one of the Grand Case restaurants.
February
French-side Carnival
Saint-Martin celebrates Carnival the traditional French way, in the weeks before Lent, with parades in Marigot and Grand Case. The highlight is Mardi Gras, which falls on February 9, 2027, with the burning of King Vaval on Ash Wednesday to close the season.
March
St. Maarten Heineken Regatta: March 4–7, 2027
The Caribbean's biggest sailing event, with more than a hundred boats racing around the island and its famous motto, "Serious Fun." Even if you don't sail, it's great to watch: see the boats squeeze through the Simpson Bay bridge, then join the nightly parties with live concerts.
SXM Festival: March 17–21, 2027
An intimate electronic music festival celebrating its tenth edition in 2027. Instead of one big festival ground, parties happen on beaches, in villas, in clubs and on hilltops on both sides of the island. Guests must be 18 or older.
Tip: March is one of the busiest months of the year. If you're coming for the Regatta or SXM Festival, book your accommodation as early as possible.
April and May
Sint Maarten Carnival
The Dutch side's Carnival is the biggest party of the year, and one of the biggest in the region. Running from mid-April into early May, it takes over Philipsburg with nights of music at the Carnival Village, calypso shows, a children's parade and the early-morning J'ouvert jump-up. The Grand Carnival Parade is on April 30, 2027, a public holiday. King's Day on April 27 adds to the festive mood.
Abolition Day, May 28
The French side commemorates the abolition of slavery on May 28, 1848, with ceremonies, music and cultural events.
July
Emancipation Day, July 1
The Dutch side marks the end of slavery on July 1, 1863, with cultural programs, music and remembrance.
Bastille Day, July 14
France's national day is celebrated in Marigot with festivities and, traditionally, fireworks over the bay.
Schoelcher Day, July 21
A French-side holiday honoring Victor Schoelcher, who led the campaign to end slavery in the French colonies, with celebrations especially in Grand Case.
August to October: the quiet season
Late summer and early fall are the island's low season and the heart of hurricane season. There are fewer big events, but also fewer crowds, calmer beaches and often better prices. If you travel during these months, keep your plans flexible and consider travel insurance.
Plan your trip around the fun
Coming for an event? Book your vacation rental early, especially for March, the holidays and Carnival. Between parties, see the island from the water on one of our boat trips, discover the best beaches on both sides, and taste your way through the best local food. Staying with us? Just ask what's happening during your visit.
Which event would you plan your trip around? Let us know!
