No Christmas parade, but other season activities, including 10 Pondfill booths

GREAT BAY--The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten on Wednesday said that there will be no Christmas Parade in Philipsburg this year, but assured the public that the holiday season will remain very active with lights, booths and community events throughout the Philipsburg.

Minister Heyliger-Marten said the decision not to hold the parade was based on current financial constraints and the scale of resources required.

“The Christmas Parade requires a significant budget and logistics capacity, and given the financial constraints at this time, it would not be responsible to commit public funds to an event of that scale,” the Minister explained.

“However, Christmas in Philipsburg is very much alive,” she continued. “We will be moving forward with the Lighting Up Philipsburg Experience, along with the traditional roundabout decorations, similar to last year. The town will once again be decorated for the season and officially illuminated.”

A confirmed date for the Lighting Up Philipsburg Experience will be announced shortly. Residents and visitors will be invited to come out as the holiday lights are switched on and the festive season is welcomed together in Philipsburg.

Christmas Booth Pilot: Bringing the Season to Philipsburg

To maintain a strong Christmas atmosphere without the parade, the Ministry is launching a pilot Christmas booth program along Walter Nisbeth Road, built on public private cooperation.

Starting today, a public notice will be issued for individuals interested in securing a Christmas booth for the 2025 holiday season, similar to the Carnival booth concept but with a Christmas focus for the first time.

The booths will be limited to the stretch between Ketty’s Kitchen and Jimmy The Original Fat Boy on Walter Nisbeth Road as part of the pilot. Based on the outcome and public response, the Ministry will evaluate possible expansion for 2026 and beyond.

To create a cohesive holiday setting:

• Vendors must decorate booths in a Christmas theme
• Color scheme: red, white and green
• Vendors are encouraged to offer Christmas themed food, beverages, crafts and products

Application details:

• Location: Public Service Center, Economic License Counter
• Time: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, Monday to Friday
• Deadline: November 26, 2025, at 12:00 PM
• Only 10 spots are available
• Confirmation meeting with selected vendors: November 28, 2025

Only fully completed applications with all required documentation will be accepted, with no exceptions.

“This is a practical way to keep Philipsburg vibrant for the season while working within our means,” Minister Heyliger-Marten said. “We want to give small businesses and vendors an opportunity to participate and help bring Christmas to town.”

Backstreet Bonanza: Bigger and Better

Minister Heyliger-Marten also highlighted that several events will take place throughout the season, supported by the Government of St. Maarten through the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB). A consolidated schedule of key holiday events and community activities will be published shortly.

One of the main featured events is the Backstreet Bonanza:

• 6th Annual Street Fair: November 29-30, 2025
• Location: Backstreet, Philipsburg
• Vendor registration has closed and preparations are underway

Organizers have confirmed a lively two day experience in the heart of Philipsburg, with Santa Claus scheduled to be in town on Sunday, November 30, adding a festive moment for families and children.

The event will feature:

• Local vendors and merchants
• Island made products
• Artisanal goods
• DJs and live entertainment
• A family friendly atmosphere with free admission

“The Government of St. Maarten, through the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, is proud to support Backstreet Bonanza as part of our efforts to stimulate commerce, community engagement and holiday activity downtown,” Minister Heyliger-Marten stated. “This event reflects the spirit of the season: community, creativity and commerce. I encourage everyone to come out, support local entrepreneurs and enjoy the festivities in Philipsburg.”

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