Premier Santa Spreads Christmas Cheer
Premier Wheatley joined the 27th Christmas in the City celebrations on Shoreway Drive, passing out gifts and posing for photos with children aged 0 to 10. The two-day event on December 5–6, 2025 also featured several small businesses, giving residents a chance to start their holiday shopping.
Premier Wheatley brought smiles to young faces when he donned a Santa persona and joined Christmas in the City on Shoreway Drive on December 5, 2025. Children between the ages of 0 and 10 sat on Santa’s lap, received gifts and posed for photographs, with many beaming as they accepted presents handed out by the Premier.
The 27th edition of Christmas in the City ran across Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6, transforming Shoreway Drive into a festive hub for families and shoppers. In addition to the traditional Santa visit, the two-day event featured several small businesses offering crafts, gifts and seasonal goods, allowing Virgin Islanders to get an early start on holiday shopping while supporting local vendors.
Organisers said the annual gathering is meant to be a family-friendly celebration that brings the community together for seasonal cheer. For many parents and guardians, the chance to have children photographed with Santa and to receive a free gift was the highlight of the evening.
Volunteers and event staff helped keep the line of young visitors moving so families could enjoy other activities and browse vendor stalls. For small business owners, Christmas in the City is a valuable opportunity to reach customers in the run-up to the holidays. Vendors at this year’s event displayed a range of items — from handmade crafts to clothing and food — providing residents with more locally made and sourced gift options.
Shoppers and stallholders alike noted the importance of community events in sustaining local commerce. Shoreway Drive in Road Town again proved an accessible location for the festivities, drawing residents from across Tortola. The atmosphere combined traditional holiday pageantry with a distinctly local flavour, reflecting the Territory’s priorities of family, community and supporting homegrown enterprises.
As organisers and participants reflect on this year’s edition, the event’s continued popularity underscores its role on the BVI holiday calendar. Christmas in the City remains a fixture for families looking to celebrate the season and for small businesses seeking greater visibility at a busy time of year.
Primary source: VINO