Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is inviting families across the territory to welcome the Christmas season at this year’s Governor’s Children’s Christmas Parties, which will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.
During this afternoon’s Government House weekly press briefing, Communications Director Richard Motta announced the dates and locations for the 2025 celebrations. He was joined by Virgin Islands Police Department St. Croix District Chief of Police Uston Cornelius and Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) Director Daryl Jaschen, who provided updates on public safety and recent United States military visits to the territory.
This cherished annual tradition brings Virgin Islands families together for evenings of Christmas cheer, music and community spirit. The events are free and open to the public, and all children and families are encouraged to attend.
The 2025 Governor’s Children’s Christmas Parties will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on the following dates:
- St. Thomas – Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Havensight Mall
- St. John – Thursday, Dec. 11, at Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park
- St. Croix – Monday, Dec. 15, at Government House in Christiansted
Children ages newborn to 12 can enjoy toys, treats, music and holiday-themed activities, with agencies from the Government of the Virgin Islands on hand to share information and engage with families. Santa Claus will greet children at each event.
All giveaways will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last, and eligible children must be present to receive a gift.
“Christmas is a magical time for our young people, and these celebrations give families a chance to share in the joy and excitement of the holidays together,” Motta said on behalf of Governor Bryan. “The governor looks forward to welcoming children and parents on all three islands as we light up our streets, our neighborhoods and the hearts of our community.”
Motta said Governor Bryan is encouraging residents to bring their children early, enjoy the full program, and take advantage of the opportunity to connect with neighbors, local performers and government agencies in a safe, festive environment.
During the briefing, Motta noted that creating safe spaces for children and families during the holiday season requires strong partnerships with law enforcement and emergency management. He then invited Chief Cornelius to provide an update on several ongoing investigations in the St. Croix District.
Chief Cornelius outlined recent progress in key cases, thanked the community for information already shared and urged residents to continue cooperating with investigators so that those responsible can be brought to justice. He emphasized that VIPD is increasing its visible presence in high-traffic areas during the holiday period and that officers remain focused on protecting schools, business districts and residential neighborhoods.
He reminded the public to report suspicious activity immediately by calling 911 or Crime Stoppers and stressed that community tips remain essential to solving cases and preventing future incidents.
Motta next welcomed VITEMA Director Jaschen, who briefed the public on recent and upcoming visits by United States military assets to the Virgin Islands. Jaschen explained that these visits support joint training, disaster response planning and infrastructure assessments, and reflect a longstanding partnership between the territory and the armed forces.
He noted that residents may see military vessels, aircraft and personnel operating in and around the islands during scheduled exercises, and he reassured the community that these activities are coordinated with local and federal partners and present no cause for alarm. He also highlighted the value of these engagements in strengthening the territory’s readiness for hurricanes, other natural hazards and complex emergencies.
Motta, speaking on behalf of Governor Bryan, thanked VIPD, VITEMA and the territory’s federal and military partners for their continued work to keep Virgin Islanders safe, especially as families gather for Christmas events and year-end activities. He said the governor is encouraging residents to enjoy the Governor’s Children’s Christmas Parties and the many community celebrations taking place across the islands, while remaining vigilant and supportive of local first responders.
The Office of the Governor invites all residents to join Governor Albert Bryan Jr. at the Governor’s Children’s Christmas Parties on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix as the holiday spirit comes alive across the territory.
St. Croix Source
Local government, Music
