Northern Marianas International School band and chorus perform at Christmas in The Marianas in December 2023 in Garapan.
THE Marianas Visitors Authority, in collaboration with PDM Promoters, Team PDI, and local schools, will host the 20th Annual Christmas in The Marianas signature event for visitors and the community next month beginning on Dec. 7, 2024.
This year’s celebration will gather revelers from 5-9 p.m. on two Saturdays — Dec. 7 & 14 — in Garapan, Saipan, at Paseo de Marianas, which will be partially closed to vehicle traffic. Twenty public and private schools have signed up to share their holiday spirit with Christmas caroling, skits, and costumes. The festivities also will include a display of Christmas Trees featuring natural and recycled decorations made by schoolchildren will be staged for the public to enjoy.
“Two decades ago the Board of Directors of MVA had the foresight to begin a series of annual signature events to attract visitors and media attention to our destination — Christmas in The Marianas is one of those events still going strong,” said MVA Acting Managing Director Judy C. Torres. “It’s an event loved by the students, the community, and our visitors. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating the spirit of the season during this season.”
Participating schools are William S. Reyes Elementary School, Hopwood Middle School, Grace Christian Academy, Green Meadow School, Tanapag Middle School, Saipan International School, Garapan Elementary School, Dandan Middle School, Northern Mariana International School, Agape Christian School, San Vicente Elementary School, Kagman Elementary School, Brilliant Star School, Mount Carmel School, Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary, Saipan Community School, Da’ok Academy, Oleai Elementary School, Saipan Southern High School, Marianas High School, Saipan Community School, and Admiral Hopwood Middle School.
Festivities will kick off with a countdown to the lighting of the Christmas Trees on Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded on Dec. 14, 2024, to the top schools in various contests.
This event is sponsored by Tinian Diamond Hotel Casino & Restaurant.
In cooperation with the Tinian Mayor’s Office, MVA will hold a Christmas variety show competition for students highlighting Christmas carols, costumes, and performances. On Rota details are being finalized and will be announced shortly for a Christmas parade and yard-decorating competition.
For more information, visit The Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com or contact lead event coordinator and MVA Community Projects Coordinator II Jack Aranda at communityprojects@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200/1.
