Philipsburg Launches Christmas Booths Pilot Program to Enhance Holiday Festivities

New Initiative for Philipsburg's Holiday Season

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, is set to embrace the festive spirit with the launch of a new Christmas Booths Pilot Program. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT) under Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten, aims to bring vibrant holiday festivities to the capital while simultaneously supporting local entrepreneurs. The program is part of adjusted Christmas celebrations in Philipsburg, which, due to financial constraints, will not include the traditional Christmas parade this year.

Instead, the focus is on creating a cohesive and engaging holiday atmosphere through alternative events, including the return of the 'Lighting Up Philipsburg Experience' and the upcoming 'Backstreet Bonanza' street fair on November 29-30, 2025.

Vendor Opportunities and Application Details

The pilot program offers a limited number of opportunities for vendors to participate. A total of 10 spots are available for individuals interested in setting up Christmas-themed booths along Walter Nisbeth Road, specifically in the stretch between Ketty's Kitchen and Jimmy The Original Fat Boy.

Key application details include:

• Application Deadline: November 26, 2025, at 12:00 PM.
• Application Location: Department of Economic Licenses, Public Service Center, Government Administration Building, Soualiga Road 1 (Window B). Applications are accepted Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Requirements: Only fully completed applications with all required documentation will be accepted. Processing will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Logistics Meeting: A confirmation meeting for selected vendors is scheduled for November 28, 2025.
• Vending Period: Booths will operate from December 15, 2025, to January 5, 2026.

Booth Requirements and Offerings

To ensure a unified festive appearance, participating vendors are required to decorate their booths in a Christmas theme, adhering to a red, white, and green color scheme. Vendors are encouraged to offer a variety of Christmas-themed food, beverages, crafts, and products.

Specific operational guidelines for the booths include:

• Vending structures must conform to predefined designs, with tents or other structures not permitted. Each vendor will be allotted one lot, approximately 4x4 meters (16 m²) in size.
• A minimum of three meters must be maintained between the sidewalk/roadside and the booth.
• Music is permitted from 5:00 PM until closing, with a maximum sound level of 75dB.
• The sale of beverages in glass bottles and alcoholic beverages to individuals under 18 is strictly prohibited.
• All waste must be disposed of in sealed black garbage bags, and oil in plastic containers.

Future Prospects

Minister Heyliger-Marten emphasized the program's role in keeping Philipsburg vibrant during the holiday season and providing opportunities for small businesses. The success and public engagement of this pilot program will be evaluated by the Ministry for potential expansion in 2026 and beyond, indicating a long-term vision for enhancing Christmas festivities in Sint Maarten.