Durrant Pate/Contributor

Suga Lifestyle and Jamaica’s artisan community have vowed to keep Brand Jamaica alive with its highly anticipated eighth annual Christmas Connection trade show, which returns this weekend.

The two-day festival, set for the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, once again brings together over 40 local businesses from the cultural and creative and agricultural industries, strengthening communities in a time of rebuilding, while offering Jamaica’s favourite one-stop Christmas shopping experience. The trade show, which will run from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm on Saturday (December 6) and Sunday is curated to be a ‘Sip, Taste and Shop’ sxperience highlighting the very best of Jamaica’s creative industries, featuring unique, handcrafted and locally designed pieces across personal care, apparel & accessories, home & garden, small bites, pastries, beverages, and more. 

Award-winning artisans will be on hand to present products that embody the richness of Brand Jamaica. The event has been officially endorsed by Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, who applauded Suga Lifestyle and the artisan community for their continued role in keeping Brand Jamaica vibrant through Christmas Connection 2025. The event further supports partners and vendors with value-added products from the agricultural industry, such as JABLUM Coffee, crEATe  & Co. Pepper Sauces, I AM LOC’D Castor Oil, Roar I Organics Natural Juices, Cleansers & Tonics, Uncle Nehe’s Bush Alternatives, and Smith’s Rum Cream, reinforcing the message of choosing local and supporting Jamaica’s productive sectors.

Vendors hand-picked from across the island 

As Jamaica continues to rebuild, the strength and productivity of the cultural, creative and agricultural industries depend heavily on platforms like Suga Lifestyle’s Christmas Connection to showcase and promote local talent.

CEO of Suga Lifestyle Gabrielle Burgess emphasises, “Our vendors have been hand-picked from across the island, from St. Elizabeth and Manchester to Trelawny and beyond. Suga Lifestyle events are known for introducing fresh, innovative products and services at unbeatable prices, and this year will be no different. Exclusive discounts and specials will only be available at Christmas Connection.”

Patrons can also unwind with Relax, Restore Massage by Orville, offering rejuvenating treatments at event-only rates. Entry is J$1000 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Returning as title sponsor, Manpower & Maintenance Services Sales and Distribution Ltd will offer special cleaning product bundles priced at J$2200 and under, available exclusively at the show. The Manpower Clean Stores booth will help households and businesses prepare for the holiday season with essentials, including bleach, multipurpose cleaners, mops, gloves, and more.

This family-friendly event, hosted by Suga and Alex Hanson, promises lively entertainment, gate prizes, giveaways, and a fun-filled Kids Interactive Village by Bear Tingz Jamaica at J$500 per child. Children will also enjoy ‘Santa’ visits, along with snow cones, popcorn, and cotton candy.

The award-winning crEATe sauce will complement delicious sample offerings as a treat to patrons in addition to succulent Nations Choice ham, as it lasts. JABLUM Coffee will have an exciting cold brew by barista Ricardo Jackson, and Port of Call Duty Free, AU Trading Co., Bottega will be pouring and uplifting your spirits at the same time. This year, Yoga for Charity will take place on the Terrace, as Suga Lifestyle expands its charitable impact.

Organisations to benefit 

Beneficiaries include the Golden Age Homes in Denham Town and Rollington Town, and the Marie Atkins Night Shelter in downtown Kingston. The Kids Interactive Village will host a toy drive for the Mervis Braham Childcare Facility in St. James and the Pringles Home in St. Mary. Suga Lifestyle invites families, friends, and community members to come out, celebrate the season, and support Jamaican entrepreneurs.