Join the Celebration: Aruba Carnival Season 

People dancing during a parade during Aruba Carnival season

Escape to the Caribbean this winter with Blue Aruba Rentals and celebrate Aruba’s rich culture during Carnival Season. What began as a small street festival has evolved into a two-month celebration of Aruban culture full of parades, costumes, music, and dance. Plan your trip during January and February and join the festivities of our island’s most anticipated events. From the Jouvert Morning Pajama Party in San Nicolas to the Grand Parade in downtown Oranjestad, there are endless Carnival events to complement your winter vacation in Aruba!

Brief History of Carnival

Carnival is not a Caribbean invention; similar festivals have been celebrated throughout history, dating back to ancient Rome. Over time, Carnival evolved into a major cultural event celebrated throughout the world. Since the 1950s, Aruba has adopted this traditional festival, incorporating African and Indigenous influences.  Learn more about the history of Carnival in Aruba before your visit!

Signature Events

With two months of Carnival celebrations, there are dozens of events to add to your vacation itinerary. Check out the full 2025 schedule and read on to discover a few of the island’s top events:

  • Lighting Parade: Held in downtown Oranjestad, this is one of the most popular parades of the season, featuring thousands of tiny lights on costumes, road pieces, and floats. 
  • Children’s Parade: The largest children’s parade of Carnival, held in downtown Oranjestad.
  • Jouvert Morning Pajama Party: Late-night revelers abound in San Nicolas for the annual street party that continues through sunrise!
  • Grand Carnival Parade: The carnival season ends with a Grand Parade, starting in San Nicolas and continuing into Oranjestad.
  • Grand Carnival Parade in Oranjestad: The biggest celebration of the season, featuring music, floats, costumes, and decorations. 

Lodging for Aruba Carnival Season

Join the celebration and book your stay with Blue Aruba Rentals during the Aruba Carnival season. We offer luxury condo rentals at some of the best complexes on the island, near the Carnival celebrations in Oranjestad and Noord. From our Harbour House properties in downtown Aruba to our beachfront properties in Oceania, Blue, and Azure Beach Residences, we have lodging for everyone’s needs. Book with us today and experience the excitement of Carnival!

Explore Aruba’s Capital | Things to Do in Oranjestad

Aerial view of Aruba's capital city: things to do in Oranjestad

Stay in the heart of Aruba’s capital city with Blue Aruba Rentals and experience our island’s rich culture just steps from Harbour House. Stay in our properties overlooking the beautiful Oranjestad Marina and discover fantastic shopping, dining, and museums nearby. Whether you want to learn local history at a museum or find the perfect souvenir at the shopping malls, there are endless things to do in Oranjestad Aruba. Discover everything downtown has to offer and experience the perfect blend of island relaxation and urban living.

Shopping

Oranjestad is the shopping hub of the island, offering something for everyone:

  • Shop from your favorite fashion brands and designers at Renaissance Mall 
  • Visit the Royal Plaza Mall, one of downtown’s most colorful landmarks, and shop from luxury stores, souvenir shops, and jewelers.
  • Enjoy boutique shopping at Renaissance Marketplace, where you can find apparel, eyewear, jewelry, beauty products, and souvenirs. 
  • Hop on the free trolley that travels along Main Street and enjoy panoramic views of downtown. Stop along the way for some fantastic souvenir shopping!

Museums

Learn all about the fascinating history of Aruba at our local museums. Start your journey at Fort Zoutman, the oldest building in Oranjestad, housing the island’s Historical Museum. Learn about the Spanish and Dutch periods through historical documents and the historic Willem III Tower next to the fort. Plan your visit on Tuesday and attend the Bon Bini Festival for a night of folkloric music, dance, local art, and food. 

Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba and learn about over 3,500 years of Aruban culture and history. Walk through the interactive exhibitions and discover the island’s archaeological history!

Dining

Discover many dining options downtown, including Lima Bistro and Ever Restaurant at Harbour House. Stop at Lima for delicious Peruvian cuisine overlooking the marina, and visit Ever Restaurant for an eight-course fine dining experience. And if you are craving something else, there are dozens more downtown restaurants to check out nearby:

Book Your Stay at Harbour House in Downtown Oranjestad 

Book your Aruba getaway at Harbour House and stay close to all the fantastic things to do in Oranjestad. Walk down the road and watch boats come in at the cruise terminal, or walk down for some excellent shopping at the Aruba flea market. Return to Harbour House and take advantage of our on-site amenities like 24-hour security, an elevated pool area, a fitness center, a hot tub, and concierge services. Find the perfect Oranjestad vacation rental with Blue Aruba today!

Where to Witness a Dazzling Aruba Sunset on Vacation

View of Aruba sunset over the beach

After a day of island adventures, we invite you to watch a breathtaking Aruba sunset. As the leading vacation rental company on the island, Blue Aruba Rentals is here to give you insight into the island’s best sunset spots. Witness the sun dip below the horizon from your Eagle Beach condo rental, the California Lighthouse, on a luxurious sail, or from a beachfront restaurant. Check the sunset time during your visit and read on to uncover the best vantage points on the island:

Aruba Sunset Cruises

Witness the Aruba sunset from the water with one of these boat cruises or sailing experiences:

  • Sign up for a Sunset Cruise with Pelican Adventures and sail along Aruba on a luxurious custom-built catamaran. All trips include an unlimited open bar, tropical cocktails, snacks, and music. Pair your cruise with a three-course dinner at Pelican Nest Seafood Grill. 
  • If you visit with kids, Jolly Pirates Sailing offers the perfect outing for the entire family. Reserve the Sunset Pirate Ship Sail Cruise and enjoy scenic sunset views and fun pirate-themed activities. 
  • Discover the ultimate romantic evening on the water with Octopus Catamaran Happy Hour Sunset Sail. Kick back in the luxury lounge seats and enjoy a scenic sunset sail in the Palm Beach area. 

California Lighthouse

California Lighthouse is one of the top places to watch an Aruba sunset, offering 360-degree views of the island. Climb to the top of the lighthouse at sunset and witness the sun descend into the Caribbean Sea, backdropped by beaches and coral shorelines. 

Watch the Sunset from an Aruba Restaurant

Aruba’s beachfront restaurants offer the perfect setting to unwind and watch the sunset. Book your reservation around sunset time and enjoy a delicious meal as you watch the sky transform into a canvas of gold, orange, and pink. Just imagine watching the sunset from one of these beachfront eateries while sipping on tropical cocktails, feasting on fresh seafood, and feeling the sea breeze in your hair:

Watch an Aruba Sunset from Your Condo Rental

Book your getaway with Blue Aruba Rentals and witness Aruba sunsets from your condo rental at Blue Residences, Azure Beach Residences, and Oceania Residences. These condos are steps away from Eagle Beach so that you can watch the sunset from the sand or your balcony overlooking the beach. We also offer Harbour House properties overlooking the Oranjestad Marina with a fantastic sundeck offering 360-degree views. Book your Aruba condo rental with us today!

Attend the Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba

People attending a nighttime concert at Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba

Are you looking for lodging near the Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba? Look no further than Blue Aruba Rentals and our Harbour House properties in downtown Aruba! Stay close to the action and easily access the music concerts at Harbor Arena, just a five-minute drive down the road. Soak up the sun during SBMF and experience a weekend full of star-studded concerts, comedy shows, and beach parties. Book your Aruba condo rental today and read on to learn more about what to expect at this year’s festival:

Schedule of Events

The Soul Beach Music Festival is held in Aruba annually over Memorial Day weekend. The 2024 festival kicks off on Wednesday, May 22nd, and ends on Monday, May 27th. You can find the schedule of events on the official website of SBMF, but here is a preview of what to expect:

  • Concerts are hosted at the outdoor Harbor Arena off LG Smith Road. The 2024 headliners are Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men!
  • The Comedy Concert will be hosted at Renaissance Wind Creek Festival Plaza, just a five-minute walk from Harbour House. The 2024 headliner is Earthquake!
  • Nightclub Parties are hosted at various venues throughout the island, featuring guest DJs.
  • Beach Parties are hosted at Moomba Beach in the Palm Beach area, except for the Sunday party at Baby Beach. 

Read the FAQ page for more information about getting to the island, ground transportation, and ticket information. Purchase your tickets for the music festival today!

Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival Lodging

Reserve lodging for the Soul Beach Music Festival at Harbour House with Blue Aruba Rentals today! Harbour House condos are located downtown and overlook the beautiful Oranjestad Marina. Our rentals range from studio to three-bedroom condos to accommodate groups of all sizes visiting for the festival. No matter where you stay, you can enjoy access to resort amenities, such as:

  • Infinity pool overlooking the Oranjestad Marina
  • Fitness center featuring the latest gym equipment
  • Exclusive sundeck with hot tub
  • Award-winning restaurants on-site: Lima Bistro & Ever Restaurant
  • 24-hour security service
  • High-speed internet access

Reserve your room at Harbour House today, and we’ll see you during the Soul Beach Music Festival!

5 Aruba Restaurants on the Beach to Try on Vacation

Tables set up at Aruba restaurants on the beach at sunset

Blue Aruba Rentals is proud to offer premium beachfront properties on the beautiful island of Aruba! Book your vacation rental in Eagle Beach with us and enjoy on-site dining at Po-KĂ© Ono and Infini by Urvin Crose. Or stay in Oranjestad and enjoy exceptional dining at Lima Bistro and Ever Restaurant steps from your condo rental. Discover even more dining options at our Aruba restaurants on the beach and enjoy waterfront views, fresh seafood, tasty cocktails, and live entertainment. 

Whether you are looking for a casual eatery where you can watch the sunset or an elevated date night spot for you and your loved one, there is a destination for everyone: 

1. MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy fantastic food, drinks, music, and views at MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant, between the Marriott and the Holiday Inn. Sit in the restaurant’s outdoor seating area and enjoy ocean views as you dine on fresh seafood or pinchos. After your meal, head to the beachfront bar for tasty cocktails and live entertainment!

2. Passions On The Beach

Visit Passions On The Beach for a romantic torchlight dinner on Eagle Beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Indulge in some of the island’s highest-quality meat and seafood, including grouper, mahi mahi, red snapper, and filet mignon. They also offer a beach bar for breakfast, lunch, or late-night cocktails!

3. Barefoot Restaurant

Barefoot Restaurant is located in Oranjestad, approximately 20 minutes from our resort area. They are known for offering “elegant dining in flip flops,” combining fine dining with a relaxed beach setting. They offer delicious fish, meat, and vegetarian entrees to appeal to everyone’s taste buds. Pair your meal with an exquisite cocktail or glass of wine!

4. Atardi

If you are looking for Aruba restaurants on the beach for your date night, we recommend Atardi. Enjoy a private beachfront dining experience complemented by romantic sunset views and carefully prepared culinary delights. Their dinner menu highlights the Chilean Sea Bass, but they offer entrees like creole red snapper and Caribbean lobster tail. Elements is another fantastic date-night restaurant!

5. Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant

If you are looking for a casual beachfront eatery, we recommend Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant. Stop in for their daily happy hour, take in water views, and enjoy tasty seafood like grouper, corvina, octopus, seabass, and more!

Book Your Aruba Beachfront Vacation Rental

Many of these Aruba restaurants on the beach are just a short drive away from our Aruba vacation rentals in Eagle Beach. Browse our collection of Aruba condo rentals near the beach in Blue Residences, Azure Beach Residences, and Oceania Residences. Discover even more condo rentals at Harbour House overlooking the beautiful Oranjestad Marina. Enjoy amenities like beach access, pools, fitness rooms, tennis courts, and on-site dining. Book your Caribbean getaway in Aruba today!