I don't mean to be posting this much, but i have a lot of questions and you folks seem helpful.

Will most of the restaurants/shops be closed both chrismas and boxing day? I am wondering if I should plan to cook a christmas dinner or if i could make resservations some place. It is just me and my husband.

another question I had was regarding food shopping in general... are the prices higher/lower/same as the US? are there something I should just bring with? are there any products that will have a different quality/consistancy that we are used to in the states (ie milk/dairy, meat, juice?)

Thanks for all your help!!!!!

Can't help with restaurants and Christmas, but there are several US type supermarkets on the island. Prices are just a little higher than US. Not much. You can get just about anything. Turkey? I don't know LOL

there is always something open on St. Maarten.
many restaurnats will be open on Christmas Day although some will be closed.
Most will be open on Boxing Day.

should I try to make resservations some place or is this a time to just have a quiet night with my husband. Also how long does it take to drive from the dutch side to the french side... is there safe parking near the restaurants?

There is safe parking everywhere. Just park where there are other cars. In Grand Case, where a lot of the restaurants are, there are parking lots, and also parking on the streets. How long it takes to drive from the Dutch side to the French side depends on where you are and where you want to go, as well as what time of day. It can be 5 minutes or a half hour or so. Either way, you're on vacation, so who cares?! Enjoy your drive.

Buccaneer Beach Bar IS open Christmas Day Noon until the sun sets!

Just Another Ho Hum Day On D Planet

well i guess we can always drink a toast to the birth of Jesus. I guess the holidays in the islands will be a bit different than the snowy midwest.

I too will be there with my husband. He just bought a time share at nettle Bay Beach club. Hope there is a good party. Buccaneer sounds like the best bet and close. I probable will have lots of libations for friendly people. See you there.
JOIE

How about thanksgiveing? Do they celebrate it donw ther too? I know that it is a US thing...but maybe they have it too.

Some people on the island have begun to celebrate Thanksgiving.
THe islanders love to eat so Thanksgiivng can be a great day for them.
Of course,it is a regular working day here.

Most of the restaurants have Thanksgiving day specials.

Barbara - are turkeys readily available in the shops?

yes. the supermarkets bring in a lot of turkeys at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Butterball!!

Just Another Ho Hum Day On D Planet