CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
Christmas and New Year in Peru. What You Need to Know
The holiday season in Peru is full of warmth, fireworks, and tradition. From Christmas Eve dinners in the Andes to wild New Year’s parties on the beach, Peru celebrates the season with its own unique blend of culture, faith, and fun. Whether you’re in Cusco, Lima, or a small town, here’s what you can expect.
Christmas in Peru
Peruvians celebrate Christmas on December 24th, known as “Nochebuena” (Good Night). Families gather for a late-night feast, attend Midnight Mass, and exchange gifts at midnight, followed by fireworks that light up the sky across the country.
December 25th (Christmas Day) is usually a relaxed family day, a time to rest, eat leftovers, and visit relatives.
What’s Open and What’s Closed
Shops & Markets
December 24th: Open during the day but close early (around 6–7 PM).
December 25th: Most shops and markets are closed. Large supermarkets and malls may open in the afternoon in big cities.
Restaurants & Cafés
Many close on Christmas Eve night so staff can celebrate.
Hotels and tourist restaurants usually offer special Christmas dinners (book early).
On Christmas Day, many restaurants reopen by lunch or dinner, especially in tourist areas like Cusco, Lima, and Arequipa.
Tours & Attractions
Most attractions remain open, including Machu Picchu, though with limited services.
Transport (buses, flights, trains) runs but on lighter schedules, reserve ahead.
Christmas Traditions and Food
Expect a mix of local and European traditions:
Roast turkey or pork for dinner
Panetón (fruit bread) and hot chocolate
Tamales and arroz árabe (rice with raisins and nuts)
Towns decorate nativity scenes (“nacimientos”) instead of just Christmas trees
In Cusco, don’t miss the Santurantikuy Market on December 24th, the biggest Christmas fair in the Andes, filled with handmade gifts and festive foods.
New Year’s Eve in Peru
New Year’s Eve (known as Año Nuevo) in Peru is one of the most exciting nights of the year! The celebrations are loud, colorful, and full of superstition.
Traditions & Customs
Yellow for luck: People wear yellow clothes or underwear for good fortune.
12 grapes: At midnight, everyone eats 12 grapes — one for each month of the new year, making a wish with each one.
Suitcase ritual: Some Peruvians run around the block with an empty suitcase, hoping for a year full of travel.
Burning dolls (“Año Viejo”): Old clothes stuffed to make a life-size doll are burned at midnight to symbolize leaving the past behind.
Fireworks: Huge displays fill the sky, especially in Lima and Cusco.
Where to Celebrate
Lima: Beach parties, rooftop dinners, and fireworks along the Costa Verde.
Cusco: Locals and tourists gather in the Plaza de Armas for dancing, fireworks, and live music; it’s unforgettable.
Arequipa & the Coast: Expect outdoor parties and celebrations that last well into the morning.
What’s Open Around New Year
December 31st: Shops and restaurants open until early evening. Most close by 8 PM as celebrations begin.
January 1st: A national holiday. Many places close for the day, though some tourist restaurants and large malls open in the afternoon.
Transport runs on limited schedules, book in advance.
Travel Tips for the Holiday Season
Book early: Hotels, flights, and Machu Picchu tickets sell out fast for late December.
Reserve dinners in advance: Especially for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Carry cash: Some ATMs close or run out on holidays.
Expect fireworks: Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper!
Dress for the weather: December is summer on the coast and rainy season in the Andes.
FInal Thoughts
Christmas and New Year in Peru are magical times, full of energy, family spirit, and tradition. From panetón and hot chocolate to grapes and fireworks, every moment is celebrated with joy.
Whether you’re watching fireworks over Cusco’s Plaza de Armas or dancing barefoot on the beaches of Lima, the Peruvian holiday season is something you’ll never forget.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Feliz Navidad y Feliz Año Nuevo
