December in Puerto Rico is a lively time, with a generally festive atmosphere. Holiday lights are everywhere, and everyone is getting in gear for Christmas and New Years.

Food is a huge part of the local holiday celebration, so make sure to try some traditional holiday dishes like lechon, morcillas, pasteles, tembleque, and coquito, among other favorites. Don’t forget about the music and dance … we can’t have a holiday without them! Shopping is always in season, with many handmade local artisans selling interesting and unusual crafts.

If you just want to chill out, relax, and not think about the holidays, our weather is great this time of year. You can beach all day, every day! Puerto Rico truly has something for everyone!

While there is always something fun happening somewhere in Puerto Rico, there are a few special events each month that deserve a mention. Here are some highlights for December 2024.

throughout December: Lighting of Holiday Decorations

Most towns decorate their town plaza and town hall for the holidays, some go all out, it is really something to see. The town “lighting” celebrations usually include music, dancing, food kiosks, and other entertainment. This year, many towns started early! But there are a few celebrations left so you can go to the town plazas and get into the holiday spirit! Check our event calendar for the dates for various town celebrations across the island.

• Dec 1: Toa Alta starting at 1pm in the Plaza (Facebook)
• Dec 5 to 8: Quebradillas starting at 6pm in the Plaza (Facebook)
• Dec 6: Patillas starting at 6pm in the Plaza (Facebook)
• Dec 6 to 8: Fajardo starting at 6pm in the Plaza (Facebook)
• Dec 7: Aibonito starting at 6pm in the Plaza (Facebook)
• Dec 8: Rio Grande starting at 5pm in the plaza (Facebook)

November 29 to January 6: La Feria – The Park in San Juan

The traditional Christmas Amusement Park is back! With rides and shows and Christmas lights and magic. Fun for the whole family. At the parking lot of Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan. More info on their Facebook page. Tickets are available online or at the door.

December 5: Saborea Winter Party in Condado

This gastronomic event is always a winner. Tasting delicious food and beverages from some of the best. Also music and other events (like cooking classes), all in a festive room. At the Hotel Hilton Garden Inn in Condado. Tickets at PRTicket.com Facebook page.

December 7: 2nd Festival de El Portal in EL Yunque

Free admission plus talks and activities for the whole family. From 9:30am-3:30pm. Also there will be artisans selling at the Christmas Bazaar. More info on their Facebook page.

December 7 to 8: La Feria Bacardí En Cataño 2024

La Bacardi Feria returns! Loads of artisans, food, drinks (especially Bacardi!) and music … but now at the waterfront in Cataño! Free admission. 10am to 11pm. More info on their Facebook page.

December 8: Fiesta Jibara , Barrio Charcas in Quebradillas

A festival celebrating the old ways. People dressed as Jibaros, doing things “the old ways”. A real Puerto Rican Christmas celebration – the way things used to be. Food, music, games. Starting at 5am. Info at Facebook page.

December 14 : Christmas Boat Parade in Old San Juan

Every year, this boat parade lights up the San Juan Bay. Boat owners go all out and decorate their boats with lights for this floating parade. Find a spot along the water front in Piers 1 – 4 de Viejo San Juan, the Bahía Urbana, Panamerican Pier, Cataño Waterfront and enjoy the lights and the music of the holiday season. From 6pm to 8pm. More info can be found on their Facebook page.

There will also be boat parades in Patillas on December 21 at Balneario Villa Pesquera, and Playa Combate (in Cabo Rojo) on December 7.

December 18 to January 6: NaviTown in Old San Juan

The Parque del Tercer Milenio en el Escambrón is transformed into a seasonal fantasy park with music, decorations, lights, and fun that children of all ages will enjoy. With more than 20 amusement rides, go-karts, a parade, the workshop of Santa and over 50000 Christmas lights! Entrance tickets area required and available at Ticketera. Open 7 evenings a week, even on holidays. More info on the NaviTown Facebook page.

December 20 to 25: Gran Mercado Navideño in OSJ

This Christmas Market is an event inspired by the beautiful markets of Europe. You will be able to enjoy this concept that combines themed kiosks, a wide gastronomic variety, Christmas prints, and live music, all set at Christmas time. The emblematic Luis Muñoz Rivera Park is transformed to bring you a unique and memorable family experience. Open Dec 20 from 3pm to 11pm, And the 21-25 from 11am to 11pm. More info can be found on their Facebook page.

December 28: Hatillo Masks Festival

The Hatillo Masks Festival remembers the Holy Innocents. But really, it is a big, loud parade (float/truck competition), with people in colorful vejigante costumes, on noisy, colorful floats, and on foot and on horseback. Expect TONS of people, food kiosks, music, and lots of traffic. Super fun and unique! More info on their Facebook page.

December 31: New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Hotels and resorts across the island have New Year’s Eve parties (buffet or sit-down meal, open bar, live music, toast at midnight), typically with advance reservations required. Many of the resorts shoot off fireworks at midnight. See our event calendar where we’re listing New Year’s Eve celebrations as we find out about them. Happy New Year!

Other Events

This is just a small subset of activities occurring this month. As always, be sure to check our events calendar, Facebook page for other events happening this month and throughout the year all across the island.

PuertoRicoDayTrips.com assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid … then don't do it! Read more about Safety →