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Holidays in Puerto Rico: Turn Your Parranda Mode ON

The Holidays Hit Different in Puerto Rico

From November to February, Puerto Rico celebrates one of the longest holiday seasons anywhere.

Our joy is year-round. In November, it gets a soundtrack, a menu, and a guest list, and your name is on it. This is what Boricuas wait for: months of jolgorio, our word for joyful, all-out celebration.

The pasteles, tender green banana masa wrapped in plantain leaves, are on the table. Someone’s pouring you coquito, our creamy coconut holiday drink spiced with cinnamon. A familiar aguinaldo starts on the cuatro, the Island’s ten-string guitar, and everyone’s on their feet.

From Nochebuena and Three Kings Day to the streets of SanSe and the vejigantes of Ponce Carnival, there’s always one more reason to stay a little longer.

Plan Your Holiday Trip

Find Holiday Events for Your Trip

A couple embraces inside a rustic Puerto Rican home decorated with Christmas trees, wreaths, poinsettias, and hanging plantains, with lush green mountains visible through the window.

Feel the warmth of the holidays in Puerto Rico, where festive traditions, mountain views, and meaningful moments come together.

Here, la Navidad is celebrated outdoors

The night air turns cooler and carries a special energy, and the coquí adds its own serenade between songs. 

It's easy to find a reason to stay out until the early hours, chasing a parranda, or trulla as we also call it: a holiday serenade that travels from house to house until sunrise. For the full experience, head to the mountains, where the traditions beat even stronger: cooler breezes, lechón roasting on the spit in Guavate, and recipes passed down through generations.

And don't rush home after the holidays. Three Kings Day on January 6 brings its own magic, followed by Octavitas, eight extra days of celebration. The San Sebastián Street Festival fills Old San Juan with music, art, and dancing on January 21–24, 2027. Then, Carnaval de Ponce brings the season to its grand finale in February.

The best part? 

Everyone is welcome. Boricua holidays aren't just for locals. Visitors are invited to join in, share the traditions, and head home with a little Puerto Rican joy in their skin and in their heart.  And for U.S. citizens, no passport is needed either. Come hungry. Come ready to dance. 

Crank your holidays all the way up to Puerto Rico.

Hit Play on Your Parranda Mode with this Holiday Playlist

Plan Your Holiday in Paradise

Make this season the most memorable yet with itineraries, activities to enjoy, and delicious eats to sample.

Puerto Rico Holiday GIF
BORICUA NAVIDAD STARTER PACK

Plan a holiday vacation filled with sunshine, music, and mouthwatering flavors in Puerto Rico.

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Family taking a tour in Old San Juan.
TOP HOLIDAY TOURS

Get ready to experience the holidays a lo Boricua (like a local) with these top tours!

EXPLORE TOURS
Family at a local spot having drinks.
PLACES OPEN DURING THE HOLIDAYS

There are countless ways to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s in Puerto Rico.

LEARN MORE
Food flat lay of holiday table.
Iconic Puerto Rican Recipes

Taste the Island's flavors, wherever you are in the world.

Learn More
Cover of Mi Casa, Mi Navidad
Holiday Postcards

Bring Boricua cheer to your Christmas with holiday postcards showcasing the charming illustrations from the Mi Casa, Mi Navidad book.

Download Now
Two people dancing Salsa in the middle of the streets at the Old San Juan streets.
Las Octavitas

Keep the Christmas jolgorio going! After Three Kings Day, the holiday spirit carries into January with las Octavitas.

Learn More

Enjoy the Longest Holiday Season

If there’s one thing that’s true about Boricuas, it’s that we love to come together and celebrate. And what occasion is better than las Navidades! Discover all of the amazing festivities we celebrate for 45 days of pure jolgorio (party)

November

Thanksgiving

Last Thursday of November

December

Nochebuena or Christmas Eve

December 24

Christmas Day

December 25

New Year's Eve

December 31

January

Víspera de Reyes

January 5

Three Kings’ Day

January 6

The Octavitas

The Eight Days After
January 6

Fiestas de la Calle de San Sebastián

(Third week of January, Thursday to Sunday)

February

Ponce Carnival

February 4-9

Holiday Events in Puerto Rico

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12 Boricua Holiday Traditions to Experience

Flip each card to learn what it is and how to join in.
A man wearing a straw hat sings while playing a traditional Puerto Rican güiro during a lively Christmas parranda, with festive decorations and other participants in the background.

Parrandas & Aguinaldos

What it is: A surprise holiday serenade that travels from house to house, often until sunrise. Also called an asalto navideño. 

How to join in: Bring a pandero or maracas, learn the chorus, and follow the music. 

Get Ready for a Parranda
Parrandas & Aguinaldos
Two people raise glasses of creamy Puerto Rican coquito over a rustic wooden table decorated with a red poinsettia and Christmas greenery.

Coquito

What it is: Our creamy coconut holiday drink, spiced with cinnamon and vanilla and usually spiked with rum. 

How to join in: Every family swears theirs is best. Try more than one. 

Get the Coquito Recipe
Coquito
An older woman wearing a festive Christmas headband stirs a pot on the stove in a holiday-decorated Puerto Rican kitchen, with a bowl of yellow rice in the foreground.

Boricua Holiday Food

What it is: Crackling lechón, pasteles wrapped in plantain leaves, and arroz con gandules, the anchor of every holiday plate. 

How to join in: Take the Ruta del Lechón to Guavate on a weekend, or buy pasteles by the dozen.

Taste the Holidays in Puerto Rico
Boricua Holiday Food
Inside view of the San José Church, one of the oldest in America and built in 1532.

Misas de Aguinaldo

What it is: Nine pre-dawn masses before Christmas, celebrated with live music. 

How to join in: Visitors are welcome; arrive early and stay for coffee after. 

More holiday events and festivals
Misas de Aguinaldo
Close-up of a Christmas tree decorated with red ornaments, golden leaves, and warm twinkling lights, capturing the festive atmosphere of the holiday season.

Nochebuena & Navidad

What it is: In Puerto Rico, Nochebuena is the main event, bringing families together for the biggest holiday feast, while Christmas Day keeps the celebrations going.

How to join in: Book a festive dinner or local food tour on Christmas Eve, or enjoy a holiday meal at one of the hotels and restaurants open on Christmas Day. Be sure to reserve ahead and confirm holiday hours.

Find a Holiday Dinner
Nochebuena & Navidad
Friends ring in the new year in Puerto Rico

Despedida de Año

What it is: Despedida de Año (New Year’s Eve), when Boricuas celebrate with family, music, and festive food. At midnight, some toss water outside to wash away bad luck, eat 12 grapes for good fortune, or walk around the block with a suitcase to attract travel.

How to join in: Ring in the new year with live music, a festive dinner, or a beachfront celebration. At midnight, share a toast, shout ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!, and try a local good-luck tradition.

Ring In the New Year in Puerto Rico
Despedida de Año
Three hand-carved wooden Three Kings figurines stand beside a decorated Christmas tree in a rustic Puerto Rican home, surrounded by festive greenery.

Víspera de Reyes

What it is: January 5, when children fill a shoebox with fresh grass for the Three Kings’ horses and tuck it under the bed.

How to join in: Cut some grass, fill a box, and set it out, the way local kids do.

A beloved tradition
Víspera de Reyes
Three men dressed as the Three Wise Men smile during the Fiesta de los Reyes Magos celebration in Puerto Rico.

Three Kings Day

What it is: January 6, when children receive gifts from Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar. 

How to join in: Visit a Reyes celebration, and see the carved Three Kings figures in artisan shops

Que viva la tradición
Three Kings Day
A group of men sing and play traditional Puerto Rican instruments, including güiros, panderos, and hand drums, during a lively Christmas parranda surrounded by festive decorations.

Octavitas

What it is: Eight more days of celebrations after Three Kings Day, January 7–14. 

How to join in: Look for town fiestas and parrandas still going strong. 

Keep the Celebration Going
Octavitas
Couple dancing through the streets of Old San Juan during Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, surrounded by colorful buildings and festival crowds.

SanSe

What it is: The San Sebastián Street Festival, Old San Juan's biggest street party, before Ponce Carnival closes the season in February.

How to join in: Wear comfortable shoes and arrive early; streets fill fast. 

Plan Your SanSe Weekend
SanSe
Traditional vejigante wearing a colorful horned mask and a Puerto Rican flag-inspired costume, representing the vibrant heritage of Ponce Carnival.

Ponce Carnival

What it is: Ponce's week-long celebration before Ash Wednesday, with vejigante masks, music, and the Entierro de la Sardina.

How to join in: Plan a trip to Ponce in early February and catch the parade.

Discover Ponce Carnival
Ponce Carnival
Artisan working on cuatro instrument.

Santos de Palo & Nacimientos

What it is: Santos de Palo (hand-carved wooden saints) and Nacimientos (Nativity scenes) are cherished Puerto Rican traditions that blend faith, artistry, and holiday storytelling.

How to join in: Discover the craftsmanship behind these traditions and meet the local artisans keeping Puerto Rico’s cultural heritage alive.

Meet the Tradition Keepers
Santos de Palo & Nacimientos
Two women smiling as they serve traditional Puerto Rican holiday dishes, including arroz con gandules, roast pork, and pasteles, in a Christmas-decorated kitchen.

In Puerto Rico, the holidays are served with love. From arroz con gandules and pernil to homemade pasteles, every dish brings generations together around the table.

Taste Our Navidad

What to eat during Christmas in Puerto Rico. 

Navidad here tastes like coconut and rum, sofrito and slow-roasted pork. Bring these holiday recipes home, shared by some of the Island’s beloved chefs, like Eric Jiménez, Itza and Efrén Robles, and Giovanna Huyke.

Get the Recipes

Explore our restaurants and bars

Bring Navidad Home

Artisan working on cuatro instrument.

Meet the tradition keepers

The holidays here are handmade. Meet the artisans who keep Puerto Rico's Navidad alive, and find out where to see their work.

Learn more about our local creators

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Puerto Rico celebrate the holiday season?

Holidays in Puerto Rico are a vibrant celebration of music, food, and family. Puerto Rican holiday traditions include lively parrandas, festive Nochebuena feasts, and Three Kings Day. The season also features Octavitas, New Year’s Eve rituals, and delicious dishes like lechón and pasteles, with coquito as a seasonal favorite. It’s a time for community and unforgettable traditions.

What is a traditional holiday dish in Puerto Rico?

A traditional Christmas dish in Puerto Rico is lechón asado, or spit-roasted pork. It’s often served alongside arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and pasteles, tamale-like patties made of green banana and meat. These dishes are staples at Puerto Rican holiday feasts, reflecting the island’s rich culinary traditions and festive spirit.

What is Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico?

Three Kings Day in Puerto Rico, or Día de Reyes, is a lively celebration on January 6th honoring the three wise men. It includes parades, music, and festivities. Children place grass or hay under their beds for the kings' horses, hoping for gifts.

How is Puerto Rico holidays different from the US?

Holidays in Puerto Rico are unique with traditions like parrandas (caroling), Nochebuena feasts, and Three Kings Day, which aren’t as common in the U.S. The holiday season lasts longer, often until the Carnaval de Ponce in February, with festive foods like lechón, pasteles, and coquito. The celebrations are deeply rooted in Puerto Rican culture, making holidays on the island a vibrant, extended affair.

What is the difference between Despedida de Año and Año Nuevo?

In Puerto Rican holidays, Despedida de Año refers to New Year's Eve, the night of December 31st, when people gather to celebrate the end of the old year with family, music, food, and fireworks. It's a lively occasion filled with unique New Year’s Eve rituals. Año Nuevo, on the other hand, is New Year's Day, January 1st, which is a more relaxed day for resting and spending time with family after the previous night's celebrations.

When is the San Sebastián Street Festival 2027?

The Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián take place January 21–24, 2027, in Old San Juan. 

What's the weather like in Puerto Rico in December?

Warm and pleasant. Coastal days typically reach the low to mid 80s °F, with cooler evenings in the central mountains. 

Is Puerto Rico busy during the holidays?

Yes. Late December and the SanSe weekend are peak periods, so book flights, stays and rental cars early. 

What's open on Christmas Day and Three Kings Day?

Many local businesses and government offices close or shorten hours on December 25 and January 6. Hotels, many restaurants, and attractions stay open; check hours in advance. 

It’s Navidad, ON repeat.  ·  It’s Navidad, ON repeat.  ·  It’s Navidad, ON repeat.  ·  It’s Navidad, ON repeat.  ·  It’s Navidad, ON repeat.  ·  It’s Navidad, ON repeat.  ·  It’s Navidad, ON repeat.  ·  It’s Navidad, ON repeat.  ·  It’s Navidad, ON repeat.  ·  It’s Navidad, ON repeat.  ·