Best Places to Visit in Peru for Christmas Cheer

As December rolls in, Peru transforms into a festive wonderland, with its cities and towns adorned in holiday lights, nativity scenes, and Christmas markets. Expats and digital nomads looking to immerse themselves in the local holiday spirit will find a variety of destinations across the country that offer unique and vibrant celebrations. From traditional Andean festivities to coastal Christmas cheer, here are some of the best places to visit in Peru during the holiday season.

Lima's Miraflores District

The Miraflores District in Lima becomes a hub of holiday activity in December. Parque Kennedy, the heart of Miraflores, is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and a large Christmas tree. The district hosts a variety of events, including Christmas markets where you can find artisanal gifts, decorations, and traditional Peruvian holiday treats. The festive atmosphere is palpable, with carolers and street performers adding to the cheer.

We Recommend: Don't miss the chance to try the Peruvian hot chocolate, which is often sold at the markets. It's a rich and creamy treat that's perfect for the holiday season.

Cusco's Plaza de Armas

Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, offers a magical Christmas experience. The Plaza de Armas becomes a spectacle of lights and colors, with a giant Christmas tree and a traditional Santuranticuy market held on December 24th. This market is one of the largest and most important holiday markets in Peru, where artisans from all over the Andes come to sell their handcrafted nativity scenes, ornaments, and gifts. The blend of indigenous and Catholic traditions makes for a unique holiday celebration.

We Recommend: Be sure to explore the Santuranticuy market and look for the intricate retablos, which are traditional Andean portable shrines that make for a unique and meaningful souvenir.

Arequipa's Yanahuara District

Arequipa, known as the 'White City' for its stunning architecture using sillar, a white volcanic stone, is another great spot for holiday festivities. The Yanahuara District, with its picturesque plaza and viewpoint, offers a quaint and intimate Christmas vibe. The area is adorned with festive decorations, and local choirs perform traditional villancicos (Christmas carols) in the evenings. The Christmas market in the district is a great place to find local crafts and sample regional holiday foods.

We Recommend: Try the traditional buñuelos, a type of fried dough often served with a sweet syrup, available at the Christmas market.

Trujillo's Historic Center

Trujillo's historic center is known for its colonial charm and vibrant cultural scene. During December, the city celebrates with the "Festival de la Luz y del Sonido," which includes a series of light shows and music performances. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is beautifully lit, and the surrounding streets are filled with holiday markets selling everything from seasonal foods to handcrafted gifts. The festive atmosphere is complemented by the Marinera dance performances, a traditional Peruvian dance that is especially popular during the holidays.

We Recommend: Enjoy the spectacle of the Marinera dancers in traditional costumes, and don't forget to taste the panettone, a sweet bread that's a holiday staple in Peru.

Tarapoto's Central Market

Tarapoto, located in the San Martín region of the Peruvian Amazon, offers a tropical Christmas experience. The Central Market in Tarapoto is a lively place to visit during the holidays, with vendors selling exotic fruits, regional delicacies, and unique Amazonian handicrafts. The warm weather and lush surroundings provide a different take on the holiday season, with Christmas lights twinkling in the palm trees and a laid-back festive spirit.

We Recommend: Sample the regional specialty of juanes, a rice dish wrapped in bijao leaves, which is often enjoyed during the holiday season.

Puno's Main Square

Puno, situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, is known for its rich folklore and cultural traditions. The main square in Puno is transformed into a festive space with elaborate nativity scenes and a Christmas fair where you can find local crafts and textiles. The city also hosts cultural events and parades featuring traditional dances and music, reflecting the diverse heritage of the region.

We Recommend: Look for the hand-knitted Christmas ornaments made from alpaca wool, which make for a cozy and authentic Peruvian gift.

Huaraz's Plaza de Armas

Huaraz, the gateway to the stunning Cordillera Blanca mountain range, offers a picturesque setting for Christmas celebrations. The Plaza de Armas in Huaraz is beautifully decorated with lights and a large nativity scene. The holiday market here is a great place to find Andean crafts, warm clothing, and traditional sweets. The crisp mountain air and the possibility of a white Christmas in the higher altitudes add to the charm of the season.

We Recommend: Don't miss the chance to warm up with a glass of ponche, a traditional Peruvian punch made with fruits and spices, commonly enjoyed during the holiday festivities.

Iquitos's Boulevard

Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon, offers a vibrant Christmas atmosphere along its famous riverside boulevard. The boulevard is lined with festive decorations and street vendors selling holiday treats and crafts. The warm climate and the proximity to the Amazon River make for a unique holiday experience, with the sounds of the jungle providing a natural backdrop to the celebrations.

We Recommend: Try the regional delicacy of tacacho, a dish made from mashed plantains and pork, which is a festive favorite in Iquitos.

Peru's diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry provide a unique backdrop for Christmas celebrations. Whether you're in the highlands, the coast, or the jungle, the holiday spirit is alive and well, offering expats and digital nomads a chance to create unforgettable memories during the festive season.