Christmas and New Year in Peru are celebrated in a warm, meaningful way, centered on family, faith, and shared traditions. Across the country, these dates bring together religious customs, local rituals, and moments of genuine connection. In southern Peru,
Cusco stands out as one of the most special places to experience the season, where Andean heritage and Christian traditions come together against an extraordinary historic backdrop.
Christmas in Cusco: tradition, faith, and community
Christmas in Cusco feels personal and family-focused. The weeks leading up to December 24 are generally calm, and the city slowly fills with festive lights, especially around the Plaza de Armas and its historic buildings. Unlike in many other countries, the season here is not driven by heavy shopping, but by a quieter and more reflective sense of preparation.
One of the most meaningful events is Santurantikuy, a traditional fair held every December 24 in the Plaza de Armas. Artisans from across the region come to sell nativity figures, handicrafts, religious images, and Christmas decorations with a strong Andean identity. Many of these pieces reflect local life and traditions, which is why Cusco’s nativity scenes are so distinctive.
Beginning on December 23, people from nearby highland communities arrive in the city carrying colorful grasses, wood, and other natural materials gathered in the mountains. These are used by local families to decorate their nativity scenes at home.
Nativity scenes play a central role in Cusco households. On the evening of December 24, families gather and, at midnight, ceremoniously place the Baby Jesus in the nativity. Dinner typically includes panettone, hot chocolate, and other traditional dishes. It is a simple but meaningful moment, focused on togetherness rather than excess, with gifts mainly reserved for children.
Christmas in Peru is also marked by a strong sense of solidarity. In the days before the holiday, many companies and organizations visit rural Andean communities to share gifts, school supplies, panettone, and hot chocolate with local children and families, reinforcing a deep sense of community.
New Year’s Eve in Cusco: lights, sound, and shared energy
On December 31, Cusco comes alive with excitement. The Plaza de Armas becomes the center of the celebration, as locals and travelers gather to welcome the New Year together.
One of the highlights of the night is the light and sound show, which illuminates the historic buildings around the plaza and creates a festive, electric atmosphere. At midnight, fireworks, music, and hugs fill the square, marking the start of the New Year in a joyful and unforgettable way.
Welcoming the New Year in Cusco is a truly unique experience, and we strongly recommend spending this night in the city if your travels coincide with these dates. The shared energy, the historic setting, and the sense of celebration make it a standout moment of any trip.
You’ll also see popular traditions that are common throughout Peru: walking around the plaza clockwise for good luck, wearing yellow underwear, eating twelve grapes at midnight, and making small wishes for the year ahead. Restaurants, bars, and hotels host special dinners and parties that often continue well into the early hours.
Year-end celebrations across Peru
Elsewhere in the country, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with the same enthusiasm. Along the coast and in the Amazon, families gather at home or host private parties, often moving outdoors as midnight approaches. Fireworks and good-luck rituals are part of the celebration nationwide, reflecting the optimistic way Peruvians welcome the year ahead.
What is it like to travel to Peru in December?
Traveling to Peru in December is a great choice for those who want to experience local culture alongside the holiday season. It’s a time when traditions feel especially alive, and visitors can easily share in the festive atmosphere.
It’s important to note that in the days before and after, and especially on December 24 and 25, as well as December 31 and January 1, travel demand increases significantly. During this period, hotel rates and certain services can rise by up to 50%.
For this reason, we recommend booking at least three months in advance, or more,
in order to:
- Secure the best hotel options while availability is still good.
- Lock in better rates before peak-season increases.
- Obtain the best Machu Picchu circuits and time slots, which are limited and in very high demand at this time of year.
December also marks the beginning of the rainy season in the Andes, particularly in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Rain usually comes in short bursts, often in the afternoon or evening, while mornings are typically clear. In return, the landscapes turn lush and green, offering especially beautiful scenery.
More than a celebration
Spending Christmas and New Year in Cusco is about much more than festivities. It’s a chance to take part in living traditions, share meaningful moments with local communities, and begin the year surrounded by history, culture, and spirituality one of the most memorable ways to experience Peru.