What’s Happening? December 2025
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 and Three Kings Day.
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 2025.
Throughout December: Lighting of Holiday Decorations
Most towns decorate their town plaza and town hall for the holidays. Some go all out with loads of lights and decorations… 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. Be sure to go to the town plazas and get into the holiday spirit! Here are some of the events, but check our Facebook Page for the dates for various town celebrations across the island.
- Dec 5: Jayuya starting at 6pm in the Plaza (Facebook)
- Dec 5: Culebra starting at 7pm in the Plaza (Facebook)
- Dec 5: Patillas starting at 6pm in the Plaza (Facebook)
- Dec 5 : Salinas starting at 6pm in the Plaza (Facebook)
- Dec 5 to 7: Quebradillas starting at 7pm in the Plaza (Facebook)
- Dec 5 to 7: Fajardo starting at 6pm in the Plaza (Facebook)
- Dec 7: Rio Grande starting at 3pm in the plaza (Facebook)
- Dec 7: Toa Alta starting at 4pm 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 1 to 31: Festival of Lights at Parque de las Ciencias in Bayamon
Enjoy thousands of lights at an exhibition of Chinese Lanterns/designs. This exhibition will feature Christmas scenes from around the world. Open daily except for the first 2 Mondays Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Get tickets online or at the door. See their web page for more information.
December 6 to 7: La Feria Bacardí En Cataño 2025
La Bacardi Feria returns! Loads of artisans, food, drinks (especially Bacardi!) and music … but now at the waterfront in Cataño! Free admission. 12n to 11pm. More info on their Facebook page.
December 13 : 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 Salinas, on Dec 6 at 6pm, in Naguabo at Tropical Beach on Dec. 13th at 6pm, in Vieques, in Esperanza on Dec 21, 6pm, Patillas on December 21 at Balneario Villa Pesquera, and at Bahia Boqueron and Playa Combate (both in Cabo Rojo) on December 6.
December 14: Fiesta Jibara del 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 on their 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 daily Dec 20, 21, 22, 23 and 25 from 11am to 10pm, And the 24th from 11am to 7pm. 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 (and local home celebrations) shoot off fireworks at midnight. We always had a hilltop view of the coat to get a view of the action. Happy New Year!
Other Events
This is just a small subset of activities occurring this month. As always, be sure to check our Facebook page for other events happening this month and throughout the year all across the island.
Puerto Rico Day Trips LLC 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!
