It’s November already, and that means the official start of the holiday season in Puerto Rico. Holiday lights and Christmas trees go up early here. Look for many towns having their official town “Lighting of Holiday Decorations” celebrations, usually featuring Christmas lights, fireworks, traditional music, food, artisans, and more. Those nights are fun for the whole family.

The other big thing to look forward to is the food … there will be a number of food festivals, large and small, featuring all sorts of Puerto Rican fare. And, of course Guavate is in full swing for Thanksgiving and the weekends. Music festivals and concerts, winter baseball season, and big sporting events. All this fun makes it difficult to find time to relax or get my holiday shopping done!

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 November 2023.

Town Fiestas

Local celebrations, typically held in town plazas across the island, include music, food, and other entertainment. Some towns that have announced dates …

• November 1 to 6: Aguadilla Las Fiestas Patronales (Facebook)
• November 16 to 19: San Lorenzo Fiestas Pal’ Pueblo Samaritano. (Facebook)
• November 16 to 19: Villalba Festival Del Ñame Y La Carne Frita (Facebook )

Lighting of Christmas Decorations

Local celebrations, typically held in town plazas across the island, usually starting at 6pm or 7pm, include traditional Christmas music, food, and other entertainment. Some towns that have announced dates …

• November 10 to 12: Catano (Facebook)
• November 17: Lajas (Facebook)
• November 17 Guanica (Facebook)
• November 17 to 19: Aguas Buenas (Facebook)
• November 18: Manati (Facebook)
• November 24: Caguas (Facebook)

November 3 to mid-January: Winter Baseball League

Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente starts their season on November 3. There will be 40 games per team played during the season, then the playoffs, and round robins. Lots of fun! See their itinerary page for more info.

November 11: Free Admission to Forts

For Veterans’ Day, the National Park Service is offering free admission to the San Juan National Historic Site in Old San Juan (that’s El Morro and Fort San Cristobal).

November 17 to 19: 53rd Festival Nacional Indígena Jayuya

The Indigenous Festival in Jayuya is a great celebration with music, food, artisan and dancing. Also education about the indigenous peoples that called Puerto Rico “Boriken”. See their Facebook page for more information.

Other Events

This is just a small subset of activities occurring this month. As always, be sure to check our events calendar, Facebook page, or Twitter feed 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 →