In Peru, Christmas Eve is known as Noche Buena, which means “Good Night.” The majority of Christmas celebrations take place on Christmas Eve and continue into the early hours of Christmas Day, making it the most important night of the festive season.
Throughout December, social gatherings called chocolatadas are held, where people come together to drink hot chocolate and enjoy each other’s company. Churches and community organizations also host chocolatadas for underprivileged families, offering them free hot chocolate, panetón (a traditional sweet bread), and donated gifts, ensuring that everyone can participate in the holiday festivities.
Each Christmas Eve, in the main square of Cusco, the annual Santuranticuy, which means "the selling of saints," takes place. This temporary market brings together artisans from across the country to sell handcrafted nativity figures, saints, religious icons, and other handmade crafts. Visitors can find statuettes of the baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Magi, and other significant figures from Catholic theology, offering a unique blend of artistry and faith.
Peru is a predominantly Roman Catholic country, and Christmas Eve is marked by a special midnight mass service called Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster). While other countries hold their mass at midnight, Peruvian churches begin around 10 PM, with the service concluding at midnight. After mass, families return home to continue their Christmas celebrations.
Although some Peruvians decorate plastic Christmas trees, the centerpiece of the home during the Christmas season is the nativity scene. These nativity displays, or nacimientos, can be so large that they occupy entire rooms, with intricate decorations, lights, stars, and figurines of the Holy Family. In some homes, llamas and alpacas are featured alongside traditional biblical figures. The nativity scene is set up early in December, but the baby Jesus is only placed in the manger at midnight on Christmas Eve by the youngest member of the family, symbolizing the birth of Christ.
Retablos are three-dimensional scenes carved from wood, stone, or pottery and painted to depict religious or pastoral scenes. These are typically enclosed in rectangular boxes with two doors that open to reveal the scene inside. During the Christmas season, retablos featuring nativity scenes are especially popular in Peruvian homes.
Once the nativity scene is completed, families celebrate with a grand feast. The main dish often includes roast turkey or lechón (roast suckling pig), although variations exist depending on the region—coastal communities prefer fish, the Andean highlands favor different meats, and jungle regions might serve wild chicken. These dishes are usually served with tamales and applesauce. For dessert, the popular panetón, an Italian-style sweet bread filled with raisins and candied fruits, is eaten along with homemade hot chocolate spiced with dark chocolate and cinnamon. The night is capped off with champagne and fireworks that light up the skies across Peru, marking the festive joy of the season.
On December 25th, while most people rest, some regions celebrate Takanakuy, which literally means “to hit each other.” This annual event is a tradition where people gather to settle disputes and demonstrate their toughness in ceremonial fights. Participants dress as one of five characters symbolizing Andean cultural figures, making Takanakuy a uniquely Peruvian blend of conflict resolution and festive celebration.
In some parts of the Andean region, gift-giving continues into January 6th during Epiphany, or Adoración de Reyes Magos (Adoration of the Magi Kings), which commemorates the journey of the Magi to visit the baby Jesus. Families may exchange gifts and continue their celebrations, keeping the Christmas spirit alive well into the new year.
Christmas in Peru is marked by delicious traditional foods that bring family and friends together. These recipes are enjoyed during Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) and Christmas Day celebrations. Here are a few authentic Peruvian holiday dishes:
Lechón al Horno is a traditional dish served during Peruvian Christmas celebrations. The tender and flavorful roast suckling pig is the centerpiece of many family feasts, particularly in the highlands.
Tamales Navideños are a must-have on the Christmas table in Peru. These tamales are filled with seasoned meats, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed to perfection.
Panetón is a Peruvian take on the Italian panettone, a sweet bread filled with dried fruits and enjoyed with hot chocolate during Christmas.
Peruvians love to pair their Panetón with a cup of rich Chocolate Caliente during Christmas. It is typically made with dark chocolate and spiced with cinnamon.
These traditional Peruvian holiday recipes bring the warmth and flavor of the season to the table, making Christmas celebrations extra special with their rich tastes and festive spirit.