Christmas in Peru is celebrated on December 24 with much fanfare.

It is celebrated
as “Nocha Buena”, a Spanish phrase which translates to “Good Night”.

During Noche Buena, religion plays a central role with the ‘misa de gallo’ (Rooster’s
Mass) beginning at 10PM in Peru which is also slightly earlier than some of the other
South American countries

Following the mass at around midnight, families return to their homes to begin with the
more traditional Christmas celebrations of having a large roast turkey dinner before
exchanging gifts. While the adults toast with champagne and the children with their
hot chocolate, fireworks can often be seen lighting up the night sky of the main towns
and cities of Peru.

The night of the 24th of December – or “la noche Buena” (the good night) – is the big
celebration, when families gather together to enjoy good food and merriment before
opening their presents together after midnight (although the children are often allowed
to open their presents early). It is a very festive occasion with lots of food, drink, music
and dancing.

In the evening, a family get-together called the Christmas for Children is held. There
is preparation of pavo (turkey) as well as apple sauce in most of the houses.The
popular choice for cake is ‘panteon’. A panteon is a cake that is stuffed with fruits in
its center. Hot chocolate drinks are also very popular during Christmas.

♦ Llamas in nativity scenes & more Peruvian Christmas decorations

Today it is now becoming more and more common to see Christmas trees in the center
of Peru’s larger city squares however; many Peruvian households opt for a more
traditional ‘retablo’ (nativity scene) instead of a Christmas tree. Particularly in Peru’s
Andean region, gifts are not changed until the Day of the Three Kings or Epiphany on
January 6th. The more popular retablos are the centerpiece to most households and
Christmas celebrations in Peru and are extremely impressive and ornate.

The people of Peru are very generous. You may be invited to their party even if you
are not well-known to that person. You do not have to be punctual as it is not
considered proper to arrive right on time.