Christmas in Argentina 2024

Although Christmas falls right in the middle of Argentinian summer, it still remains a beloved celebration among the locals and a unique experience for tourists. The event is marked by family gatherings, fireworks, traditional dinners, and tons of merriment.

Christmas Season in Argentina

Christmas celebrations in Argentina start at the beginning of December. Locals decorate a Christmas tree and hang up lights on December 8th (on the Fiesta de la Virgen), and from this day, holiday activities begin, culminating on Christmas Eve. While warm, sunny weather in Argentina doesn't exactly match the traditional festive mood, it adds to the charm of the country's Christmastime.

Holiday Dinner & Other Traditions in Argentina

Instead of parties, Argentines prefer modest home celebrations and attending church masses. Christmas in Argentina and Buenos Aires, in particular, is a family holiday. Usually, all family members meet at 10 pm on Christmas Eve to have Nochebuenа or Holy Supper. Family members come together to enjoy traditional holiday dishes like roasted turkey, asado, and vitel toné, which consists of slices of veal and a creamy sauce made from tuna, anchovies, mayonnaise, capers, and lemon juice. The dish is traditionally served cold.

The Christmas table traditionally includes ensalada de lechuga y tomate (salade) and Argentine asado (marinated turkey). One of the most popular Christmas desserts in Argentina is called torta negra galesa—a fruitcake with fruit, nuts, and whiskey.

At 12 am, people solemnly raise glasses of champagne called fizzy or cider, and set off firecrackers or sparklers. Fireworks can be seen and heard everywhere. Launching fire paper balls, called globos, into the sky is a purely Argentine Christmas tradition, making winter one of the best times to visit Argentina.

Where to Celebrate Christmas in Buenos Aires

If you'd like to go out and enjoy the city views during the Christmas season, consider visiting some of the popular spots throughout Buenos Aires. Plaza de Mayo draws in thousands of people every year to its giant Christmas tree, while Puerto Madero docks serve as a great spot to witness the fireworks above the city's skyline.