Christmas Holidays in Cusco 2024, Machu Picchu and Cusco

During December, Cusco transforms into a festive wonderland, combining local Andean customs with familiar Western holiday elements. From traditional markets and vibrant nativity displays to community gatherings and unique Peruvian Christmas dishes, the holiday season in Cusco offers a distinctive experience. Here’s a look at what visitors can expect when celebrating Christmas in this historic city.

Festive Activities and Traditions

Cusco’s main square, the Plaza de Armas, becomes a focal point of holiday cheer, adorned with elaborate nativity scenes, decorative lights, and festive animals. These displays begin appearing around December 10 and stay up through Christmas, inviting locals and visitors alike to stroll through the square and soak up the holiday spirit.

Santuranticuy Market

A central tradition in Cusco is the "Santuranticuy" market, held on Christmas Eve. Translating to "market for buying saints," this large gathering draws artisans from all over Peru to sell handmade nativity figures, crafted from wood, pottery, and stone. Vendors also offer traditional decorations like mosses and plants used to adorn nativity cribs, or nacimientos, as well as colorful, hand-painted candles. This market provides a lively opportunity to see the variety of local crafts and celebrate with the community.

Chocolatadas

Another cherished tradition in Cusco is the “chocolatadas.” These events, often organized by local groups or charities, provide hot chocolate, sweet bread known as paneton, and small gifts to children and families from nearby Andean villages. Chocolatadas embody the spirit of giving, with community members gathering to share warmth and holiday cheer with those less fortunate.

Christmas Eve Celebrations and Midnight Mass

Christmas Eve, known as "Noche Buena," is the main day of celebration in Cusco. One of the highlights is the "misa de gallo" or Rooster Mass, held at 10 pm in Cusco’s Cathedral. This midnight service is an important event for many Peruvians, drawing large crowds of locals and visitors who gather to celebrate the holiday’s religious significance.

Following the mass, families head home for a late-night meal and to exchange gifts. For many families, Christmas Eve dinner includes traditional Peruvian dishes such as tamales, roasted meat, applesauce, and hot chocolate, a staple for the holiday season. Despite the warm weather, hot chocolate remains popular, especially during chocolatadas.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day itself is generally quieter, with families spending the day at home. However, some restaurants and pubs in Cusco remain open on December 25, offering Christmas menus that include traditional Peruvian holiday dishes.

Location and Nearby Attractions

Cusco’s Plaza de Armas is centrally located in the historic district, making it an ideal spot to explore nearby sites. After taking in the festive displays, visitors can explore attractions such as the Qorikancha temple and nearby Inca ruins like Sacsayhuamán.

Historical Significance of Christmas in Cusco

Christmas in Cusco reflects a mix of Spanish colonial and Indigenous Andean traditions, with nativity scenes (retablos) serving as a symbol of the season. Each family often has its own unique retablo. While Christmas trees are becoming more common, retablos remain central to the holiday decor in most Peruvian homes.