In the southern hemisphere, where summer sunsets paint the sky with hues of warmth, Christmas in Buenos Aires is unique and special. For me, it is completely different than what I had before. No snow to be seen but walking around in shorts and with a Christmas cocktail by the pool. In this article, I will tell you how to celebrate Christmas in the capital of Argentina.
Continue reading: Celebrating New Year in Buenos Aires
Christmas in Buenos Aires celebrations
Christmas Eve – December 24 – is primarily a family event. Friends and families seek each other out, travel miles to see each other again, and celebrate Christmas together.
In Argentina, Christmas Eve stands out as one of the few days when even shops and restaurants either close entirely or operate on abbreviated hours. In contrast, New Year’s Eve tends to offer more options, with restaurants commonly hosting special menus for the occasion.
Therefore, it is not so easy to find something on Christmas Eve.
Below I go over where you can have dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And what you can do during the Christmas holidays.
Going to a restaurant on Christmas
Christmas Eve
Finding a restaurant open on Christmas Eve poses a challenge, as many establishments either remain closed or offer special holiday programs with dedicated Christmas menus and adjusted pricing. It’s worth noting that reservations typically require a phone call, and pre-payment for the Christmas dinner is a common requirement, often with a no-refund policy for cancellations.
For those seeking options on Christmas Eve, here are a few restaurants that keep their doors open for the festive occasion:
- La Parolaccia (Puerto Madero, Belgrano, Palermo, Recoleta, …)
- Roux
- SottoVoce
- Fervor Brasas
Christmas Day
On the other hand, it is easier to go to a restaurant and have dinner on Christmas Day. Not to mention, it is an official holiday but restaurants will open as usual and receive guests. You won’t find a special menu and the prices are normal.
Christmas Market in Buenos Aires
While Buenos Aires dazzles with Christmas charm, it’s essential to note that the city doesn’t host traditional Christmas markets. Instead, explore local festivities, tango celebrations, and cultural events.
What to do on the Christmas Holidays
In truth, there aren’t numerous distinct events throughout the Christmas season. It’s worth noting that many museums close on December 25, though activities like bike tours and tango shows continue as usual.
Check out the top things to do in Buenos Aires on this page
If you’re planning to book a tango show, I recommend doing so in advance as they tend to sell out quickly. The advantage is that the prices remain standard.
Getting around in the city on Christmas
On December 24, public transportation will operate under normal schedules during the day, but in the evening, it will switch to a Sunday schedule, resulting in reduced frequency. This adjustment also applies to December 25. The last subway train is at 21:30 (09:30 PM).
Securing a taxi on the night of December 24 might pose a greater challenge than usual, as many drivers will be spending time with their families during the holiday. I suggest booking a taxi in advance, if possible.
