Punta Cana Events
Christmas in Punta Cana
Warm-weather holidays, resort buffets and Dominican Nochebuena traditions
Overview
Christmas in Punta Cana means 28°C, palm-tree decorations and the family-first Dominican tradition of Nochebuena on December 24. Resorts serve elaborate buffets, churches across Bávaro hold midnight mass, and the beaches stay open all day on December 25 — perfect for families escaping winter.
When
December 24 (Nochebuena, main celebration) and December 25. Many resorts run holiday programs from mid-December.
Where
Bávaro and Cap Cana resorts, Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia church in Higüey, and beaches across Punta Cana.
What to expect
- ●Family-style Nochebuena dinners with roast pork, moro de guandules and turrón.
- ●Resort-decorated Christmas trees made from palm fronds.
- ●Midnight mass (Misa del Gallo) on December 24.
- ●Open beaches and water sports on December 25.
- ●Live merengue and traditional aguinaldos in town squares.
Tips for visitors
- ✦Reserve resort Christmas dinners early — they fill up by November.
- ✦Schedule Saona Island for December 25 or 26 — calm seas and lighter crowds.
- ✦Bring layers: evenings can drop to 21°C with sea breeze.
- ✦Pre-book a private airport transfer; airport traffic peaks Dec 22–24.
Frequently asked questions
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