Christmas Aruba holidays

Christmas traditions in Aruba

There is a genuine Christmas spirit and buzz circulating around the island in December. Many of the traditions will be familiar to the European visitor, such as; Christmas trees, lights and exchanging presents. The birth of Christ is particularly important, and Christmas Eve finds most people attending celebratory masses, dressed in their finest clothes. After the religious ceremonies are finished and blessings have been received, lavish traditional Christmas dinners are enjoyed in family homes.

Other traditions are less familiar, having their roots firmly in the past. Shortly before the big day, houses are thoroughly cleaned, including mopping floors with scented liquids and giving walls a lick of fresh paint. Spirits are welcomed into homes by hanging pieces of the local Aloe, bound with red ribbons, above doors and windows. Whilst during the period between Christmas and New Year's Day, protection from evil spirits is achieved by businesses and residential areas igniting Pagaras; long strings of firecrackers.

These events are popular and well attended and some Pagaras crackle and pop for thirty minutes or more. Whilst any visitor will recognise the traditional sounds of familiar carols around the Island during the holiday period, Arubans also embrace Gaita, their own version of adopted Venezuelan Christmas tunes. From October onwards Gaita bands can be found playing in shopping centres and other public places. They are typically formed of female singers supported by people playing traditional instruments, which provides a pleasant, alternative beat to accompany those pre-Christmas present hunts.

Best places to celebrate Christmas in Aruba

For Christmas lovers, a stay in one of Aruba’s many hotels and resorts is highly recommended. Hotel lobbies are adorned with brightly lit Christmas trees, Nativity scenes, Gingerbread houses and Christmas lights hung from any available fixture. For those wishing to have a traditional European Christmas, mixed with a touch of Caribbean charm, provided at minimum effort, then we suggest considering one of the all-inclusive hotels and resorts.

Here, every Christmas whim is catered for, such as traditional themed food and entertainment. They're all provided with a nod to local customs, including the serving of the traditional holiday treat Ayaca, a mixture of meats and fruits served in banana leaves, or visits by vibrant Gaita bands playing Venezuelan Christmas music. If you want to enjoy a delightful Christmas experience whilst being able to focus on family and friends, then an all-inclusive Aruban break is a must.

Best hotels to celebrate Christmas in Aruba

Looking to indulge in the delights of an Aruban Christmas? Then you cannot do better than booking a stay at the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa on the island's northwestern coast. Swap the white, frost-covered ground for the white of pristine beaches and exchange the bitterly cold winds for warm tropical breezes.

Christmas themed decorations adorn all the public areas, and traditional or Caribbean based fare can be found in both Ike’s Bistro and The Chophouse restaurant. To truly experience something you and your family will never forget, why not have your Turkey dinner served poolside under a sheltering gazebo or swap the traditional for a fine dining Christmas lunch special of wild hare with red wine poached pear, glazed sprouts, potatoes au-gratin and rosemary sauce. Whatever your choice, the mixture of the traditional and tropical will stay with you forever.