Christmas and New Year in the Dominican Republic
Christmas and New Year in the Dominican Republic is probably the best time to visit the island. At this time, you can not only swim in the warm sea or ocean, but also see the elegant and sparkling lights of cities and towns.
Despite the fact that traditionally at that time prices for rental housing and hotel holidays are rising, thousands of tourists and Dominican immigrants arrive in the Dominican Republic to celebrate Catholic Christmas with their families.
Many tourists ask us: “How do they celebrate New Year’s holidays in the country?” And we want to tell you and show you about that wonderful time.
Catholic Christmas
Catholic Christmas is perhaps one of the most important holidays. Dominicans have been preparing for it for a long time, back in October, all supermarkets and shops start selling New Year’s toys and Christmas gifts. And in early December, all stores have Christmas discounts.
The first of the harbingers of the coming Christmas is the appearance of Charamicos everywhere. These are Christmas trees, stars or handmade pets. Charming products are put in their gardens and houses and decorate them to your liking.
All cities are transformed and wherever you go, you will see lights and Christmas trees everywhere. Traditionally, in Santo Domingo, the main Christmas tree of the country is installed on Plaza España in the Colonial Zone. It is especially beautiful to look at it in the evening when the lights come on. Here you can also have dinner in one of the outdoor restaurants.
All the cities are on fire, and wherever you go, you will see illuminations and Christmas trees everywhere. Traditionally, in Santo Domingo, the main Christmas tree of the country is installed on the square of Spain in the Colonial Zone. It is especially beautiful to look at it in the evening when the lights come on. Here you can also have dinner in one of the outdoor restaurants.
What are the traditional dishes on the Christmas table?
On Christmas Eve, the entire large Dominican family gathers at the table. Dinner with family on Christmas Eve is the best part of the holiday. Usually, on the table you will always find
- Roast piglet on a spit or baked pork
- Russian salad
- Moro de guandules (a dish containing Moorish rice, pigeon peas and coconut)
- Jalea de Batata Dulce is the most popular dessert in the Dominican Republic
- Pasteles en hojas, banana dough stuffed with meat or chicken wrapped in banana leaves
Another Dominican Christmas tradition is to give poinsettia. It is also considered a tradition to clean at the end of the year, the time when houses are painted, new clothes are bought and old ones are distributed. It is during the whole pre-Christmas week that you can observe people in stores with shopping carts full.
Hotels celebrate Christmas and New Year in the Dominican Republic
All hotels, without exception, prepare a festive show for children and adults, decorate the entrances and the entire territory, make concert programs and a special festive dinner!
So, if you decide to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the Dominican Republic, take care of renting an apartment, villa or booking a hotel in advance. As a rule, even in the summer, many people book accommodation for winter holidays.
