A local’s take
The turn of the year along the high-rise beach is something else. The whole coast lights up with fireworks at midnight, and it’s absolutely amazing. Book your dinner early, then head to the beach for the countdown.
Christmas Day: brunch, then the beach
The best way to spend Christmas Day here is simple: a long brunch, then the beach. Many shops and some tours are closed on December 25, so don’t count on a busy sightseeing day. Treat it as a slow, sunny holiday.
Want something special in the evening? A sunset sail is a lovely way to end the day, but book it well ahead.
New Year’s Eve: where to watch the fireworks
- Palm Beach, along the high-rise hotels. This is where you’ll see the most fireworks at midnight. The whole beach coast lights up.
- Fisherman’s Huts. A quieter spot on the beach with a wide view.
- The California Lighthouse, or any higher area. From up high you can see fireworks going off across the island.
- Downtown Oranjestad in the afternoon. Downtown often holds a big pagara on the afternoon of December 31 (see below).
Local traditions worth catching
- Pagara (December 31). Long strings of firecrackers set off by shops and families, said to chase out the old year’s bad luck. Downtown often has a big one in the afternoon.
- Dande. Traditional New Year’s music. Groups go from house to house and business to business singing good wishes for the new year.
- Holiday food. Look out for ayaca (wrapped in banana leaves), holiday ham and pan bollo.
- Fireworks all night. They don’t stop at midnight. Expect fireworks across the island well into the night.
What to know before you go
Plan ahead
- Book dinners early. Restaurants fill up for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
- Many places close. Shops and some tours are closed on December 25 and January 1.
- Tours sell out. Book tours well ahead for the last two weeks of December.
- It’s a loud night. Fireworks go on late, so keep this in mind with small kids, pets or light sleepers.
Plan your holiday days
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