Nine stops for Puerto Rican-style holidays in New York.
That time of year has arrived in New York, when the lights shine brighter, the tree at Rockefeller Center rises among the skyscrapers, and the Macy's windows begin to tell their own stories.
And even when the thermometer drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, nothing stops Puerto Ricans from celebrating Christmas our way. You already know: coquito, parranda, and that unmistakable energy that always travels with us.
Because the holidays are best enjoyed with family and friends, with music, good food, and the joy of being together. And so, between nostalgia and excitement, Puerto Ricans in New York are getting ready to celebrate the season while keeping those traditions alive.
If you're spending the holidays in the city, don't worry: I put together a list of events and places where you can celebrate Christmas the Puerto Rican way. From early morning to late at night, we carry our Christmas in our hearts. Felicidades!
1. A coquito latte to start the day!
Whether at Café Colmado or at 787 Coffee, start your day the right way: with a coquito latte. Starting at 9:00 a.m., at Café Colmado, at 286 Broome St., you can play dominoes and meet other Latinos living life in this city. Or find 787 Coffee at several locations around the city and taste the holidays in a cup.
2. Craving a pincho? No problem… The Pincho Truck at the Macy's Holiday Square
After walking the city, doing your shopping and visiting the busiest stores of the season, nothing beats a chicken or pork pincho from The Pincho Truck. They're set up at the Macy's Holiday Square Outdoor Market on 34th St.
3. A lunch with Puerto Rican flavor at Casa Adela, Loisaida
After strolling through the city and its busiest neighborhoods, like Soho, Chinatown and the East Village, a lunch with Puerto Rican flavor will recharge you for the rest of the day. Whether it's arroz con gandules, pernil or sancocho, Casa Adela knows how to satisfy Puerto Ricans in the diaspora and anyone else looking to explore the flavors of the Island.
4. A parranda at Counter & Bodega, Manhattan!
Feel the Puerto Rican Christmas at the new restaurant Counter & Bodega, a Puerto Rican and Latin restaurant located at 216 7th Ave. in Chelsea. This Friday, Dec. 12, they're hosting La Parranda Rebelde, presented by Daughters and Sons of Boriken, with music by Bomba Yo.
The parranda starts at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Puerto Rican bomba party. There will be coquito.
5. There's a party in El Barrio! The big holiday celebration by Los Pleneros de la 21
This Sunday, Dec. 14, La Gran Fiesta Navideña returns, presented by Los Pleneros de la 21. Starting at 2:30 p.m., at Taino Towers Crystal Ballroom, East Harlem (El Barrio), they celebrate Christmas with culture, music, food, artisans and community.
6. Parranda Loisaideña in the Lower East Side, Manhattan!
The third edition of the Parranda Loisaideña brings the celebration on a route through spots in the Lower East Side. On Sunday, Dec. 14, starting at 5:00 p.m., head to Piragua Art Space, at 367 E 10th St, and from there the route sets off, visiting Titis Empanadas, CCTC, Casa Adela and ending at Loisaida Center. There will be music and food for attendees. Come out and parranda!
7. Learn to play plena!
Immerse yourself in our rhythm and learn to play the pandero with Pleneros de la 21. During December, they're offering a workshop series on bomba and plena. On Wednesday, Dec. 17, learn about the pandero at Julia de Burgos Art Center, 1680 Lexington Ave, NYC. All levels are welcome and instruments are provided for use in class. Registration is open. For more information, visit www.lp21.org/bpaw.
8. Poetry and Puerto Rican flavor at Barrio BX, in the Bronx
And if you're in the Bronx, the restaurant Barrio BX celebrates Christmas Puerto Rican style. They have a holiday brunch called "Asalto" and a calendar of events with live music. On Wednesday, December 17, Flaco Navaja performs, a multifaceted Nuyorican artist born in the Bronx. Actor, singer and poet. Presenting his last show of the year in NYC alongside The Razorblade Trio, he promises a night of poetry, Latin jazz, stories, soul and Puerto Rican flavor.
9. End the night at the official chinchorro (a casual roadside food and drink spot), at Toñitas, Williamsburg, Brooklyn!
Where everyone meets. After a day in the city, arriving at Caribbean Social Club, better known as Toñitas, is the perfect plan. As Bad Bunny says in his song NuevaYol, "Un shot de cañita en casa de Toñita y PR se siente cerquita," this is where all the Latinos come to listen to reggaeton, play dominoes or billiards, and take a quick shot to warm the soul. Dance, sing and celebrate at the perfect place to feel close to home.
The muse of 'Nueva Yol': the Puerto Rican matriarch who won over Bad Bunny — Read More
10. The tradition that never dies! Three Kings Day Parade of Museo del Barrio
One of the most important days for the Puerto Rican community: Three Kings Day. On Jan. 6, 2026, el Museo del Barrio celebrates the traditional Three Kings Day Parade. Marking its 48th edition, with the theme ¡Pa'lante, Siempre Pa'lante!, they return to the streets of El Barrio.
This year they draw inspiration from the legacy of the Young Lords and the traditions of cultural resistance and mutual aid in East Harlem. The procession will begin at 106th Street and Park Avenue and end at 115th Street and Park Avenue. It will feature lively music, colorful floats, majestic camels and the participation of thousands of schoolchildren and community members.
The holidays are here!🎄 — Your guide for this holiday season
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
