With the time change and the first cool breezes, Puerto Rico moved headlong into holiday mode. From early November through late December, public plazas, waterfronts and urban centers transform into settings of lights, music and tradition, marking the start of the most anticipated time of year.
In this guide, we round up the main holiday lighting ceremonies and Christmas festivals so you can plan your weekends around local talent, traditional food and activities for the whole family.
🎄Holiday lighting ceremonies
December
Encendido Navideño de Culebra
Where: Plaza Pública de Culebra
When: Dec. 5
The Gobierno Municipal de Culebra invites the community to the Gran Encendido Navideño 2025 on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:00 p.m. Victoria Sanabria will perform on stage with music heralding the arrival of a Puerto Rican Christmas, in a night of light, tradition and joy.
Encendido de Navidad y Festival Típico Cultural de Quebradillas
Where: Plaza Pública de Quebradillas
When: Dec. 5-7
The mayor of Quebradillas, Hon. Heriberto Vélez Vélez, invites the public to enjoy the Encendido Navideño and the Festival Típico Cultural from Dec. 5 to 7. Friday features a Noche de Talento from local schools and colleges with the lighting ceremony at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday presents El Diamante del Cuatro y su Grupo Esencia Jíbara at 8:00 p.m. and Herminio de Jesús at 10:00 p.m.; and Sunday includes Decimanía at 7:30 p.m. and José Novoa at 9:30 p.m. Artisans will be present on the 6th and 7th.
Fajardo Enciende la Navidad
Where: Various locations in Fajardo
When: Dec. 5-7
Fajardo celebrates three holiday nights with lighting ceremonies at different points around the municipality, including artisans, kiosks and artistic performances. Friday the 5th opens with the lighting of the Casa Alcaldía at 7:00 p.m., Saturday the 6th continues with a recital by the Escuela Municipal de Bellas Artes at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday the 7th closes in Las Croabas with a parranda at 5:00 a.m. and the park lighting at 2:00 p.m.
Encendido Navideño de Cayey
Where: Plaza Ramón Frade León, Cayey
When: Dec. 6
The Municipio de Cayey invites the public to the Encendido Navideño 2025 on Saturday, Dec. 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. The evening will feature performances by Hermes Croatto and Andrés Jiménez, officially marking the start of the holiday season in the town.
Encendido de la Navidad en Río Grande
Where: Plaza Pública de Río Grande
When: Dec. 7
Río Grande celebrates its holiday lighting on Sunday, Dec. 7, starting at 3:00 p.m., with an afternoon of live music, children's shows, artisans and kiosks. Julio César Sanabria, LIMI-T 21 and Moncho Rivera will perform on stage, along with the traditional Parada Navideña.
Toa Alta se Ilumina – Encendido de la Navidad
Where: Plaza Pública de Toa Alta
When: Dec. 7
The municipality celebrates its holiday lighting on Sunday, Dec. 7, starting at 4:00 p.m. The festivities will begin with a holiday caravan from Plaza Aquarium that will pass through several barrios before arriving at the Plaza Pública for the traditional lighting. As part of the celebration of Toa Alta's 275 years of history, there will be a holiday parade, live music, kiosks and artisans, with performances by Machúcalo Tributo a Toño Rosario, Grupo Dyanssy and Herminio de Jesús.
November
Encendido de la Navidad Trujillana
Where: Plaza de Recreo, Trujillo Alto
When: Friday, Nov. 7
Among a lively mix of kiosks and crafts, Trujillo Alto's holiday lighting will be the first in the metropolitan area. While the lights go on at 8 p.m., there will be stage entertainment starting as early as 6 p.m., with performances by the Banda Municipal de Trujillo Alto and its choral program, as well as appearances by young trovadores.
"In our town, we will celebrate with a special program full of music, lights, a visit from the Three Kings, and this year we will have the Juguetería Trujillana where children can interact with elves and write their letters to Santa," said Mayor Pedro A. Rodríguez González in a written statement.
Once the event concludes, the celebration will continue in the historic downtown of the municipality with a performance by singer-songwriter Herminio de Jesús at 10 p.m.
Encendido Centros Sor Isolina Ferré
Where: Tarima Principal Edwin Rivera Sierra
When: Friday, November 7
The Encendido Navideño in Caimito will take place Friday, November 7, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the municipality's facilities. The event will offer music, dance, traditional food and family activities.
Encendido en Cabo Rojo
Where: Plaza de Recreo Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances
When: Saturday, November 8
The magic of Christmas comes to Cabo Rojo with the Gran Encendido Navideño on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Plaza de Recreo Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances, where you will enjoy an evening of joy, music and tradition alongside José Nogueras, Victoria Sanabria and Las Chavalas.
Encendido en Cataño
Where: Tarima Principal Edwin Rivera Sierra
When: Friday, November 14
The Gran Encendido Navideño in Cataño will be held Friday, November 14, at 6:00 p.m. at the Malecón, specifically at the Tarima Principal Edwin Rivera Sierra. The event will feature live music and performances by Los Cantores de Bayamón, Segreles and Bobby Valentín.
Encendido en Arroyo
Where: Plaza de Recreo
When: Friday, November 14
Troubadour Paco Jiménez and beloved jibarito Andrés Jiménez will join the residents of Arroyo for their Christmas lighting. Festivities will begin at 7 p.m. in the heart of the historic downtown, with activities that will include a traditional parade.
Encendido en San Sebastián
Where: Plaza Pública Ángel G. Mislán Huertas
When: Saturday, November 15
While the afternoon's artistic lineup has yet to be announced, the municipal government of Pepino has confirmed that its Christmas lighting will take place November 15 starting at 6 p.m., with events including Christmas tableaux and a Santa Claus appearance by sleigh, among other surprises.
Encendido en Lares
Where: Plaza de los Patriotas
When: Sunday, November 16
Lares invites everyone to its traditional Encendido Navideño starting at 1:00 p.m. at the Plaza de los Patriotas, also celebrating the 15th anniversary of the radio program El Cuatro sin Fronteras. Enjoy an afternoon of joy, music, crafts, traditional food and the Christmas spirit that smells of coffee and brings us together as a community.
Encendido Navideño de Ponce
Where: Plaza las Delicias
When: Wednesday, November 19
Ponce's Encendido Navideño 2025 will be held Wednesday, November 19, launching more than 50 days of Christmas festivities dedicated to Puerto Rican identity. The event will feature performances by Harold Pratts y su Jíbara Banda, Andrés Jiménez "El Jíbaro," and Fiel a la Vega as the headlining act. In addition to live music, there will be the usual kiosks and artisans, not to mention the entertaining machinas free of charge, sure to draw screams and laughter from young and old alike.
Encendido en Cidra
Where: Tarima del estacionamiento frente al Terminal Norte
When: Friday, November 21
In commemoration of the legendary paloma sabanera, an endangered species, the municipality of Cidra has tied its Christmas lighting to the traditional Festival de la Paloma Sabanera (Friday, November 21, through Sunday, November 23). Over the weekend, residents of Cidra will be able to enjoy local talent and take part in the Maratón Sabanero, as well as drawing contests and traditional food, with the weekend closing Sunday with a colorful float parade.
Encendido en Humacao
Where: Tarima del estacionamiento frente al Terminal Norte
When: November 21, 22 and 23
The Municipio Autónomo de Humacao and its mayor, Hon. Rosamar Trujillo Plumey, announce the return of the Encendido Navideño 2025 under the theme "Tradición Navideña: Humacao resplandece con esperanza," a celebration that symbolizes the unity, faith and spirit of renewal of the people of Humacao and marks the official start of Christmas in the Capital del Este.
Encendido en Manatí
Where: Plaza Pública Luis Muñoz Rivera
When: Nov. 21, 22 and 23
The city's Christmas festivities promise to be among the liveliest in the north. Starting at 6 p.m., the public plaza will be lit up with a headline performance by Christian Alicea, followed by la Mujer de Fuego, Olga Tañon, at 9 p.m.
The evening marks the start of a Christmas calendar that will run throughout December, with trullas from Dec. 3 to 5 and the electric Winter WonderFest on Nov. 30 at the municipal convention center, among other events.
Encendido de San Germán
Where: Plazas Santo Domingo y Francisco Mariano Quiñones, San Germán
When: Friday, Nov. 21
The Christmas lighting in la Ciudad de las Lomas falls within the Festival del Arroz con Dulce y Almojábanas, a celebration honoring a traditional dish from the Puerto Rican southwest. The lights will turn on at 8 p.m. to open three days of festivities, food and music.
Encendido de Vega Baja
Where: Plaza José Francisco Nater
When: Sunday, Nov. 23
The Secretaría de Turismo, Arte y Cultura de Vega Baja invites adults 18 and older to enter the Competencia de Dulces Típicos del Encendido Navideño 2025, with a limit of twenty participants per category. Entrants must submit six portions of their sweet on Sunday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Teatro América, where a panel of judges will evaluate creativity, flavor and presentation.
Encendido de San Juan
Where: Parque Luis Muñoz Marín
When: Wednesday, Nov. 26
Christmas comes to San Juan on Nov. 26, with music by Los Cantores de San Juan and Limi-T 21, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Encendido en Morovis
When: Friday, Nov. 26
Where: Plaza del Quinto Centenario
With roast pork and arroz con gandules on offer, the municipality of Morovis will celebrate its Christmas lighting with fanfare at the end of November. Starting at 7 p.m., the event will include a performance by the Conjunto Típico Moroveño and a concert by Puerto Rico's unmatched Voz Nacional, Danny Rivera.
Encendido en Peñuelas
Where: Plaza Pública de Peñuelas
When: Wednesday, Nov. 26
Starting at 5 p.m., the public can enjoy the Desfile de Bandas y Comparsas "Copa Edwin Albarrán," in which local and guest groups will parade in a procession of rhythm, color and lights.
Encendido de la Navidad Criolla en Caguas
Where: Paseo de las Artes, Plaza Santiago Palmer y Paseo Gautier Benítez, Caguas
When: Friday, Nov. 28
The criolla Christmas lights up across three stages at different points around the city. There will be kiosks, artisans and artistic performances.
Encendido en Juncos
Where: Plaza Pública Antonio R. Barceló
When: Nov. 29 and 30
The Encendido Navideño – Fiestas de Pueblo en Honor a Los Mulos comes to the Plaza Pública Antonio R. Barceló on Nov. 29 and 30, with two nights of music, joy and Juncos tradition.
Encendido en Arecibo
Where: Plaza de Recreo de Arecibo
When: Saturday, Nov. 29
La Villa del Capitán Correa will feature performances by three pillars of traditional and Christmas music, Andres Jiménez, Herminio de Jesús and Odilio González, during its Christmas lighting festivities, held from 6 p.m. on a stage in front of the Catedral San Felipe Apóstol, steps from the municipal Plaza del Recreo.
Encendido en Camuy
Where: Plaza Luis Muñoz Marín de Camuy
When: Friday, Nov. 28
While the full schedule is still being finalized, the mayor's office of Camuy has shared a preview of a marathon of holiday activities planned for the municipality, including Christmas lighting ceremonies in the barrio Quebrada on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and the municipal lighting in the historic downtown just two days later.
🎉 Fiestas
December
Fiestón Ponceño 2025
Where: Plaza Las Delicias, Ponce
When: Nov. 22 to Jan. 3, 2025
The Municipio Autónomo de Ponce presents Fiestón Ponceño 2025 with a lineup that includes El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Grupo Esencia, Jota Ruiz, José Nogueras and Plenéalo. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will feature kiosks, artisans and free carnival rides for children at Plaza Las Delicias. Among the featured events are performances by Wito Colón, Patria y Cultura, Yeiliza Cintrón, Jorge Brown, Victoria Sanabria, Senderos de Cultura, Tuna Las Romanceras, La Tuna de Cayey, Hermanos de la Cultura Nogueras and more artists during the holiday festivities.
Ruta de los Reyes 2025 en Lajas
Where: Different communities in Lajas
When: Dec. 2 to 17
The Three Kings will travel through the communities of Lajas from Dec. 2 to 17 to bring cheer, take photos and hand out candy to children and families. The event includes a bounce house, popcorn, cotton candy and more. Each barrio will be visited according to the established calendar. For more information: 787-899-1335
Tradicionales Fiestas de Pueblo de Vega Alta
Where: Plaza Pública Gilberto Concepción de Gracia, Vega Alta
When: Dec. 4 to 7
The Municipio Autónomo de Vega Alta celebrates its Tradicionales Fiestas de Pueblo 2025 from Dec. 4 to 7. Performing artists include Andrés Jiménez, Kin Tin Rosario, Bonny Cepeda, Valeria Morales, Joseph Fonseca, Algareplena, Los Rabanes, Reinado, Algarete, Tonny Tun-Tun, Orq. Elliot Knight, Show de Payasos, Grupo Alambre Dulce, Anthony Colón and El Chaval de la Bachata. There will also be a 5K Inmaculada Concepción race on Dec. 7 at 4:00 p.m.
Fiestas de Pueblo de Lares
Where: Plaza de Los Patriotas, Lares
When: Dec. 5 to 7
The Municipio Autónomo de Lares celebrates its Fiestas de Pueblo 2025 from Dec. 5 to 7 with three days of music, tradition, local talent, artisans, kiosks and activities for the whole family. Friday and Saturday will feature an extensive musical program, while Sunday the festivities will close with the Gran Fiesta Navideña, including a clown show and other guest artists such as John Echevarría, El Super Trío and Rumba Caliente.
Fiestas de Pueblo de Corozal
Where: Parking lot of Parque Howard T. Jason, Corozal
When: Dec. 5 to 7
The Administración Municipal de Corozal invites everyone to enjoy a weekend of music, food, holiday spirit and family atmosphere from Dec. 5 to 7. Friday will feature Radio Maníaco, Milly Quezada and Bobby Valentín; Saturday will have Angelito Creativo Show for children, Sí Señor, LUVA and Tito El Bambino; and Sunday will include Herencia Musical Christian y Modesto Nieves, Doble Mambo, Plenéalo, Charlie Aponte and Joseph Fonseca.
November
Fiestón navideño de SalSoul
Where: Plaza Eugenio María de Hostos in Bayamón
When: Friday, Nov. 7
Salsoul welcomes the Christmas season with the Fiestón Navideño 2025 this Friday, Nov. 7, starting at 7:00 p.m. at Plaza Eugenio María de Hostos in Bayamón, where Límite 21, Plenéalo and La Sonora Sanjuanera will get the crowd moving with pure Puerto Rican flavor. Admission is completely free, because salsa is spelled with an S for Salsoul.
Fiesta Lechonera El Mojito en Cayey
Where: Lechonera El Mojito en Cayey
When: Nov. 15, 2025
Enjoy live holiday music, a bazaar with local artisans, a petting zoo for children and a tradition that brings us together in the heart of Puerto Rico.
Desfile de volkys iluminados Cataño
Where: Malecón de Cataño
When: Sunday, Nov. 16
On Sunday, Nov. 16, a parade of illuminated Volkswagen Beetles comes to the Malecón, an event well suited for families. Attendees can see these classic vehicles decorated with lights in a celebration rooted in tradition.
🎊 Festivales
Fiestas de San Carlo de Aguadilla
Where: Downtown Aguadilla
When: Nov. 6-9, 2025
Get ready for five consecutive days of live music, carnival rides, kiosks and more at Aguadilla's town festival. Andy Montañez, El Gran Combo, Black Guayaba, Pao Pao, Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, Iris Chacón and many more artists will perform on stage.
1er Festival del Coquito Navideño 2025
Where: Plaza Gilberto Concepción de Gracia, Vega Alta
When: Nov. 14-16
Don't miss this inaugural event in Vega Alta, which includes a best coquito competition, live music and family entertainment.
48va Feria de Artesanías ¡Por Aguada Fue!
Date: Nov. 19-22
Where: Plaza Cristobal Colón, Aguada
Aguada's Christmas lighting will take place within the Fiestas Conmemorativas del Descubrimiento de Puerto Rico, a burst of music and art that will fill the historic downtown from the holiday Wednesday, Nov. 19, through Saturday, Nov. 22.
The celebration will open with the traditional Desfile del Descubrimiento, which will move through the municipality with a colorful selection of floats, comparsas (costumed carnival troupes) and delegations from community groups. Other events will include a horseback procession with riders from across the Island and the 48th edition of the municipal Feria de Artesanías.
The extensive musical lineup runs from Thursday, Nov. 20, through the close of the event, with acts including Wendy Luna (Thursday, Nov. 20, 9 p.m.), Hermes Croatto (Friday, Nov. 21, 9 p.m.) and Luisito Ayala y la Puerto Rican Power (Saturday, Nov. 22, 10:30 p.m.), with the highlight of the celebration being the grand Christmas lighting on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 8:30 p.m.
3er Festival Navideño Hacienda Tres Picachos
Date: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025
Location: Hacienda Tres Picachos, Jayuya
The Tres Picachos coffee estate celebrates its 65th anniversary in style with its 3rd Christmas festival. Starting at 9:00 a.m., enjoy music, crafts, raffles and more, in an evening that ends with the Christmas lighting. It goes without saying that coffee will be on hand.
This and much more!
If you're ready for more festivities or want to change pace this holiday season, keep an eye on Platea for more events you can enjoy during this Christmas season. Happy holidays!
¡Llegó la Navidad!🎄 — Read More
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
