December is a special month in Peru, filled with festivities and events celebrating culture, religion, and tradition. From important national holidays to local celebrations, December combines spiritual fervor with unique cultural manifestations. In this article, we will explore the December 2025 calendar in Peru, detailing key days and their impact on society.
National Holidays and Major Celebrations.
- Immaculate Conception (December 8)
On December 8, Peru celebrates the Immaculate Conception , a national holiday honoring the purity of the Virgin Mary. This day is of great importance in Catholic communities, where solemn masses, processions and religious activities are held throughout the country.
In Cusco, Ayacucho and other Andean cities, this celebration is combined with local rituals that reflect the fusion between Catholic tradition and pre-Hispanic customs. In addition, churches are decorated with flowers and candles, and it is common for families to gather to share traditional foods.
- Christmas (December 25)
Christmas is, without a doubt, the most anticipated holiday of the month. Celebrated every December 25, this date commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the main religious holidays in Peru.
Peruvian families have various Christmas traditions, such as preparing family dinners that include typical dishes such as roast turkey, panettone and hot chocolate. The main squares of cities such as Lima, Arequipa and Trujillo are decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, and fairs and themed events are organized for the community.
Other Relevant Events.
- Festival of the Virgin of the Gate (December 11)
On December 11, the feast of Our Lady of the Door is celebrated, one of the most venerated Marian devotions in northern Peru. In the city of Otuzco, La Libertad, thousands of faithful participate in processions, traditional dances and religious ceremonies.
This event is an important tourist and religious attraction, attracting national and international visitors who wish to witness the devotion and colorful cultural activities of this celebration.
- Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12)
The Virgin of Guadalupe is venerated in several regions of Peru on December 12. This festivity, although smaller in scale compared to other Marian celebrations, includes masses, processions and artistic activities.
In Lambayeque and Piura, the Virgin of Guadalupe is especially important, and her day is used to strengthen community ties and highlight the cultural heritage of these regions.
- Arts and Crafts Week (December 18-24)
In the last week before Christmas, many Peruvian cities organize fairs and events related to arts and crafts. In Lima and Cusco, these fairs are an opportunity for local artisans to display and sell their products, such as textiles, ceramics and jewelry.
Tourists and locals take advantage of these activities to purchase unique Christmas gifts and support the local economy.
Regional Celebrations and Local Activities.
- Santuranticuy (December 24)
Santuranticuy is one of the largest and oldest craft fairs in Peru. Held every December 24 in Cusco's Plaza de Armas, it is an iconic event in the region. Its name means "sale of saints" in Quechua, and artisans offer religious figures carved from wood, ceramics and other materials.
In addition to being an opportunity to acquire unique pieces, Santuranticuy is a space where the Cusco community reaffirms its traditions and promotes local art. This event is also an important attraction for tourists looking for an authentic experience.
- New Year Celebrations (December 31)
The last day of December is the day when the New Year is celebrated with various traditions throughout Peru. In cities such as Lima, Arequipa and Puno, people have special dinners and enjoy fireworks displays.
Customs include wearing yellow clothes to bring good luck, walking around the block with a suitcase to promise travel in the coming year, and burning rag dolls as a symbol of leaving negativity behind.
Economic and Social Impact.
The December 2025 calendar has a significant impact on the economy and social life of Peru.
Tourism.
Festivities such as Santuranticuy and the Virgen de la Puerta attract thousands of national and international visitors. This benefits sectors such as accommodation, transport and gastronomy.
Trade.
Christmas fairs and events such as Arts and Crafts Week boost sales of local products. Trade in gifts, decorations and traditional foods increases significantly at this time.
Cultural Strengthening.
December is a key month for the preservation of Peruvian traditions. Events such as Santuranticuy and the celebrations of the Virgen de la Puerta reinforce cultural identity and encourage the transmission of ancestral knowledge to new generations.
December 2025 in Peru is a month full of meaning, marked by national holidays and events that celebrate both spirituality and cultural traditions. From processions in honor of the Virgen de la Puerta to the vibrant Santuranticuy in Cusco, these festivities highlight the country's cultural diversity and richness.
As well as being a time of celebration and reflection, December represents an opportunity to strengthen the local economy through tourism and trade. It also fosters social and cultural integration, connecting communities and reinforcing traditional values at a special time of year.
If you plan to visit Peru in December, get ready to experience a unique combination of spirituality, art and tradition that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.