Christmas in Peru isn't just celebrated with carols and lights, but also with a table laden with sweet treats. Each region of the country contributes its own flavors and customs, from the traditional panettone with hot chocolate to artisanal desserts that revive old family recipes.
Unlike in other countries, in Peru Christmas dinner is a blend of European influences and local traditions, where sweets play a starring role . Many of these desserts are prepared only in December, becoming an essential part of the festive spirit.
🍞 Panettone: the king of Peruvian Christmas
To talk about Christmas sweets in Peru is to talk about panettone . Its origin dates back to Italy, but Peruvian tastes adopted it and transformed it into a national tradition.
Peruvian panettone is distinguished by its spongy texture, the addition of candied fruit , raisins , and, in some cases, chocolate pieces. The most popular brands have made this dessert a symbol of family togetherness during December.
Today, there are artisanal panettone made with organic flour, natural dried fruits and butter, offering a healthy and delicious alternative.
👉 You can also read about Peruvian Christmas Eve and New Year's customs to understand how this sweet treat is integrated into the Christmas dinner.
🍫 Peruvian hot chocolate: the perfect accompaniment
In almost every Peruvian home, panettone is enjoyed accompanied by a cup of thick hot chocolate , prepared with national cocoa —especially from Cusco, Piura or San Martín— , milk and cinnamon.
This beverage not only warms up December nights, but also represents the value of Peruvian products, since Peruvian cocoa is one of the most renowned in the world.
Tip:
To give it a homemade touch, you can use artisanal chocolate tablets and add cloves or anise.
🍯 Artisanal nougat and its history
Although Doña Pepa's nougat is traditionally associated with October, many families also prepare it at Christmas as a symbol of prosperity. This Lima sweet, made with bars of flour dough, chancaca honey, and colorful sprinkles, has a history of faith and devotion that dates back to the 18th century.
Today, Christmas versions of turrón are made with fruit honey, nuts, and seasonal decorations. It can be found in various forms at local fairs and artisan bakeries.
🥮 Regional sweets that sweeten Peruvian Christmas
Each region of Peru brings its own unique touch to the Christmas table. Here are some of the most outstanding:
Coast
Purple corn pudding and rice pudding : classic desserts that are always present in December.
King kong lambayecano : filled with manjar blanco and fruits.
Alfajores limeños : small and filled with homemade dulce de leche.
Saw
Sweet donuts and empanadas typical of Ayacucho and Huancayo.
Andean fritters : made with flour, honey and anise.
Pan de Pascua serrano : a more rustic and homemade version of panettone.
Jungle
Sweet banana with sugarcane honey .
Desserts with cocoa and Amazonian fruits , such as camu camu or aguaje.
Sweet tamales filled with raisins and shredded coconut.
👉 If you are interested in regional gastronomic traditions, we recommend reading about Peruvian regional gastronomy by department .
🍬 Modern handmade Christmas sweets
The new generation of Peruvian pastry chefs is reinventing Christmas desserts. You can find them at local fairs and markets:
Vegan panettone made with natural fruits and without preservatives.
Gourmet nougats with chocolate or organic honey.
Decorated cookies inspired by Peruvian icons, such as the vicuña or the ekeko.
Christmas cupcakes with local flavors: lucuma, passion fruit and quinoa.
These innovations preserve the essence of tradition, but adapt to current tastes and a public that seeks healthier and more sustainable products.
🎁 Christmas food fairs and events
During December, many cities in Peru organize Christmas food fairs where visitors can taste and buy artisanal sweets.
Some of the most well-known are:
| City | Event | Approximate date |
|---|---|---|
| Lime | "Made in Peru" Fair at the Exhibition Park | Mid-December |
| Cusco | Santurantikuy Fair | December 23 and 24 |
| Arequipa | Christmas Fair at Selva Alegre Park | Second half of December |
These fairs are ideal for promoting local consumption and discovering products made by Peruvian hands .
🕯️ Tradition, flavor and family unity
Peruvian Christmas sweets are much more than desserts: they represent the country's cultural mix , the creativity of its cooks, and the warmth of the families who come together every December.
Whether it's a handmade panettone, homemade nougat, or a cup of hot chocolate, each sweet treat tells a story of love, faith, and tradition.
To learn more about December celebrations, you can explore the month's anniversaries and festivities in Peru .