If you’ve ever wondered what Christmas feels like on a tropical island, Aruba in December is pure holiday magic with sunshine. Think twinkling lights draped across palm trees, warm ocean breezes instead of winter chills, and festive celebrations that blend Caribbean culture with holiday cheer. Whether you’re planning your first December getaway or returning for your annual Aruba tradition, here’s everything you need to know about spending Christmas on One Happy Island.
While much of the U.S. is bundled up in winter coats, Aruba is a sunny 82 to 86 degrees almost every day in December. Add in Aruba’s famously low humidity and constant trade winds, and you’ve got peak vacation weather.
December is also the start of Aruba’s high season, which means everything on the island comes alive. Restaurants, beaches, nightlife, and outdoor events are all at their busiest and most vibrant.
Christmas looks a little different when the ornaments hang from palm trees. Aruba goes all out for the holidays. In December you’ll see:
Colorful light displays throughout the Palm Beach and Oranjestad areas
Giant Christmas trees at resorts like The Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt Regency, Holiday Inn, and Divi
Nativity scenes and holiday statues in public squares
Decorated roundabouts that are surprisingly adorable photo spots
Resorts decorate their lobbies beautifully, making every hotel feel extra cozy and festive, just without the snow.
Arubans celebrate the holidays with a mix of Dutch, Caribbean, and Latin influences, which creates a really unique December atmosphere.
A Dutch-inspired tradition where Sinterklaas arrives by boat. Families gather along the docks, parades move through downtown Oranjestad, and kids receive small treats.
One of Aruba’s most meaningful cultural events. Groups go house-to-house singing blessings for health, luck, and happiness in the new year. It’s joyful, energetic, and full of traditional island music.
Aruba loves fireworks in December. You’ll hear small pops and celebrations almost every night leading up to New Year’s Eve. Locals buy “klappers” (firecrackers) and host small gatherings with friends and family.
If you’re visiting during Christmas week, you’ll have plenty of holiday dining options. Many restaurants offer prix-fixe menus or special Christmas buffets. Popular choices include:
Barefoot Restaurant for toes-in-the-sand Christmas dinner
Moomba Beach for a festive beachside meal
Flying Fishbone for dinner right by the shoreline
Elements at Bucuti for a romantic holiday menu
The Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt for Christmas buffets and live entertainment
Tip: December fills up fast. Make reservations several weeks in advance.
Instead of snow angels, Christmas in Aruba is all about relaxing in a beach chair with turquoise water in the background. Most travelers spend Christmas Day enjoying Eagle Beach or Palm Beach. Resorts usually offer special activities such as:
Christmas brunch
Live holiday music
Santa arriving by Jet Ski
Beachside mimosas
The whole day feels warm, happy, and completely stress free.
Aruba has several fun spots to shop for holiday gifts or souvenirs:
Renaissance Marketplace with Christmas pop-ups and local artists
Paseo Herencia with nightly entertainment and a holiday light show
STR Farmers Market for locally made products
Harbour Boutique Market for unique artisan items
Throughout December many shops stay open later to support holiday shopping.
If your trip extends into New Year’s, you’ll experience one of the island’s biggest celebrations.
Massive fireworks shows all along Palm Beach
Champagne toasts at resorts
Pagara events, which are long chains of firecrackers lit throughout the island
It’s a lively, energetic way to welcome the new year.
December in Aruba combines everything people love about the holidays, like lights, festive meals, and time together, with everything travelers love about Aruba, like beaches, sunshine, and a relaxed island vibe.
It’s warm, lively, cultural, and unforgettable.
If you’re dreaming of a holiday season that feels easy and magical, Aruba in December delivers every time.