10 Things to Do in Lima in December

Summer is the best time to visit Lima, because the warm and pleasant weather will allow you to enjoy the city's attractions and beaches, but also because if you visit the Peruvian capital in December you will be able to live the Christmas spirit and enjoy the Christmas Eve activities.

Some of the best things to see and do in Lima in December include attending the Gastronomic Festival, visiting the Barranco Urban Art Festival, closing the year in the Plaza Mayor, experiencing the Santa Rosa Festival, visiting the Magic Water Circuit during the opening of the season and attending the Craft Beer Festival in Surquillo.

Living Christmas in Lima during the month of December is a magical experience full of options to enjoy this festive season. The city is filled with lights, decorations and a Christmas spirit that envelops its inhabitants and visitors alike.

One of the highlights is the historic centre of the city, where the streets are illuminated and the emblematic buildings are dressed up. You can stroll around the Plaza de Armas and be amazed by the illumination of the Cathedral and the Government Palace. In addition, you can find food stalls and Christmas handicrafts in the surrounding area, which are often included in the best tours of Lima.

Gastronomy also plays an important role during Christmas in Lima. Numerous restaurants offer special menus with typical Peruvian dishes and creative fusions. From the traditional stuffed turkey to desserts such as panetón and mazamorra morada, Christmas food in Lima is a delicious experience for the palate.

In addition, Lima organises various cultural activities and Christmas festivals. You can attend carol concerts, Christmas choirs and Christmas-themed theatrical performances. There are also craft fairs and Christmas markets where you can find unique gifts and decorations for your home.

During New Year's Eve, the Santo Domingo Convent in Lima becomes a must-see destination. This historic convent, located in the heart of the historic centre of the city, offers a unique experience full of tradition, culture and spirituality.

In December you can visit the interior of its ancient stone walls and its spacious cloisters during the New Year's Eve masses. At the same time, you can opt for guided tours that allow you to explore and discover the monastic life of yesteryear.

Inside the convent you will find the Basilica of Santo Domingo, an architectural jewel that houses important works of religious art. There you will find the magnificent wooden carving of the Virgin of the Rosary, considered the patron saint of Lima, and contemplate the murals that narrate the history of the Dominican order.

During the New Year's Eve festivities, the convent organises special celebrations, such as midnight masses, religious processions and theatrical performances recreating Christmas traditions. In addition, these masses have a short duration of approximately 30 minutes, so they are ideal if you are planning a short stay of at least 2 days in Lima.

If you want to discover Lima's street art, you can't miss the Urban Art Festival in Barranco, one of the Peruvian capital's bohemian neighbourhoods. During the tour you can see how this district has become a living canvas where local and international artists display their talent and creativity.

This event, which transforms the streets of Barranco into open-air galleries, allows you to admire colourful murals, graffiti and large-scale works of urban art. Every corner of the district is transformed into an amazing display of art that tells stories and stirs emotions.

In addition to enjoying art exhibitions, the festival offers a series of complementary activities and events. You can participate in urban art workshops, artist talks, live concerts and street performances. This direct interaction with the artists and the effervescent atmosphere make the festival a vibrant and dynamic experience.

The festival is not only an opportunity to appreciate urban art, but also to discover the unique personality of Barranco. This district has an abundance of bars, restaurants and designer shops, which add to the artistic and bohemian atmosphere. Barranco can be reached by public transport or on Lima's hop-on-hop-off tourist buses.

Closing the year in Lima's Plaza Mayor in December is a unique and exciting experience. This iconic site becomes the epicentre of celebrations, bringing together thousands of people to bid farewell to the year that is ending and welcome the next.

The Plaza Mayor, with its imposing Lima Cathedral and the Government Palace, which you can visit on a guided tour, is adorned with incandescent lights and filled with music, dancing and a festive atmosphere. As midnight approaches, the celebrations intensify and tradition dictates that, at the stroke of midnight, you eat 12 grapes and make a wish for each one.

In addition, during the festivities the sky is lit up with a fireworks display that adds magic and colour to the night, so not only do you get to experience a typical Limean experience but you also get to see a thunderous spectacle under the Peruvian capital's sky.

Attending the Mucho Gusto Gastronomic Festival in December is an unmissable culinary experience for lovers of good food. This festival brings together Peru's best chefs, restaurants and food producers and takes place in various locations around the city.

During the festival, you can sample a wide variety of traditional Peruvian dishes and explore the diversity of local cuisine. From fresh ceviches and causa limeña to anticuchos and delicious desserts, this event is a feast for the senses.

As well as sampling the delicious food, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the country's culture. There you can attend culinary demonstrations, master classes and talks with renowned chefs, where you can discover the techniques and secrets behind the most emblematic dishes of Peruvian cuisine. You can also discover the best gastronomic tours in Lima.

The festive atmosphere of the festival is also worth mentioning. Live music, art exhibitions and interactive activities complement the culinary experience, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Visiting the Magic Water Circuit during its seasonal opening in December is a magical and fascinating experience not to be missed. This attraction, located in the Parque de la Reserva in Lima, becomes a spectacle of lights, water and music that dazzles all visitors.

During the seasonal opening, the Magic Water Circuit is transformed into a true visual feast. The water fountains dance to the rhythm of the music, creating surprising and colourful choreographies. The water jets are synchronised with sparkling lights that illuminate the night sky, creating a choreography that will continue throughout the summer.

This special event also includes the unveiling of new attractions and shows inside the park. You can enjoy video projections, interactive water games and other surprises that will keep you in awe throughout your visit.

During the Christmas season Lima is filled with festive spirit and the city's squares become beautiful settings, especially if you plan to visit the Peruvian capital with children. One of the main attractions are the giant Christmas trees that adorn the squares, providing a perfect photo opportunity for you to capture unforgettable memories.

In the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Lima, a Christmas tree stands out among the colonial architecture of the surrounding buildings. With its bright lights and carefully crafted design, this tree makes a perfect backdrop for your Christmas photographs. You can pose next to it and capture the beauty of the square while enjoying the festive atmosphere that surrounds it.

Another iconic square to be photographed with a giant Christmas tree is the Plaza San Martin, located in the centre of the city. This iconic spot is decked out in lights and colours during the festivities, and its Christmas tree is a real spectacle. Immortalise the moment as you stand next to the tree and capture the majesty of the place and the joy of the season.

I advise you not to miss the Malecón de Miraflores, where you will also find an imposing Christmas tree. There you can take pictures with the tree while enjoying the sea breeze and the charm of this popular tourist area of Lima.

For an experience that will immerse you completely in the festive spirit of the season, you can attend the Festival de la Canción Navideña, which is held every year at the Manuel Ascencio Segura Theatre during the Christmas Gala. This event brings together every year the National Choir and renowned national and international artists.

During the festival, various choirs and soloists from all over the country, both amateur and professional, perform classical and contemporary Christmas-themed songs. You can listen to traditional carols in different musical styles, such as Peruvian folklore or modern arrangements.

In addition to the music, the festival can also offer other complementary activities, such as Christmas fairs where you can find decorations, gifts and culinary delights typical of the season. It is a perfect opportunity to enjoy Peruvian Christmas gastronomy, such as panetón and hot chocolate, even if by that time the summer has already started in Lima.

Visiting the Surquillo Craft Beer Festival in December is an exciting experience for lovers of beer and beer culture. This festival usually brings together outstanding craft breweries from Lima and other regions of the country, offering a wide selection of unique and high quality beers.

During the festival you can taste a variety of craft beers and also get to know one of the most eclectic districts of Lima, as Surquillo combines Peruvian tradition with the modern real estate developments that populated the area, making it an ideal alternative to discover another profile of the capital, even if you have planned a short stay of about 3 days in Lima or less.

Besides enjoying the beer, this festival will offer you a festive and lively atmosphere. There will be live music, food trucks with delicious food options to pair with beer and interactive activities related to the world of beer.

One of the best experiences you can have in Lima in December is to experience the New Year's Eve party on the Malecón de Miraflores, which is the meeting place for all the locals. There you can have your photo taken with the festive lights and eve decorations, attend a fireworks display and listen to live concert performers.

The party, which starts after dinner, features a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages. In addition to music and fireworks, it offers proposals that fill the atmosphere with festive energy, from jugglers' shows to street performers' performances, in an activity as traditional in Peru as visiting Machu Picchu in Cusco or the Huacachina Oasis.

One of the most anticipated attractions is the countdown to the start of the new year. Together with thousands of people, you can join the final countdown as the sky lights up with a fireworks display to mark the beginning of a new chapter.

In December, temperatures in Lima are usually warm and pleasant, offering ideal weather for outdoor activities. During this month, the average temperature ranges between 18° and 24°, which creates a pleasant and temperate atmosphere.

However, you should be aware that sometimes there may be cloudy or drizzly days, as December is part of the summer season in the region, which is very humid. Therefore, it is advisable to wear light clothing and bring sunscreen to protect you from the sun, as well as an umbrella or mackintosh in case of occasional rain.

In December Lima experiences a significant increase in tourist numbers due to the summer season and school holidays which make this month a popular time to visit the Peruvian capital. In addition, many people choose Lima as a starting point to explore other nearby tourist destinations, such as Cusco and Machu Picchu.

During this month you can enjoy Lima's beaches, such as the Costa Verde, which offer a refreshing escape from the summer heat. In addition, the city hosts special events, such as cultural festivals, open-air concerts and Christmas celebrations, which attract both tourists and local residents.

Prices in Lima in December can vary depending on the type of goods or services you are looking for. It is important to bear in mind that this month coincides with the peak tourist season in the city, which may result in a slight increase in prices for accommodation, flights and tourist activities.

In addition, December is also a month of celebrations and festivities, which may influence restaurant prices, especially those offering special menus for the holidays. However, Lima has a wide gastronomic offer to suit all budgets, from street stalls to internationally renowned restaurants.

In terms of shopping, December is a month when you can find discounts and special promotions, as many shops take advantage of the holiday season to offer attractive deals. In addition, it tends to be a cheaper month than if you decide to visit Lima in January.

Lima in December can be very hot, but at night it can get cooler in the city and it is also a rainy season, so I suggest you pack the following in your suitcase:

• Waterproof jacket
• Lightweight T-shirts
• Lightweight trousers
• Comfortable shoes
• Light jacket
• Beach shoes
• Rain jacket
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Swimming costume
• Sun hat