Top 5 Aruba Holiday Celebrations and Traditions for 2025

Forget winter. In Aruba, December feels like sunshine wrapped in celebration.

If you’re thinking about spending the holidays in a private villa, champagne in hand and toes in the sand… this is your guide. Here’s everything happening in Aruba this season, curated by Lucha.

November: The Island Warms Up

Sinterklaas Arrival (Mid-November)

The official beginning of Aruba’s holiday spirit.

Sinterklaas sails into Oranjestad on a grand steamboat while families line up along the harbor.

Children leave shoes out for treats. Adults pretend they’re not doing the same.

Start of Carnival Season

Music, queens, feathers, drums.

After Halloween, Carnival groups begin their coronations and early shows.

You’ll feel the rhythm of Carnival long before January’s big parades.

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December Highlights

Winter Wonderland Christmas Market (Dec 1–23)

Renaissance Marketplace transforms into Aruba’s version of a Hallmark movie.

Giant Christmas tree. Local treats like pastechi and poffertjes.

Ponche Crema in every flavor.

And yes… a real ice rink on a Caribbean island.

Perfect for an evening stroll before heading back to your private pool.

Kerstboomlandia – Christmas Tree Land

If you love real pine scent, this is your paradise.

Aruba flies in hundreds of fresh trees every December.

Walk through the tent, breathe, choose your favorite, and pretend it’s winter for five minutes.

Cas di Lus (House of Lights.)

Traffic circles glow with thousands of lights.

Neighborhoods compete with displays, especially Seroe Preto in San Nicolas.

Grab a car, play your favorite holiday playlist, and enjoy the island illuminated.

Holiday Markets & Local Festivals

Cadushi Festival – Sustainable local crafts, art, food.

Dande Festival – Traditional New Year’s songs and blessings.

Sunday Holiday Brunches – Lobster mac, bottomless mimosas, upscale vibes.

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Christmas Traditions in Aruba

Three Gift-Giving Days

Aruba celebrates:

– Sinterklaas on Dec 5

– Christmas on Dec 25

– Three Kings’ Day on Jan 6

It’s the season of ayaca, Christmas ham, cashupete (cashew cake), and late-night family gatherings.

Holiday Music All Over the Island

Gaita bands perform in malls and restaurants.

After Christmas, Dande groups travel house-to-house singing blessings for the New Year.

You’ll hear the island’s heartbeat through music.

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New Year’s Eve in Aruba

Pagara Firecrackers

Long red carpets of firecrackers that last up to 30 minutes.

The biggest one? Renaissance Aruba.

Millions of firecrackers stretching across the boulevard.

A New Year tradition you must see at least once in your life.

Fireworks at Midnight

Palm Beach explodes with color.

The Marriott and Ritz-Carlton host the most impressive display.

Watch from the sand, water, or the terrace of your villa.

All three feel magical.

New Year’s Day Plunge (Jan 1)

Moomba Beach. Zumba warm-up.

Then everyone runs into the turquoise water at noon.

A perfect reset for the year ahead.

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Celebrate the Holidays the Lucha Way

A private villa. Your own saltwater pool.

Outdoor dining under the stars.

A high-end kitchen ready for your private chef.

Grill nights by the pool.

A clean, elegant home where you can relax, reset, and celebrate in style. And of course…

VIP Services Crafted for Your Comfort

– Private chef

– Luxury car rental

– Grocery stocking

– Yacht tours

– In-house massages

– Full holiday decoration for your villa

– Anything you need, before, during, and after your stay

This is why Lucha is one of Aruba’s top luxury vacation rental management brands.

Holiday 2025 Promo Code: PROMOCODE10OFF

Use it when booking through: www.luchaaruba.com