Puerto Rico is home to the longest holiday season in the world, making it a one-of-a-kind destination for winter travelers. The festivities begin in late November after Thanksgiving and continue through mid-January, reflecting Puerto Rico’s rich cultural heritage, shaped by Spanish, African, and Caribbean traditions in a vibrant season of celebration. Highlights include parrandas (Christmas carols), Three Kings Day on January 6th, and the San Sebastián Street Festival in San Juan, an energetic, days-long event filled with live music, dancing, and local artisans. It’s a season full of community, sunshine, and celebration.
While global artists like Bad Bunny have brought Puerto Rican culture to the world stage, there’s no substitute for experiencing it in person. For travelers looking to trade snow for sunshine and experience a holiday season like no other, Puerto Rico offers warmth, energy, and a deeply rooted sense of community.
Just 22 miles from the San Juan festivities, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve invites guests to experience a calm, luxurious retreat where the island’s spirit is celebrated through thoughtful experiences.
- Dining: COA is one of the main dining experiences at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, serving breakfast and dinner daily. For Puerto Rico’s indigenous Taino people, the “coa” was the tool that allowed them to harvest the land. In reverence to this history, ingredients at COA are sourced seasonally and from local farms and purveyors. This holiday season, COA’s a la carte dinner menu will feature gourmet, seasonal specials, with each dish crafted to bring joy to a Christmas celebration.
- Family Accommodations: Families can create unforgettable memories as children can write letters to Santa and listen to tales of Nochebuena, Christmas Eve in Spanish. Families can also enjoy building gingerbread houses together in a festive setting. After a day full of holiday activities, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers roomy and elegant accommodations for families. From expansive oceanfront suites to private residences, it’s an ideal space for everyone to celebrate the season in comfort and style.
- On-Site Activities: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a variety of programming to discover the heart of Puerto Rican culture. In a Coquito cocktail class, guests can learn to craft the traditional rum-based drink with a modern twist. Coquito, meaning “small coconut” in Spanish, is deeply rooted in Puerto Rican culture. Made during Christmas, families pass down and modify cherished recipes, making it a festive staple across generations. Visitors can also purchase gifts for loved ones at Spa Botánico’s holiday shopping pop-up with unique vendors and complimentary champagne and gift wrapping, or unwind in restorative yoga sessions designed to elevate spirits during the festive season.
