Christmas in Chile

The holiday season in Chile offers a unique blend of festive traditions and summer warmth. For expats and digital nomads experiencing their first Christmas and New Year's in Chile, the celebrations are a vibrant mix of local culture and familiar holiday cheer, all set against the backdrop of the Southern Hemisphere's sunny skies.

Christmas and New Year's Traditions in Chile

In Chile, Christmas is a time of family gatherings, heartfelt celebrations, and a fusion of religious customs with local festivities. As the country is predominantly Catholic, the religious aspect of the holiday plays a significant role. People often attend 'Misa de Gallo' or Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, with churches across the country holding services to mark the occasion. Christmas Day is typically more relaxed, with families spending time together, enjoying a leisurely day often accompanied by a festive lunch or dinner.

Celebrating the Holidays

Chileans celebrate the holidays with gusto. Homes are decorated with 'Pascueros' (Christmas trees) and 'Viejo Pascuero' (Father Christmas) is a beloved figure among children, who eagerly await his arrival. In the lead-up to Christmas, families and friends exchange gifts, with a focus on thoughtful presents that convey affection and appreciation. Traditional gifts include handicrafts, books, and items that reflect the recipient's interests.

Festive Events and Decorations

The weeks leading up to Christmas are filled with festive events, including Christmas markets, parades, and concerts. Notable for their holiday spirit are the neighborhoods of Vitacura and Providencia in Santiago, where streets are adorned with twinkling lights and decorations. The 'Feria de Navidad de Vitacura' is a popular market where artisans sell handmade gifts and decorations, while Providencia hosts a variety of cultural events that add to the holiday atmosphere.

Traditional Foods and Desserts

Food is central to Chilean holiday celebrations, with an array of traditional dishes gracing the table. Christmas Eve might feature a dinner of 'pollo arvejado' (chicken stew with peas), 'pavo' (turkey), or 'cordero' (lamb), accompanied by 'ensalada chilena' (Chilean salad) and 'pan de Pascua', a rich fruitcake similar to European Christmas cakes. For dessert, 'colación' (a mix of nuts and dried fruits) and 'manjar' (a sweet caramel spread) are favorites. New Year's Eve is often celebrated with a barbecue or 'asado', and at midnight, families toast with 'champagne' or 'espumante' (sparkling wine) and eat 12 grapes for good luck in the coming year.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Christmas Eve, known as 'Nochebuena', is the main event of the holiday season. Families gather for a large dinner, often not starting until late in the evening, and celebrations can last well into the night. After opening gifts, many attend Midnight Mass to commemorate the birth of Jesus. Christmas Day is more subdued, with people enjoying the company of family and friends, often indulging in leftovers from the night before or heading to the beach to take advantage of the summer weather.

Church Attendance

Church attendance spikes during the holiday season, with many Chileans participating in religious services. Midnight Mass is particularly popular, and churches are filled with congregants celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. In smaller towns and villages, the sense of community is even more pronounced, with virtually the entire population coming together to observe the holiday traditions.

As the holiday season unfolds in Chile, expats and digital nomads will find themselves immersed in a festive atmosphere that combines the warmth of Chilean hospitality with the joy of summer. From the bustling Christmas markets to the serene Midnight Mass, and from the lively family barbecues to the tranquil beach outings, the holidays in Chile are a time of celebration, reflection, and togetherness. Whether you're savoring a slice of pan de Pascua or toasting the New Year with a glass of espumante, the memories made during this special time are sure to be cherished for years to come.