Will you be spending the holiday season in Buenos Aires this year? Visitors to the city during Christmas And New Year’s will discover that the holidays tend to be a family affair, and the city will be surprisingly calm on December 25 and January 1. Many Porteños travel to be with their families in other Argentine cities, or they take off for vacations in Uruguay or Brazil, which means you can enjoy the charms of Buenos Aires but with fewer people!

In Argentina, families gather to celebrate Christmas with a big meal on the evening of the 24th. Public transportation and taxis become scarce as midnight approaches on Christmas Eve. Keep in mind that the vast majority of businesses in Buenos Aires will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and transportation options will be limited. New Year’s Eve generally includes family celebrations as well, although there are street parties scattered throughout the city.

An excellent way to spend Christmas or New Year’s in Buenos Aires is at one of the many tango shows on offer for the holidays. Aside from providing top-notch dining experiences and special tango performances, these tango shows offer a very festive atmosphere complete with midnight champagne toasts and live music or DJs. In addition, guests can take advantage of shuttle transfers directly between the show and their hotel, which eliminates worries about trying to catch one of the few taxis or buses on duty. Although tickets to these exclusive Tango Shows may seem like a bit of a splurge, when you consider that your meal, entertainment and transportation are all included in the price, a Buenos Aires tango show at Christmas or New Year’s Eve is truly a great deal and an unforgettable addition to your stay.

For those of you who are on a more limited budget or are interested in other options, here are some other ideas for enjoyable activities in Buenos Aires at the holidays:

Catch the fireworks
At midnight on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, Buenos Aires comes alive with the sights and sounds of fireworks and firecrackers all over the city. Sit back and take in the spectacle!

Explore Buenos Aires on foot
Take in the architecture and the sights in barrios such as San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Palermo, Recoleta, or Las Cañitas. The city will be rather empty on Christmas Day, so you’re free to wander through the normally hectic and busy streets of Buenos Aires with almost no traffic or people.

Dine out at a fine restaurant
Be sure to make dining reservations well in advance, as many restaurants will be closed and those that are open will fill up quickly. Expect to pay a premium for a classy meal on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve.

Just relax
Visit one of Buenos Aires many parks or plazas, relax, and enjoy a bit of the summer sun. Scope out a café or bar in the evening, and grab a drink and/or listen to some live music. Look for a peña, a small bar or club that offers traditional Argentine folk music.

Party at pubs and clubs
Many dance clubs and bars in the Palermo and San Telmo neighborhoods offer New Year’S Eve Parties where you can celebrate until dawn.