Tips For A Merry Christmas in Buenos Aires
When we hear the word “Christmas,” we think of sparkling lights, decorative Christmas trees, the green and red colour combination and Christmas music everywhere. If this is your image of Christmas then get ready to be surprised by Christmas in Buenos Aires!
Christmas Lights in Buenos Aires / Source
Lights, Camera: Buenos Aires!
First, picture your typical Christmas atmosphere, and then add about 40 degrees. This is because Buenos Aires in December becomes an urban savannah, with very high temperatures and sunshine almost every day. So don’t forget to hydrate and keep the sunscreen in your pocket! We recommend spending your time in the parks of Recoleta and Palermo. Here you can ride a bike, rollerblade, picnic or just relax, sunbathing on the grass, like any good Porteño!
Another great option is a special Christmas edition photography city tour with Foto Ruta. Book the Street Scape photography tour and spend an afternoon exploring the city landscapes with a professional photographer. Take your camera and your imagination and record the streets of Buenos Aires, enjoying a glass of bubbly at the end. Departure dates: 24th, 25th and 31st of December, and 1st of January.
If you’re not a fan of the urban heat, our advice is to take a boat trip on the Rio de la Plata, exploring Paraná Delta and Tigre, and visiting the fascinating Temaiken Biopark, an eco-friendly ecological park that protects and preserves many different species of wildlife.
Christmas Shopping in Buenos Aires
If you’ve made it this far without buying gifts and souvenirs for the festive season, then we suggest swinging by Galerias Pacifico (a shopping mall full of big brands and beautiful Christmas decorations) and Alto Palermo Shopping Mall (in the city’s trendiest zone, guaranteed to be open for most of the Christmas season). For those looking for something a bit cheaper: Villa Crespo’s concentration of outlets are excellent value.
But don’t forget: on the 25th of December and 1st of January, almost all businesses are closed, including the exchange offices. So our tip: change your money before then!
Christmas decoration in Galerias Pacifico / Source
Transportation During the Holidays
Depending on what country you’re from, chances are taxis are relatively cheaper than back home, making this a good option. If you’re on a budget, the subway is cheap, and simple and practical to use. It is worth mentioning that on holidays, public transport and taxis tend to decrease in frequency. Our tip is to book a Christmas program that includes transfers, such as a special Christmas Eve tango show that offers not only a complete dinner washed down with wine, a spectacular show and party, but also a carefree return trip to your hotel!
It is always good to remember that many porteños leave the city during this period, meaning the metropolis is much emptier and the operation of many establishments may not be regular. Booking things in advance will provide you more security making sure you can relax during your trip.
How to Choose Your Christmas Party
For those who believe that the night is when the fun begins, there is a Buenos Aires Pub Crawl Christmas Special, with a White Party theme. This takes place on the 19th of December. On this night, dress up in white, and meet fellow travellers and party-goers as you visit three different bars in Palermo Soho, ending the night at Brook nightclub, with new friends and muy buena onda (seriously good vibes).
If you travel to make the most of the local culture, then take advantage of being in the world capital of tango and visit one of the famous tango houses in Buenos Aires. Tango shows are a must-do for tourists. Plus, on December 24, the most traditional and authentic tango houses open their doors for a special Christmas Eve tango show. Make no mistake, there are tango shows of all kinds: the most authentic (La Ventana and Piazzolla Tango) and the more modern (Madero Tango and Señor Tango) – your only difficulty will be choosing which one to attend!
Our tip is to combine the two great loves of Buenos Aires in one night: tango and wine! If you book a Christmas Eve Tango Show, we’ll give you a wine tasting at the prestigious and cool Lo Joaquin Alberdi Vinoteca.
So there you have it! Armed with these tips, you are now ready to spend a wonderful Christmas in Buenos Aires and get to know the best of Argentine culture!
Written by: Thalles Santos
Translated by: Nicole Eberhard
Nicole Eberhard
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