Christmas Season in Peru: Celebrations Extend to January 6 (Epiphany)

In Peru, the Christmas season does not end on December 25. It continues through January 6—the Feast of the Epiphany (Día de los Reyes Magos / Bajada de Reyes)—when the Three Wise Men are believed to have arrived in Bethlehem.

Key Dates

• Dec 24 (Noche Buena): Main celebration. Family dinner (turkey, tamales, panetón, hot chocolate), midnight Mass (Misa de Gallo), fireworks, gift exchange.
• Dec 25: Leftovers, family visits, relaxed day.
• Jan 6 (Bajada de Reyes / Bajada de los Reyes): "Descent of the Kings." Nativity scenes (nacimientos) are dismantled; the Three Kings figures are "brought down" from the manger. Children leave shoes/grass for camels; receive small gifts.

Regional Traditions

• Andes: Pastorelas (shepherd plays), Huaylías (dances), syncretic Catholic-Andean rituals.
• Coast: Processions, chocolatadas (hot chocolate for poor children).
• Amazon: Riverbank nativities, community feasts.

Cultural Significance

The extended season reflects Peru's deep Catholic roots (90%+ nominal) blended with Indigenous cosmology. The nacimiento (not the tree) is the central symbol. January 6 marks the ritual close—until next Advent.

So in Peru, Christmas lasts 12 days (Dec 25–Jan 6), culminating in the Bajada de Reyes. The tree comes down; the Kings go back in the box; ordinary time resumes.