Christmas in San Sebastian

Discovery of Puerto Rico Day - Public Holiday

Public holiday commemorating the discovery of Puerto Rico. Government offices and many businesses will be closed or have reduced hours.

Source: Departamento de Educación de PR

Public Sector Day Off (vacation leave)

Public sector employees are granted a day off, usually taken as vacation leave, potentially affecting government services and some businesses.

Thanksgiving Day - Public Holiday

Public holiday. Most businesses, banks, and government offices will be closed. Families gather for meals, marking the unofficial start of the extended Christmas season in Puerto Rico.

Source: Departamento de Educación de PR

Public Sector Day Off (no charge to leave)

Public sector employees are granted a day off without charge to their leave. Expect reduced government services and potential closures for some private businesses.

5k La Caña Navideña

07:00Coliseo Luis Aymat Cardona$35.00

A Christmas-themed 5K race in San Sebastián. Registration costs $30.00 until November 30, and $35.00 until December 20. Shirts for the first 1000 runners and medals for all participants. Prizes for top male and female finishers overall and for top local runners.

Family

Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) - Family Celebration & Potential Closures

Christmas Eve is one of the most important family celebrations in Puerto Rico, often featuring large gatherings, traditional food like lechón asado and pasteles, music, and midnight mass. Many businesses, including shops and restaurants, may close early.

Family

Public Sector Day Off (vacation leave)

Public sector employees are granted a day off, usually taken as vacation leave, potentially affecting government services and some businesses.

Christmas Day - Public Holiday

Public holiday. Most businesses, banks, and government offices will be closed. Families continue celebrations with meals and gifts.

Source: Departamento de Educación de PR

Puerto Rico Christmas Season

16 Nov – 26 DecSan Sebastián and throughout Puerto Rico

The Christmas season in Puerto Rico is one of the longest in the world, beginning after Thanksgiving and extending through mid-January. This period is characterized by decorations, traditional music (parrandas, aguinaldos), family gatherings, and special foods like lechón asado, pasteles, and coquito. Expect general festive atmosphere throughout the island.

Family

Misa de Aguinaldo (Dawn Masses)

16 – 24 DecCatholic Churches in San Sebastiánfree

A traditional religious observance in Puerto Rico, special masses are held at dawn in Catholic churches for nine days leading up to Christmas Day. These services feature traditional Puerto Rican Christmas music like aguinaldos and villancicos.

Free

Christmas Lottery 'Anticipo Navideño' Promotions

1 – 28 NovThroughout Puerto Rico, including sales points in San Sebastián

The Puerto Rico Lottery holds special 'Christmas Advance' promotions and events in various municipalities, recognizing agents and players. This period includes special sales of traditional and electronic lottery tickets, often accompanied by music, games, and prizes. Specific draw dates for a major Christmas lottery are not detailed, but regular draws occur weekly on Thursdays.

Source: Primera Hora

Extended Shopping Hours for Christmas

1 – 26 DecRetail centers in San Sebastián

During the Christmas season, especially from mid-December, shopping centers across Puerto Rico typically extend their operating hours, including Sunday openings, to accommodate holiday shoppers. Specific hours for San Sebastián were not found, but it is a general retail trend. Visitors should check individual store hours.

Source: Curzon Puerto Rico