MAKE THE MOST OF CHRISTMAS IN PANAMA
Did you know that Panamá’s Christmas season begins on December 8th with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and continues until January 6th, celebrating Three Kings Day? I’ve experienced firsthand how this vibrant capital city transforms into a dazzling wonderland during the holiday season! With temperatures hovering around 85°F (29°C), Panamá City offers a unique, tropical Christmas experience where trees twinkle with lights and festive markets buzz with energy. This is how to make the most of Christmas in Panamá.
TRADITIONAL PANAMANIAN CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Interestingly, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception coincides with Mother’s Day in Panamá. Unlike many other countries around the world that celebrate Mother’s Day on the first Sunday in May, Panamá celebrates these two holidays together on December 8th, thus, venerating both the mother of Jesus Christ and Panamanian moms. It’s a national holiday and families typically gather for meals and give gifts to honor the woman that gave them life.
The annual Christmas parade down Calle 50 is being hyped as an event unlike anything anyone has ever seen before. Mayor Mizrachi has managed to attract several new companies and sponsors for the 2024 celebration. Gather along with thousands of your Panamanian friends on December 15th to witness the spectacle, La Ciudad de Las Estrellas.
Panamá celebrates Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, with family and feasting. Family members gather together to eat ham, turkey, arroz con guandú, tamales and sip ron ponche. At midnight, it’s not unusual to hear fireworks exploding in the night sky signifying the arrival of Christmas. Many Panamanians attend a “Misa del Gallo,” or Rooster’s Mass, at midnight ushering in Christmas day.
Christmas Day is the culmination of month long processions and parties. Families usually celebrate by attending Christmas mass or sharing with loved ones at home enjoying leftovers or a barbecue. Because Christmas falls during the dry season or “summer” here in Panamá, many people take the opportunity to head to a beach to soak up the sun.
New Year’s Eve celebrations are on point here in Ciudad de Panamá. From Casco Viejo, Cinta Costera and beyond, the skies of Panama City come alive with the colors and sounds of vibrant fireworks welcoming the New Year. In years past muñecos, or effigies meant to represent the old year are burned just after the stroke of midnight.
Three Kings Day, or Dia de los Reyes Magos is commonly celebrated in Latin America. In the Catholic calendar, January 6th is Epiphany. This is said to be the day that the three wise men arrived with gifts for baby Jesus. On the evening of January 5th, it is customary for children to put their shoes outside the front door or under the Christmas tree and leave hay for the camels. The next morning children rush to check their shoes for small gift brought by the three wisemen.
MUST-SEE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS AND DISPLAYS
The Cinta Costera waterfront light display is a real show-stopper that truly has everything. As an expat from the US, where the iconic imagery of Christmas is winter wonderland, I was really amazed by the beauty of a tropical Christmas. Towering Christmas trees, sparkling snowflakes and wishes for a “FELIZ NAVIDAD,” are the perfect backdrop for a magical night downtown with the kids or your special someone.
Parque Urraca is undoubtedly my number one Christmas must-see, located just across the street from Cinta Costera. This park is a next level explosion of millions of icy blue lights hanging from the tree tops. Stroll through the park stopping at tiny, little Christmas stalls serving hot chocolate and local snacks. Enjoy live music and the sweetest holiday vibe as families soak up the festive atmosphere.
Upscale Multiplaza Mall is the most centrally located shopping center in Ciudad de Panama. The Christmas spirit is definitely alive around every corner. They haven’t forgotten anything: with enormous decorated trees, snowball pits, Santa Claus and the spectacular Swarovski Christmas tree in the middle of an ice skating rink.
I really loved seeing a different take on Christmas as I wandered the streets of Casco Viejo–the historic center of Ciudad de Panama. Here, you can lose yourself in cascades of twinkling lights and illuminated butterflies in the colonial plazas: Independencia, Herrera and Bolivar.
Parque Omar is very popular among locals in the San Francisco area of town. This expansive park shines at Christmas time with dripping white lights, illuminated walkways and musical Christmas trees that belt out the classics.
TRADITIONAL PANAMANIAN CHRISTMAS FOOD AND DRINKS
Tamales are corn dough filled with different meats or cheeses and are a very traditional holiday treat. Though they are available throughout the year, tamales are often given to friends and family as a gift because they resemble little gifts wrapped in a banana leaf. Making tamales also brings family members together for important holidays and family events.
Ron Ponche is Panama’s version of eggnog. It’s a mix of evaporated and condensed milks, egg yolks, rum, and nutmeg, garnished with a little sprinkle of cinnamon. This boozy Christmas libation is a sweet and delicious way to keep the Christmas vibe going.
Roasted meats like a smoked ham or pork are the centerpiece of the Christmas table in Panama. Panamanians love a flavored ham with fruity tropical notes like pineapple or guava. Pernil, the unsmoked version of roast pork, is a Christmas staple as well with the savory flavors of mustard and herbs.
Arroz con Guandú, or rice with pigeon peas, is an ever-present side dish on a Panamanian holiday table. This traditional dish is a Caribbean favorite with the flavor of coconut shining through the delicate rice and beans. It’s truly a delicious accompaniment for this most special of meals.
Rosca de Reyes, or Three Kings bread, is a traditional Latin treat that is typically eaten on Epiphany or Three Kings Day, January 6th. This sweet bread symbolizes the story of Joseph and Mary who sought to protect baby Jesus from King Herod. Traditionally the bread has a plastic baby baked into the protective ring of dough covered in dried fruits and a sugary glaze. It’s favorite among children and nostalgic adults.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE
Local malls and shopping plazas will have special extended hours and events during the holiday season. Consult the Instagram accounts of Multiplaza Mall, Albrook Mall and Town Center for closings, special holiday hours, and events for the entire family.
I always love checking out the artisanal markets in Casco Viejo. On weekends check out Plaza de La Independencia for locals selling everything from jewelry to molas. Heading toward Las Bovedas on the coast, you’ll see shops and street vendors selling souvenirs and Panamanian made crafts. There are some really beautiful, quality items that make great gifts for that person who wants something unique. There is also a Mercadito de Noël at the Alianza Francesa on Friday, December 6th from 4-10pm.
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Teatro Nacional de Panama, or National Theater, is a beautiful place to see a Christmas show. This year, the Nutcracker runs from December 4th until December 8th with prices starting at $17.50. This venue is in a word: opulent. Rows of seats covered in red velvet, beautiful light fixtures and golden woodwork make the experience that much more special.
Cathedrals hold services or Christmas masses throughout Ciudad de Panama. Find a place to gather near you and enjoy a new cultural experience commemorating this most important of holy days.
WEATHER AND WHAT TO PACK
Christmas and New Year fall during Panama’s summer, or the dry season. The weather is truly spectacular with mostly clear skies, a little less humidity and the occasional light breeze that comes from the north to cool things down. Like any time of year, you can pack your summer items. Pack breathable clothing for touring, dress-casual for dinners and elegant evening wear if you are planning something special for Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve.
Christmas in Panama City is a magical blend of traditional Latin celebrations and modern festivities, with a unique tropical twist! Whether you’re sampling delicious tamales at a local market, watching spectacular fireworks over the bay, or partying in Casco Viejo, you’re sure to create unforgettable holiday memories. Don’t forget to embrace local traditions and try something new – that’s what makes a Panamanian Christmas truly special. ¡Feliz Navidad!