December is a special month in Chile, full of traditions, festivities and events that mark the end of the year. In 2025, Chileans will experience a December full of celebrations, cultural activities and a strong connection with their history.
December in Chile is synonymous with the end of the year, family celebrations, summer vacations and, of course, the celebration of Christmas. With the beginning of summer, temperatures in most of the country rise, and cities and towns prepare to welcome tourists and Chileans themselves who take a break before the start of the new year. The end-of-year festivities, in addition to religious celebrations, are an opportunity to enjoy the gastronomy, music and traditions of each region.
In this context, December is also a month of reflection and looking to the future. The country celebrates events that recall key moments in history and strengthens the traditions that have marked Chilean identity.
Religious and cultural festivals
Christmas in Chile:
One of the main celebrations in December is, of course, Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th throughout the country. Christmas in Chile is celebrated with traditions that combine European influences and those of Chilean culture. During this day, families gather to share a special dinner that includes typical dishes such as turkey, potato salad, Easter bread and the famous "sopaipillas". It is common for children to receive gifts from "Viejo Pascuero" (Santa Claus), a tradition that has been strongly adopted in recent years.
In many cities and towns, Christmas is also a time for fairs and cultural events. The "Paseo Navidad" in Santiago, for example, is filled with lights and activities for adults and children alike. The celebration is not limited to December 25, as many families celebrate "Nochebuena" on the night of the 24th, with family gatherings, masses and celebrations around the birth of Jesus.
Religious national holidays:
Although the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th is not of the same magnitude as the National Holiday celebrations in September, it is an important date for Catholics in Chile. This day marks a religious holiday in which many people attend mass to pay homage to the Virgin Mary. In various regions of the country, especially in rural areas, masses and processions are held in honor of this religious figure.
Special events in December 2025
December 2025 will be a month packed with events that reflect the country’s cultural diversity and traditions. Some of the highlights include:
Viña del Mar International Song Festival (December 2025):
Although the Viña del Mar International Song Festival is traditionally held in February, activities involving the local community and tourists are held throughout the month of December. The first weeks of December are the start of preparations for the 2026 edition, with ticket sales, press conferences and announcements about the artists who will participate. In addition, many artists take advantage of this month to give concerts and activities in the city.
Santiago International Book Fair (December 2025):
Throughout the month of December, the Santiago International Book Fair (FILSA) will be held, one of the most important literary events in Chile. During the fair, thousands of books will be exhibited and sold, and there will be conferences, author presentations and literary workshops. FILSA brings together national and international writers and is held in the Bicentennial Park in Cerrillos. It is an excellent opportunity for literature lovers to immerse themselves in a unique cultural experience.
Concerts and music festivals:
Live music is one of the main features of December in Chile. Many cities in the country host national and international artists who take advantage of the summer holidays to tour. Concerts of rock, Latin music, pop, jazz and other genres will take place throughout Chile, with some events such as the aforementioned "Viña del Mar Song Festival" standing out, as well as independent events that emerge in various regions.
Santiago Theatre Festival:
The Santiago Theatre Festival will be held during the first weeks of December, with a wide range of theatre performances that reflect both the best of national theatre and international productions. This festival has established itself as one of the main cultural events in the capital, with a programme that includes works of different genres, from contemporary theatre to children's theatre.
Summer Solstice Celebrations
Chile, being a country located in the southern hemisphere, celebrates the summer solstice around December 21st. This date marks the longest day of the year and the official start of summer in the country. Summer solstice celebrations in Chile are a mix of ancient Mapuche customs and other regional traditions.
In several towns in southern Chile, especially in the Araucanía region, Mapuche ceremonies are held to honor the connection with nature and celebrate the return of the sun. These festivities include dances, music, offerings and rituals to pray for prosperity and health.
In northern Chile, where high temperatures are already present, summer celebrations are an opportunity to enjoy nature and the beaches. The coasts of the Coquimbo region, Valparaíso and the Metropolitan Region, especially, are filled with tourists and locals who enjoy the good weather.
National holidays and rest days
In December, Chile celebrates some important national holidays. These days are not only days of rest, but also offer the opportunity to reflect on the country's history and traditions.
The Day of the Immaculate Conception (December 8):
This day is considered a religious holiday, and is one of the dates that is celebrated with the greatest devotion in the country. The Immaculate Conception is a holiday that honors the Virgin Mary, and is traditional in many regions, especially in rural areas where pilgrimages are made to shrines and chapels.
Christmas (December 25):
December 25 is a national holiday in Chile, and Christmas is a central date in the celebrations. Chilean Christmas is a mix of family, religious and festive traditions, with a strong emphasis on family togetherness. The streets are filled with decorations, lights and Christmas markets, and cities such as Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepción become large centers of festivities.
Summer holidays:
For many Chileans, December marks the start of summer vacations. Families begin to travel north or south of the country, to the coast or the mountains, in search of rest and recreation. The beaches of Viña del Mar, Pichilemu, La Serena, and the Juan Fernandez Islands fill up with tourists and locals in search of sun and fun.
Closing the year and the New Year
December culminates with New Year's celebrations, which are one of the most anticipated holidays in Chile. The night of December 31 is celebrated with dinners, parties and fireworks, especially in cities such as Santiago, Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. In many cities, large fireworks displays are organized, and Chileans celebrate the arrival of the new year with music, dancing and a host of rituals that seek to bring good luck.
December 2025 will be a month to remember in Chile. Between religious festivities, concerts, festivals and summer solstice celebrations, Chileans will have the opportunity to enjoy their rich culture, history and the beauty of their land. It is a month to share with family, to reflect on what has been experienced and to welcome the new year with renewed hope. Without a doubt, December in Chile will be a unique opportunity to experience the traditions and identity of this beautiful country.