Christmas in Patagonia: 11 Best Things To Do & How To Celebrate

Are you spending Christmas in Patagonia and wondering how to celebrate? Although it might not be a traditional white Christmas, Patagonia is a truly special place to spend the festive season.

How do I know? I spent last Christmas in Patagonia! In fact, I spent 3 weeks travelling on both the Argentinian and Chilean sides, doing as many activities as possible. So read on for everything you need to know about how to celebrate the holidays in Patagonia.

Celebrating Christmas in Patagonia

Christmas in South America is very much a family affair. The celebrations evolve around families coming together for a big meal at home on Christmas eve. But the festivities outside of this are quite minimal compared to what you might be used to in the west.

However, this doesn’t mean you won’t have a wonderful time celebrating Christmas as a visitor in Chile or Argentina. In fact, Christmas in Patagonia may just be your best Christmas yet!

Although it won’t be made up of your typical celebrations, there are so many unique, breathtaking and memorable things to do in Patagonia, which are ideal for the festive season. You will get to see some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes, do some truly bucket-list worthy activities, and indulge in the most delicious food and drinks.

My Christmas celebrations in Patagonia last year involved summiting a mountain, walking on a glacier, swimming with icebergs, and eating some of the best meals of my life!

Plus, December is one of the best times to visit Patagonia. It’s the beginning of the summer season in South America, so the days are warmer and longer, and the weather is more settled. And it’s right before the peak season takes off, so you can also enjoy fewer crowds than in January and February.

Best Things To Do in Patagonia Over Christmas

To make sure you have the best possible festive season, here are the top things to do when celebrating Christmas in Patagonia.

1. Experience The World’s Most Impressive Glacier

One of the biggest attractions in Patagonia is the striking Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park.

This colossal ice formation is the highlight of Patagonia for many travellers, and is considered the world’s most impressive glacier to see. In particular, witnessing the thunderous roar as huge chunks of baby blue ice break off and crash into the icy waters below is both an impressive and humbling experience.

And not only can you appreciate this glacier’s sheer magnitude up close from multiple viewing platforms, you can also walk on it! Booking a minitrekking excursion on Perito Moreno Glacier is a Christmas experience you won’t soon forget!

2. Do One of The World’s Most Beautiful Hikes

If Patagonia is know for one thing above all else, it’s hiking. With some of the most wild and scenic terrain in the whole world, and famous national parks like Torres del Paine in Chile, and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, it really is a hiker’s paradise.

If you’re going on a trip to Patagonia, chances are you’re already planning to do some hiking there. So why not do an epic multi-day hike over Christmas?

Some of the most bucket-list worthy treks to consider doing are the famous W Trek or O Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. And the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre hike in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park.

Tip: make sure to book the W Trek and O Circuit hikes early as there are limited spots available.

Or, if you prefer to relax in comfort over Christmas, that doesn’t mean you have to forego hiking. Instead, plan a stay at Hotel Lago Grey or Hotel Las Torres inside Torres del Paine National Park. Or visit Argentina’s hiking capital, El Chalten, for access to some stunning day hikes with a comfortable hotel to return to at the end of the day.

That is exactly what we did during our Christmas in Patagonia. We actually finished a multi-day hike on Christmas eve, and were originally planning to relax in El Chalten on Christmas day. But the weather was too beautiful so we couldn’t resist going for a day hike, and were rewarded with the most memorable Christmas day I’ve ever had!

3. Wake Up With a View in a Unique Luxury Property

There’s no better time than Christmas to treat yourself to a luxury hotel stay and wake up with a stunning view. And luckily, there are plenty of beautiful and unique properties in Patagonia to do just this!

One of the most spectacular properties to book a luxury stay in is the Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, which offers 5-star amenities and all-inclusive experiences, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Torres del Paine National Park.

Or, for a unique experience combining elegance, history and the celebrity treatment, book a room at the Singular Patagonia Hotel with views of the Patagonian fjords and the Andes mountains in the background.

This fascinating building is steeped in history, which has been preserved through its interior design and architecture. It even has an onsite museum! Plus, you can enjoy a true Patagonian Christmas here, with a traditional meal such as King Crab or Magellan lamb served in their world-class restaurant.

If these are a little more than you were hoping to spend, some other fabulous options for Christmas in Patagonia include the Los Cerros del Chaltén Boutique Hotel in El Chalten, the Río Serrano Hotel + Spa near Torres del Paine, or Cabañas Las Lengas in Puerto Natales.

Alternatively, glamping with a view, going on an eco-lodge tour, or spending a couple of nights in a refugio are also great options for memorable and unique Christmas experiences.

4. Visit a Traditional Estancia

Estancias are ranches which have historically been used to raise cattle or sheep across huge areas of the Patagonian pampas. Operating these ranches is a long-standing tradition in both Chile and Argentina, and the associated Gaucho (cowboy) lifestyle is at the heart of Patagonian culture.

Visiting an Estancia is a quintessential Patagonian experience. Not only do you get a taste of the Gaucho life, but you also get to immerse yourself in local culture, witness spectacular and vast remote landscapes, and enjoy delicious and wholesome farm fresh food.

A day at an Estancia can include a range of activities, such exploring the grounds on horseback, farming demonstrations, and learning about life on the ranch. Plus, you can join the Gauchos for a traditional lamb lunch, which would make a delicious Christmas feast!

There are various Estancia experiences you can book, including Estancia 25 de Mayo, Estancia Nibepo Aike and Estancia Cristina from El Calafate, and Estancia Bonanza from El Chalten in Argentina, or Estancia La Peninsula from Puerto Natales in Chile.

5. Walk With the Penguins

In Patagonia you can expect to see a range of interesting marine and wildlife, including whales, guanacos, flamingos, and the majestic Andean Condor.

But some of the most fun and memorable animals to encounter are the penguins. And not only can you see these cute creatures in their natural habitat, but you can also walk and interact with them!

The most famous place in Patagonia to see penguins is in Punta Tumbo in Argentina’s Northern Patagonia. Here, you will find the world’s largest colony of Magellanic Penguins, with over a million birds in the colony.

Or, if you weren’t planning to travel that far north, there are also some great places to visit penguins in Southern Patagonia. The two best spots are Isla Martillo near Tierra Del Fuego in Argentina, and Isla Magdelena near Puntas Arenas in Chile.

Penguin excursions and cruises run every day, so you can even celebrate Christmas with the penguins!

6. Swim With Icebergs

Ice baths have gained popularity recently due to their numerous health benefits. And cold dips (known as ‘polar bear plunges’) are a Christmas or New Years Day tradition in numerous communities around the world. So, why not take on this challenge while visiting Patagonia?

In fact, the unique thing about taking a cold dip in Patagonia is that you can do it in a glacial lake, sometimes complete with icebergs!

This is how I started off my Christmas in Patagonia. We took a Christmas Eve swim in a majestic iceberg laden bay at Lago Viedma, on the last morning of our multi-day Huemul Circuit hike in Argentina.

Although keep in mind, cold dips do come with risks including, in extreme cases, hypothermia. You should avoid taking a cold plunge if you have a history of cardiac or vascular disease, high blood pressure or are pregnant. And make sure you know how to take a cold plunge safely.

7. Kayak Through Glacial Water

If swimming in the freezing waters is a bit too extreme for you, another way to experience the pristine glacial lakes and see icebergs up close is by kayaking!

There are kayaking tours available in both Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia. The most spectacular of which are kayaking through the Perito Moreno Glacier, at the base of the Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine, or taking a kayak excursion through Tierra del Fuego National Park, which can all be done over Christmas!

8. Feast on a Traditional Lamb BBQ

Due to Gaucho culture, a focus on fresh local ingredients and traditional cooking methods, Asado (barbecue) is the meal most synonymous with Patagonia. And this is no different at Christmas time!

A traditional Patagonian Christmas feast usually comprises grilled local lamb, which is cooked slowly on a Parilla (a grill over an open fire) and served with potatoes, bread and a simple salad. Due to this slow-cooking method, and given Patagonia has some of the best lamb in the world, this is truly a mouthwatering dish!

Although you might not have a family to join for Christmas in Patagonia, you won’t struggle to find a delicious lamb Christmas dinner. Most hotels and restaurants will be catering this as part of their Christmas menu, or you can even visit an Estancia to enjoy a traditional bbq lunch.

I would recommend making restaurant reservations in advance for Christmas dinner. However, if you don’t have reservations it’s still worth trying to get a walk-in table. This is actually what we ended up doing at Christmas and we only ended up having to wait around 20 minutes. Another option is to eat at a bar or brewery, as they also serve excellent food and usually don’t require reservations.

9. Enjoy Local Craft Beer, Wine and Cocktails

In addition to indulging in a traditional Christmas feast, there are also some wonderful wines, beers and cocktails to enjoy in Patagonia.

Both Chile and Argentina are know for their excellent red wines. In particular, Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, and Argentinian Malbec are the most popular. I was also pleasantly surprised to find a lot of local microbreweries in Patagonia, as a cold craft beer is particularly enjoyable after a long day of hiking!

And, if you’re more of a cocktail person, you have to try Chile’s national drink, the Pisco Sour. This refreshing cocktail is sweet, tart and smooth, and makes the perfect apéritif before your meal.

Plus, both Chile and Argentina have their own holiday drinks. In Chile, there’s the ‘Cola de Mono’, which tastes like a cross between a White Russian and eggnog. And in Argentina, the traditional Christmas drink is Ananá Fizz, which is a fizzy alcoholic pineapple drink.

10. Cruise Through The Fjords

Not only is Patagonia full of breathtaking landscapes, it’s also surrounded by dramatic fjords, picturesque islands and plenty of marine life. So, for a truly unique Christmas, why not spend it exploring Patagonia by sea!

One of the best ways to do this is by taking a cruise through the Northern Chilean fjords, with stops in some of Patagonia’s most fascinating places. Across six days, you will get to see the most remote corners of the region, visit colourful Chiloé Island, and pass by tiny villages, huge glaciers, and interesting animals.

Or, if you don’t want to commit to a multi-day cruise, there are also some great day cruises and boat rides which you can do in Patagonia. This is a great way to experience some of the highlights of the Patagonian coast and surrounding islands without taking away from your time exploring on land.

11. Visit The End of The World

Finally, one more unique way to celebrate the holidays in Patagonia is by taking the ultimate adventure to the end of the world. If you will be visiting Ushuaia then this is a must-do activity and it would make for a particularly memorable Christmas day!

From Ushuaia you can journey by boat through the Beagle Channel and explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, where you will see the world’s southern most landscapes, forests, lakes and local wildlife. Plus, take world’s southernmost train ride on the End of The World Train, to see even more of the park.

Not only is the scenery otherworldly down here, but you will get to celebrate Christmas in one of the most unique and remote places on earth.

Christmas in Patagonia FAQs

To help you plan your Christmas festivities in Patagonia, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Is Christmas a good time to visit Patagonia?

Yes, Christmas is one of the best times to visit Patagonia! Not only is it the start to the Patagonian summer, but it’s also just before the high season begins. Therefore, you can enjoy exploring without quite as many crowds as January and February gets.

How do people celebrate Christmas in Patagonia?

Christmas in Patagonia is very much a family affair. In both Chile and Argentina families come together on the evening of December 24th to celebrate with a feast, drinks and music. The festivities usually go late, with champagne toasts and fireworks at midnight. And some families will also attend midnight mass.

What season is it in Patagonia over Christmas?

As Patagonia is in the southern hemisphere, Christmas is at the beginning of the summer.

What’s the weather like in Patagonia in December?

The weather in Patagonia is relatively settled and warm in December, with long days.

Temperatures tend to average around 15°C (59°F) during December. Although when we were there we definitely experienced some slightly cooler evenings, but also some very hot days! In fact, Christmas day reached 30°C (86°F).

However, this is also the time of year when Patagonia’s famous winds are at their strongest. They can reach speeds up to 120 km/h (74 mph)!

Is Patagonia crowded in December?

Patagonia is never overly crowded due to its remote location. In December tourism starts to pick up for the summer season, so it is busier than many other times of year. However, the high season is in January and February.

How many days in Patagonia is enough?

Patagonia is a huge region covering significant parts of Argentina and Chile. As such, there is so much to see and do here! Plus, given how remote it is, it can be quite a journey to get there.

Therefore, I would recommend spending at least 10 days (or more) in Patagonia, to make the most of your trip and see and do as much as possible.

How far in advance do you need to book Christmas in Patagonia?

Certain multi-day activities like the W Trek and O Circuit hikes, and cruises, should book several months in advance. The same applies to stays at popular hotels like the Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa and the Singular Patagonia Hotel.

However, day trips and excursions can often be booked close to the time or even last minute. But, where possible, I would always recommend booking in advance, to make sure you don’t miss out.

Final Thoughts on Christmas in Patagonia

It can be hard to figure out how to celebrate Christmas when traveling abroad. But, fortunately, Patagonia is one place which is full of amazing activities that you can do throughout the holiday season.

Hopefully this list of unique, memorable and fun experiences will help you plan your perfect Christmas in Patagonia. And, although it will be a very different Christmas to what you’re used to, it will definitely be one to remember!

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