Puerto Rico December |

Why Choose December

December is an excellent time for a Puerto Rico family holiday. The weather is generally warm and comfortable, with plenty of sunshine for beach days, sightseeing and outdoor adventures. It is a welcome change from the colder, darker days in the UK, while the island’s lively Christmas traditions add an extra sense of occasion.

Families can enjoy daytime temperatures that are ideal for exploring without feeling too hot. The main tourist areas are well equipped for visitors, with a good choice of family-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities. If you are planning to travel during the Christmas and New Year period, booking flights and accommodation early is sensible, as this is one of Puerto Rico’s busiest times.

Caribbean Holidays, Puerto Rico December, A colourful Puerto Rican Christmas street decorated with lights, lanterns and festive details, with local families walking through the evening scene

Christmas Island Traditions

Puerto Rico takes Christmas seriously, and the celebrations often continue well beyond 25 December. In San Juan, historic streets can be lit with festive decorations, music and colourful displays. You may hear lively aguinaldo songs, see families gathering for long meals and find a warm, sociable atmosphere wherever you go.

Try local festive food such as roast pork, rice with pigeon peas and pasteles, a traditional dish wrapped in banana leaves. Children will enjoy the parades and decorations, while adults can appreciate the mixture of Spanish, Caribbean and American influences. A December family holiday here feels different from a standard beach escape, with plenty of local character to discover.

Caribbean Holidays, Puerto Rico December, A family exploring the colourful colonial streets of Old San Juan in daylight, with pastel buildings, balconies and historic fortifications

Things To Do Together

Old San Juan is a great starting point for families. Wander through its cobbled streets, admire the bright colonial buildings and visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the impressive fort overlooking the Atlantic. The open spaces and sea views make it easy to combine history with time outdoors, and children often enjoy imagining the fort’s adventurous past.

For a change of pace, head to El Yunque National Forest, where marked trails lead through lush rainforest. Choose a manageable walk to a waterfall or viewpoint, and keep an eye out for colourful birds and tropical plants. Families can also enjoy kayaking, boat trips and calm-water beaches around the coast, with options to suit younger children and more confident swimmers.

Caribbean Holidays, Puerto Rico December, A family relaxing on a beautiful Puerto Rican beach at sunset, with gentle waves, palm trees and warm evening light

Easy Family Beach Days

Puerto Rico has beaches for different types of holiday. Condado and Isla Verde are convenient for families who want restaurants and facilities close by, while Luquillo is known for its broad sandy beach and relaxed atmosphere. The island’s clear water is inviting, but always check local conditions and follow advice from lifeguards.

After a morning in the sea, settle under a palm tree with a cold drink or enjoy a simple lunch from a nearby kiosk. December evenings are often pleasant enough for a stroll along the shore, and the combination of warm weather, friendly people and varied activities makes Puerto Rico a particularly rewarding choice for a family Caribbean holiday.