Christmas Vacation in Patagonia? And with a Multigenerational and Big Family 

Now that you have decided to spend Christmas vacation in Patagonia, take these into account:

• When to travel: Make sure you book in advance all services and accommodations. The best is to arrive in Patagonia around 20th December so you can settle and enjoy markets and other local feasts on their last days.

• Where to spend Christmas Eve dinner: If you’re planning on spending Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve in a restaurant, make sure to reserve in advance and check availability. Talk with any of our travel advisors; they always have up-to-date recommendations. Contact them.

• What is the weather like in December in Patagonia: Like in the rest of Argentina and Chile, it is summer for us. However, Patagonia always remains chilly, especially at night. You may not find snow, but we are talking about the coldest regions in the Southern Hemisphere. Check out our Patagonia Travel Guide.

• What to do: We are talking about Patagonia, so outdoor activities are on the menu at any destination you choose. The most popular in Patagonia Argentina are El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chaltén and Laguna de los Tres hiking trail, Bariloche and the Lake District. In Chilean Patagonia: Torres del Paine National Park. Check ou this article in Conde Nast Traveler, “A Begginers’ Guide to Patagonia National Parks” and learn about National Parks in Argentina and Chile.

Analía, one of our travel experts at Say Hueque, who lives in California with her family, shares the story of her last Christmas vacation in Patagonia. She traveled with her husband and 10-year-old daughter to visit her parents living in Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina. 

They met with the rest of the family (18 in total!) in an unforgettable and multigenerational gathering! With her three sisters and their families, with kids ranging from 17 to 30 years old, “plus two boyfriends,” says Analía, and her parents, both in their 80s, traveled to Peyehue in Patagonia, Chile to spend Christmas Eve.

We traveled to Bariloche in December 2024 to visit my family (my parents live there) from California, and had planned a family reunion- Xmas time in Puyehue.

We chose Bariloche because of my family- older parents live there so it is (at least) once a year trip for us. But the last Xmas was special because we all crossed the Andes by car and spent 4 great days in the hot springs of the Puyehue area!  

We traveled with my husband and my then 10 years old daughter. The rest of the group was  a multi generational team 🙂 My parents are 80+ and my 3 sisters  and their husbands & kids ( all within 17-30) +  2 boyfriends. 

Total 18 🙂

The most fun part was sharing Christmas dinner in another country and spending time together in the hot springs!

Both destinations are highly recommended for all ages, from families with babies to older adults.

While staying at an all-inclusive hotel called Puyehue, all meals and drinks were included, which made it much easier for everyone to choose without having to cook during the days there. 

In Bariloche, we stayed in cabins, each family on its own, which also gave us a bit of independence while still allowing us to share good moments together 🙂.

NH Bariloche Edelweiss

From the NH Edelweiss Hotel, you can experience downtown Bariloche, its iconic Centro Cívico, and Nahuel Huapi Lake just a few minutes’ walk away.

NH Edelweiss Hotel is one of our preferred hotels because of its internationally recognized commitment to environmental sustainability.

Kenton Palace

At Kenton Palace, the hotel strives to provide a service of excellence and high quality, while remaining fully committed to society and the preservation of natural resources.

It actively works to reduce the environmental impact of all service-related activities, whether directly or indirectly linked to the hotel, and also encourages third parties to adopt the same responsible and sustainable approach.

In this case, we spent Christmas Eve in Puyehue and New Year’s Eve in Bariloche. However, we have previously been to Bariloche for Christmas. For me, the most important thing is being able to spend Christmas with family… 

Bariloche is beautiful because it’s not as hot as other destinations in Argentina. The city always has Christmas decorations in the Civic Center and a beautiful tree that lights up at night in front of the lake. 

If I had to suggest something, I’d say try not to “move” from one side of the Andes to the other on December 24th or 25th because the crossing is long, and the customs process can take longer than usual. So, spend Christmas on one side and New Year’s on the other, or vice versa.

First, the weather changes! California is in the middle of winter, although where I live (in the Los Angeles area), it’s not as cold, and we don’t get snow like in other parts of the USA. But the big difference is that people gather with family time and time again.

The parties last until after midnight in Argentina-Chile, while in California, we all go to bed earlier. There’s less decoration in Patagonia, but the “natural decoration” is so beautiful that with those mountains and lakes, plus the family table, nothing else is needed :).

I would suggest trying to travel a few days before Christmas, even though it’s not ideal with the school calendar, and returning a few days later to avoid the craziness of December 20-22 🙂. 

Explore the possibility of having a “summer” Christmas or spending it by the pool! It’s super fun to change hemispheres (if you’re in the northern hemisphere!) to experience the beautiful destinations of our Patagonia. Whether it’s lakes, glaciers, or mountains, enjoy quality time with your family wherever you are 🙂.

Day 1: Arrival in Patagonia (Pre-Christmas)

• Destination: Arrive at Puyehue, Chile 🇨🇱
  
• Accommodation: Stay at the all-inclusive Puyehue Hotel, where all meals and drinks are included 🍽️.
  
• Activities: Unwind and enjoy the resort’s amenities. Relax in the hot springs with your family to soak in the beauty and connect before Christmas 🎄.
  
• Tip: Arriving a few days before Christmas helps you avoid the December 20-22 rush.
  

Day 2: Christmas Eve in Puyehue

• Activities: Enjoy a traditional Christmas Eve dinner with your loved ones 🍽️. The all-inclusive setup takes the stress out of meal planning.
  
• Dinner: Celebrate with a festive Christmas Eve dinner, making memories with your family in a beautiful setting.
  
• Tip: If you’re coming from the northern hemisphere, enjoy the novelty of a “summer” Christmas while exploring Patagonia’s breathtaking landscapes 🌄.
  

Day 3: Christmas Day at Puyehue

• Activities: Enjoy a laid-back day, hiking, and relaxing amidst the stunning scenery 🌿. Explore nearby trails and embrace the peaceful Patagonia vibe.
  
• Evening: Gather by the pool or the Christmas tree 🎄, appreciating the tranquility and the beauty of Patagonia’s natural holiday charm.
  

Day 4: Journey to Bariloche (Post-Christmas)

• Destination: Head from Puyehue to Bariloche 🛣️ (keep in mind the possible customs delays when crossing the Andes on December 24-25).
  
• Accommodation: Settle into cozy cabins 🏡, perfect for spending quality family time together.
  
• Activities: Explore the charming town of Bariloche, known for its scenic beauty and festive decorations in the Civic Center 🎅🎄.
  
• Christmas Tree: Don’t miss the stunning Christmas tree by the lake, which lights up beautifully at night.
  

Day 5: New Year’s Eve in Bariloche

• Activities: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with your family in Bariloche, surrounded by the serene atmosphere of the lake and mountains. Reflect on the year and celebrate together in this picturesque setting.
  
• New Year’s Dinner: Enjoy a festive dinner 🥂, either at a local restaurant or in the comfort of your cabin, savoring traditional Argentine and Chilean cuisine.
  
• Tip: Embrace Patagonia’s slower pace—while Argentina and Chile celebrate late into the night, those from the northern hemisphere may prefer an earlier rest 🌙💤.
  

Day 6: Explore the Wonders of Patagonia

• Activities: Explore Patagonia’s natural beauty, from its pristine lakes to majestic mountains. Perfect for family adventures.
  
• Suggestions:
  
  • Discover the Circuito Chico in Bariloche for postcard-perfect views 📸.
    
  • Visit the iconic Hotel Llao Llao for a cozy tea time ☕ in the beautiful gallery.
    
  • Check out the craft market of Colonia Suiza, a charming lakeside village.
    
• Tip: Patagonia’s natural “decoration” speaks for itself—majestic mountains and lakes provide the perfect backdrop for your Christmas getaway.
  

Day 7: Your Last Day in Patagonia

• Activities: Spend your final day in Patagonia soaking in the tranquility 🧘‍♀️. Whether you’re relaxing by the lake or enjoying a final mountain walk, make sure to cherish these precious moments ⏳ before you leave.
  
• Tip: Consider staying a few extra days after New Year’s to avoid the rush and enjoy some more peaceful family time 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦.
  

• Travel Tip: To avoid long customs waits on December 24th and 25th, consider spending Christmas in one location and New Year’s in another, or vice versa.
  
• Climate Difference: Experience a summer Christmas if you’re traveling from the northern hemisphere! Patagonia offers a unique chance to celebrate under a different sky.
  

Family Fun: Above all, Christmas is about family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦. Whether you’re by the pool, near the lakes, or in the mountains, make sure to savor every moment spent together ❤️.

December marks the beginning of summer in Argentina, especially in the southern regions like Patagonia. The temperatures can vary, with the northern parts experiencing warmer weather, while in Patagonia, it’s milder but still cool at times, particularly in the evenings. Be prepared for some unpredictable weather, but overall, it’s a great time to explore the outdoors!

Argentina celebrates Christmas in a uniquely vibrant way. Since it falls in the middle of summer, festive meals are often enjoyed outdoors, with asados (barbecues) being a central tradition. People gather with family and friends, and fireworks light up the sky at midnight. It’s also common to exchange gifts and enjoy the warmth of the season with loved ones.

While Christmas falls during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, it’s not common to have snow at this time of year in most places. However, if you’re dreaming of a snowy Christmas, head to the higher altitudes in Patagonia or the Andes Mountains, where snow can be found at higher elevations even during the summer months.

Christmas in Chile is also a wonderful time to explore! Like Argentina, it’s summer, so you can expect warm weather, perfect for outdoor adventures. Visit the coastal cities for beautiful beaches or head to the Andes for some mountain exploration. It’s a great time to experience the beauty of Chile’s diverse landscapes.

Celebrating Christmas during summer in Argentina and Chile offers a fresh and vibrant twist to traditional holiday customs. Instead of cozying up by a fire, you’ll likely find yourself enjoying outdoor meals, swimming, and spending time with friends and family in the sun. It’s a truly unique way to celebrate the holiday season!

December in Patagonia is perfect for outdoor activities! The weather is mild, making it ideal for trekking, wildlife watching, and exploring national parks like Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares. You can also visit glaciers like Perito Moreno, enjoy the serene beauty of the Lake District, or go kayaking in the stunning turquoise waters. December is also a great time to enjoy Patagonia’s long days!

The best time to visit Patagonia is during the spring and summer months, from October to April, when the weather is milder and the days are longer. December to February is the peak season for outdoor activities, so if you want to make the most of Patagonia’s beautiful trails, lakes, and wildlife, these months are ideal.

Need help planning your trip? Contact one of our travel experts.