Christmas and New Year fall in midsummer in Argentina, and both are celebrated at home. On the nights of 24 and 31 December families have a late dinner and toast at midnight, and Buenos Aires goes very quiet. For a visitor this is pleasant to watch and awkward to move around in.
What changes in the city
- Shops close early on the afternoons of 24 and 31 December.
- Public transport runs a reduced service.
- Taxis and app cars are scarce in the hours around midnight.
- 25 December and 1 January are public holidays, and the city starts late.
- Restaurants and hotels that serve dinner on those nights usually require advance booking.
Flights over the holidays
The airports operate all year. In the days before each holiday Ezeiza and Aeroparque handle more passengers, so leave with a margin. On the night itself the roads are almost empty, but finding a vehicle on the spot is hard. If you land or take off then, have the transfer booked with your flight number.
Dinner out and the way back
The weak point of the evening is the return. After the toast everybody looks for a car at once.
- Choose a restaurant near your hotel if you can, and walk back.
- If you rely on a taxi or an app, expect a wait.
- A booked transfer fixes the outward and return times beforehand. Availability on those two nights is limited and confirmed case by case, so ask early.
For a family group, a minivan takes 6–7 passengers and a van 8. Mention child seats when you write.
After Christmas: the road to the beach
Between Christmas and the first days of January, Buenos Aires residents start leaving for the seaside, and the roads to the coast fill up. If you are heading that way, see summer on the Atlantic coast.
Booking for the holidays
Write well ahead with dates, times, the number of people and luggage. The price is per vehicle and is given in your quote before you confirm.