Cusco Christmas Market

About

The Cusco Christmas Market transforms the historic Plaza de Armas into a magical holiday wonderland filled with traditional Peruvian crafts, festive decorations, and local holiday treats. Set against the backdrop of stunning colonial architecture at 11,000 feet elevation, this market offers families an authentic Andean Christmas experience with handmade nativity scenes (retablos), colorful textiles, and live music. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to Peruvian holiday traditions while shopping for unique gifts and enjoying the festive atmosphere of one of South America's most beautiful cities.

What to Expect

Families will find rows of wooden stalls decorated with lights and garlands, showcasing local artisans selling handwoven alpaca goods, traditional Christmas ornaments, ceramic figurines, and elaborate nativity scenes. The atmosphere is lively with Andean musicians playing panflutes and guitars, street performers, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts and traditional Peruvian holiday foods filling the air. Children will be captivated by the colorful displays, especially the intricate handcrafted items and the festive decorations that blend Peruvian and Spanish Christmas traditions. Expect crowds during evenings and weekends, and be prepared for the high altitude with frequent rest breaks.

Highlights for Kids

• Watching artisans demonstrate traditional crafts like weaving and pottery-making at their stalls
• Seeing elaborately detailed nativity scenes (retablos) with Andean characters like llamas and alpacas alongside traditional figures
• Listening to live Andean music performances with unique instruments like panflutes, charangos, and drums
• Trying sweet holiday treats like turrón de Doña Pepa and chocolate caliente (Peruvian hot chocolate)
• Shopping for colorful alpaca wool items including soft stuffed animals, hats, and scarves that make perfect souvenirs

Pro Tips for Families

1. Arrive already acclimated to Cusco's high altitude - spend at least 1-2 days adjusting before visiting the market, stay hydrated, and carry coca candies to help prevent altitude sickness in kids
2. Visit on weekday evenings (around 6-7 PM) when the market lights are magical but crowds are smaller than weekends; bring layers as temperatures drop significantly after sunset
3. Keep small bills (soles) handy for purchases as vendors rarely accept cards or large denominations, and bargaining is expected - make it a fun cultural learning experience for older kids
4. Use the market as a teaching opportunity about Peruvian culture by explaining the significance of traditional items like the Santurantikuy figures and Three Kings traditions celebrated on January 6th

Best Time to Visit

Weekday evenings between 6:00-8:00 PM offer the best experience with beautiful lighting and manageable crowds. The market peaks on weekends, especially the weeks leading up to December 24th when locals do their Christmas shopping during the traditional Santurantikuy market day. Early December visits provide a more relaxed experience, while mid-to-late December offers maximum festive energy but larger crowds.

Food & Drinks

The market offers numerous food stalls serving Peruvian holiday specialties including anticuchos (grilled meat skewers), picarones (sweet potato doughnuts with syrup), tamales, and roasted chestnuts. Kids typically enjoy the sweet options like churros, mazamorra morada (purple corn pudding), and emoliente (warm herbal drink). Hot chocolate made with Peruvian cacao is a must-try and widely available. Be cautious with street food if your children have sensitive stomachs - stick to thoroughly cooked items and bottled beverages. Many restaurants surrounding the plaza offer familiar options if kids need a break from market food.

Parking & Access

The Plaza de Armas is located in Cusco's pedestrian-friendly historic center where most vehicles are restricted. Taxis and Uber can drop you at the plaza edges (agree on fare beforehand with taxis). Most visitors walk from nearby hotels in the Centro Histórico, which is the most practical approach. Strollers are not recommended due to cobblestone streets, crowds, and multiple vendor stalls creating narrow pathways - baby carriers or toddler carriers work much better. The plaza itself is flat, but surrounding streets have steep inclines typical of Cusco. Consider this a walking destination and arrange accommodation within the historic center if possible.