Every year, thousands of tourists travel to the Dominican Republic to celebrate Christmas. Not only to experience the holiday season in warmer temperatures and at poolside in an all-inclusive hotel, many also come to visit family and enjoy numerous activities in the major cities. Today we share with you the main attractions that you should undoubtedly visit during your Christmas vacation in Santo Domingo. Ho ho ho!
Celebrating Christmas in the DR is a unique experience!
Dulce es la Navidad, Ágora Mall
This year's theme is "Dulce es la Navidad" or also put: Christmas is sweet! This year you can visit this shopping every day until January 7 to take pictures every day on the ground floor where there is a huge Christmas tree surrounded by gingerbread houses where you can eat waffles, popcorn, ice cream or cookies. On Thursdays and Fridays you also have the Christmas train there between 5 and 7pm, on weekends it is from 2 to 8pm.
Want photos with Santa? Then stop by the shopping center on Thursdays and Fridays between 5pm and 7pm, and on weekends between 2 and 8pm. You can do this until December 24.
But that's not all: The beautiful Christmas tree also includes a choir singing the most amazing Christmas songs! You can come see this every weekday between 7 and 8pm and on weekends from 6 to 7pm.
Address: Av. John F. Kennedy
Christmas Pictures at Galería 360
Just across from Ágora Mall and next to IKEA, you will find Galería 360. A shopping center known for its stores such as Women'Secret, Pandora, Springfield and Aliss.
You can go there every weekend until December 23 for photos with Santa Claus between 4 and 6pm. And also for photos with the Christmas mascots between 2 and 6pm. Don't forget to take a picture with the big christmas tree right ouside in front of the main entrance of the shopping mall.
Combine your visit to Galería 360 with a visit to Caribbean Cinema on the top floor and enjoy numerous restaurants.
Address: Av. Jonh F. Kennedy, Plaza Galería 360
Acrópolis Business Mall
Acrópolis Business Mall also does their best every year to host the best children's shows. During the month of December, you will find the following activities:
- Saturday, December 16, they organize a colorful Christmas show at 3pm
- Sunday, December 17, you can go there at 3pm to discover magical Christmas bubbles
- Saturday, December 23, the theme is "White Christmas." The event also starts at 3pm
- Sunday, December 30, there is a magic show "Hocus Pocus." Also at 3pm
In addition to these Christmas shows for the kids, parents can pamper themselves at the Meidden hair salon, enjoy a cocktail at Beermarket or get their nails done at Dock's Beauty Lounge. For coffee lovers, you have Santo Domingo Café and Starbucks. After the shows you can have a nice dinner at Casa Ducho: Acrópolis' renovated gastronomic area where you can go for Sushi, Burgers, Pizza, Salads and so much more!
Address: Av. Winston Churchill
Blue Mall
On the same boulevard as Acrópolis Business Mall, you will find Blue Mall. A well-known shopping mall in both Punta Cana and Santo Domingo for their luxury stores. And recently they opened a new floor in Santo Domingo with additional stores such as Tumi, Lacoste and Vilebrequin. In addition to these well-known brands, you also have Oysho, Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton and Nespresso. So all the top brands can be found there.
But besides shopping you can go there this Christmas period for fun photos on the Christmas train and activities on Saturdays. On December 16, for example, they organize a workshop for children where you can decorate your own Christmas elf. You have to register for this though. More information can be found on their website.
Address: Av. Winston Churchill 95
Plaza de España, Zona Colonial
That Coca-Cola and Christmas go hand in hand has been known for more than a century. Every year, the company provides a magical Christmas atmosphere in many countries worldwide, and this year they are also providing Christmas magic in the historic city of "Zona Colonial."
At Plaza de España, where many bars and restaurants are located, Coca-Cola will light up the square with their traditional Christmas tree this year. With this, they want to invite all people to embrace their "inner Santa," a concept that relates to emphasizing the magic of kindness, generosity and good will, while trying to offer a timely reminder that the spirit of the season lives in every citizen every day.
So be sure to stop by if you're in the historic city. Many buildings there are also illuminated. It's super fun to take a stroll during your visit!
Address: Plaza de España, Santo Domingo
Villa Navidad, Centro Olímpico
In the heart of the capital, you can visit the Olympic Center "Villa Navidad" this year through Jan. 7 from 6 to 10pm. It is a magical corner of joy for the whole family, decorated with countless lights that bring the holiday season to life. From Santa Claus to the Three Wise Men, this enchanting space promises to bring happiness to all visitors who visit it during the month of December.
The welcome at Villa Navidad is accompanied by lively music and elves dancing to bring smiles and joy to the families who enjoy this illuminated environment full of entertainment from entrance to end. It's a unique experience for kids and adults during the Christmas Season.
Address: Palacio de los Deportesis
Besides the famous shopping malls and parks, you will find decorated houses and apartment buildings all over the capital. In the Dominican Republic, Christmas is mostly about the magic with the typical lights and decorations. It is sure to be appreciated! Enjoy your visit to the capital.