Dominican Christmas Eve: What is "La Nochebuena" & Where to Order Dinner in Punta Cana?

Surviving Nochebuena: The Real Dominican Christmas Dinner Guide

If you are visiting the Dominican Republic from the US or Canada, you might be expecting the big celebration to be on Christmas Day (December 25th). You are wrong.

In Dominican culture, the main event is December 24th, known as "Nochebuena"(The Good Night). This is when families gather, everyone dresses up in new clothes ("la ropa de estrenar"), and we eat until we can't move. By the time the 25th rolls around, we are mostly just eating leftovers (called "El Calentao") and recovering from the party.

If you are staying in an All-Inclusive Resort, you are fine; the hotel will host a massive Gala Buffet. BUT, if you are renting an Airbnb, Villa, or Condo, you have a problem: Most restaurants close early on the 24th so staff can be with their families.

Here is your guide to what we eat and exactly where to buy it so you don't starve on Christmas Eve.

1. The Holy Trinity of Nochebuena Food

You cannot call it Christmas without these three things on the table.

1. Cerdo Asado (Roast Pork): This is the king. We don't usually do Turkey. We roast a whole pig on a spit over wood charcoal (Lechón asao). The goal is to get the skin so crispy (el cuerito) that it cracks like a potato chip.

2. Moro de Guandules: Rice cooked with pigeon peas and coconut milk. It is savory and distinct.

3. Ensalada Rusa (Russian Salad): A potato salad with carrots, eggs, mayonnaise, and—here is the Dominican twist—boiled beetsand apples. It turns the salad bright pink.

4. La Telera: A special long bread with a hard crust that is only sold during Christmas.

2. Staying in an Airbnb? Here is Where to Buy Dinner

Do not try to cook a whole pig in your Airbnb kitchen. It won't work. Here is how to order a feast like a local.

Option A: The "Safe & Easy" Way (Supermarkets)

The major supermarket chains sell complete Nochebuena dinners boxed and ready to go. They are clean, reliable, and delicious.

• Supermercado Nacional:(Located in BlueMall Punta Cana and Punta Cana Village). They have the highest quality prepared food. You can buy roasted pork by the pound, the salads, and the Moro.

• Jumbo:(Downtown Punta Cana). Slightly cheaper, very good quality.

• The Strategy:Go early! ideally on December 23rd or the morning of the 24th. The lines on the afternoon of the 24th are apocalyptic.

Option B: The "Authentic" Way (Lechoneras)

If you want the real, smoky, street-style flavor, you need to find a "Lechonera." These are roadside stands that specialize in roasting pigs. You will see them by the smoke rising on the side of the road.

• How to find one:In Punta Cana, look around the Verón area or ask your taxi driver: "¿Dónde hay una buena lechonera por aquí?"

• The experience:You point at the piece of pork you want, they chop it with a machete, wrap it in paper, and you take it home. It is greasy, salty, and incredible.

Option C: Restaurants (Take-out)

Many local restaurants offer special "Take-out Menus" for the 24th.

• Burlao Grill:(In Punta Cana). Known for good grilled meats/Mofongo.

• Delicias de Bavaro:Great for traditional Dominican food and pastries.

• Must Do:You usually need to pre-order 2 or 3 days in advance. Don't call at 5:00 PM on the 24th; they will be sold out.

  

3. What to Drink?

To complete the experience, you need two things:

1. Ponche:A sweet, creamy rum punch (similar to Eggnog but without the egg taste).

2. Anis del Mono:A strong anise liqueur that the older uncles usually drink to "help digestion."

Verdict

If you are in a Villa this December, don't settle for pizza. Go to Supermercado Nacional, buy a pound of Cerdo Asadoand a Telera, and enjoy the best Nochebuena of your life.