Dreaming of a holiday filled with sunshine, turquoise waters, warm island spirit, and festive cheer? Every December, Aruba transforms into a tropical holiday paradise. Whether you’re looking for gourmet holiday dinners, artisan markets, fireworks on the beach, or ocean adventures, the One Happy Island offers joyful experiences for every traveler.

Aruba’s holiday vibe combines Caribbean warmth with seasonal sparkle:

A lively celebration in downtown Oranjestad showcasing local music, dance, art, and culinary traditions. A must-experience for holiday visitors.

A beloved Dutch-Caribbean celebration bringing sweets, songs, and festivities for families.

Local musicians go house-to-house offering blessings for the New Year—a cultural treasure unique to Aruba.

Held at JOIA by Iberostar on Eagle Beach, Aruba Fashion Week brings glamorous runway shows, designer showcases, and upscale nightlife to the island during the festive season.

Dates: December 3, 10, and 17 (7:00–9:30 PM)

Highlights include:

This iconic resort lights up for the holidays with:

Along with its artisan markets, Hilton Aruba typically offers:

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba offers a peaceful, adults-only holiday escape just steps from Palm Beach. Set among lush tropical gardens with beautifully designed private casitas, the hotel provides a serene and intimate atmosphere perfect for couples and adult travelers seeking a quiet festive retreat. With seasonal touches, cozy hideaway spaces, and a warm, boutique feel, Boardwalk is an ideal spot for a relaxing Christmas or New Year getaway.

Perfect for couples seeking a quiet, romantic holiday escape. Popular for:

A family-friendly favorite offering seasonal menus, kids’ holiday activities, themed entertainment, and beachfront dining throughout Christmas week and New Year’s Eve. Ideal for travelers looking for fun, convenience, and festive vibes.

A modern, upscale holiday option featuring rooftop dining with Christmas and New Year specials, elegant décor, and a chic atmosphere. Great for those wanting a stylish, contemporary holiday experience.

Available all holiday season:

Known for lively and scenic holiday activities:

Delphi Watersports offers festive, high-energy fun throughout the holiday season with activities like parasailing, jet skiing, tubing, and special Christmas and New Year’s sunset cruises. Perfect for families, couples, and adventure-seekers looking to add excitement to their Aruba holiday.

One of Aruba’s most iconic restaurants offering:

A premium dining experience located at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, L.G. Smith’s offers elegant holiday menus, expertly crafted cocktails, and signature steaks in a stylish setting. A top choice for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve dinners.

Sunset Grille, Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino’s signature steak and seafood restaurant, offers refined holiday dining with beautifully crafted Christmas and New Year’s menus, premium cuts, fresh seafood, and a romantic setting overlooking the resort’s lush gardens. A perfect choice for a festive, upscale holiday dinner.

A charming Aruban dining spot known for its warm ambiance and soulful Caribbean flavors. During the holidays, Ana Maria’s often highlights seasonal dishes, festive desserts, and house-crafted cocktails perfect for a cozy Christmas meal.

A long-time local favorite specializing in freshly caught seafood prepared the Aruban way. Driftwood typically features holiday seafood specials and traditional recipes, making it perfect for Christmas or New Year’s dining.

Now located at the Renaissance Marketplace, Ricardo’s Smokehouse offers international dishes with Caribbean and Aruban flair in a relaxed, airy setting that glows warmly at night. During the holidays, it’s a welcoming spot for festive breakfasts, lunches, and candlelit dinners — perfect for both intimate celebrations and larger gatherings.

Aruba glows brightly on New Year’s Eve with:

Whether you’re here for romantic dinners, cultural experiences, or lively celebrations, Aruba’s holiday season is filled with warmth, joy, and unforgettable tropical magic.

Even though Thanksgiving isn’t a traditional Aruban holiday, there’s no better place to be thankful than on One Happy Island.

This year, trade sweaters for sundresses and chilly evenings for golden sunsets. With more sunny days than any other Caribbean island, Aruba is the perfect backdrop for gratitude, warmth, and relaxation.

So grab your floppy hat, a tropical drink, and your favorite travel companion — it’s time to celebrate Thanksgiving the Aruban way!

While much of the world is wrapping up in scarves, Aruba is welcoming visitors with sunny skies and gentle trade winds. November in Aruba means 30°C (86°F) days, turquoise waters, and plenty of beach time — the perfect recipe for swapping your pumpkin spice latte for a piña colada.

You don’t have to skip your turkey dinner! Many of Aruba’s top restaurants and resorts prepare special Thanksgiving menus and buffets featuring classics like turkey, gravy, and pumpkin pie — plus Aruban twists such as Caribbean-spiced sides and fresh seafood.

Aruba is consistently ranked among the most family-friendly and safest islands in the Caribbean. Spend the weekend snorkeling, joining a catamaran cruise, trying an off-road adventure, or simply relaxing at the pool. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or group of friends, Thanksgiving week is the perfect balance of celebration and vacation.

Photo by Red Sail Aruba

Thanksgiving falls right before Aruba’s high season — meaning fewer crowds and better rates for hotels, car rentals, and restaurants. It’s a sweet spot for visitors who want perfect weather and great value before the busy winter holidays.

Check out the VisitAruba Special Deals page to make the most of your trip!

Your vacation begins the moment you land. Step off the plane and you’re greeted with the sound of live steel drums and the smiles of friendly locals. Nearly everyone speaks English, so communicating feels effortless. From the first “Bon bini!” to your final sunset, Aruba’s warmth goes beyond its weather — it’s in its people.

This Thanksgiving, let the ocean be your backdrop and the sunset your centerpiece. Whether you’re toasting with friends or building sandcastles with family, Aruba’s warmth and charm make it easy to count your blessings.

What if your Aruba getaway could do more than just recharge you?

With Aruba’s new Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program, visitors are invited to turn their vacation into a meaningful experience—giving back to the island while enjoying its natural beauty, warm hospitality, and iconic beaches. Whether you’re staying in a luxury resort or a cozy Airbnb, voluntourism in Aruba is open to everyone.

The VTO (Volunteer Time Off) program, launched by the Aruba Tourism Authority, makes it easy for travelers to use their company-sponsored VTO days—or simply their personal time—to join short, rewarding volunteer activities during their stay.

From restoring coral reefs to helping rescued animals, each activity is designed to fit seamlessly into your vacation. No heavy lifting, no all-day commitments—just genuine impact and connection.

Several Aruba resorts now offer VTO-themed stays that combine comfort with purpose. These curated packages include both your hotel stay and the opportunity to participate in one or more volunteer experiences.

See all packages here: aruba.com/us/volunteer-time-off

You don’t have to stay at a hotel to participate in VTO. Aruba also offers individual volunteer opportunities that are open to all visitors—perfect if you’re in a vacation rental, villa, or apartment.

You can sign up for activities like:

Explore options here: aruba.com/us/volunteer-time-off

Many of our featured partners are helping lead the way in sustainable and community-focused tourism. Here are some that offer VTO experiences or their own “do-good” programs:

Volunteer with rescued donkeys through Hilton’s “Service Stay” package, then unwind with spa perks and oceanfront relaxation for two.

View Hilton Aruba on VisitAruba.com

Pioneers in eco-tourism, Bucuti offers marine conservation volunteering through coral reef restoration, turtle nest monitoring, mangrove rehab, lionfish culling, and more.

View Bucuti & Tara on VisitAruba.com

Choose between caring for rescued animals at the Aruba Donkey Sanctuary or exploring San Nicolas street art and local cuisine. The package also includes a suite stay, private airport transfers, and a locally crafted welcome amenity—purpose with a luxe twist.

View Radisson Blu on VisitAruba.com

While not part of the official VTO program, Boardwalk offers its own “Do-Good” guest initiative with beach cleanups, food bank donations, and support for local rescue groups like Sgt. Pepper’s Friends.

View Boardwalk Aruba on VisitAruba.com

Digital creator Corporate Natalie was one of the first to try Aruba’s VTO program. She cleaned up a beach and spent a morning at the Donkey Sanctuary.

“It was still a vacation—sunsets, beaches, and fun—but knowing I gave something back made it even better.”

Whether you’re planting mangroves, feeding donkeys, or snorkeling to restore coral, Aruba’s VTO program shows how travel can do good. You’ll return home with not just memories, but meaning.

Visit aruba.com/us/volunteer-time-off to browse all experiences, book a package, or plan your custom VTO adventure—resort or rental, solo or family, chill or hands-on.

Planning your next island escape? Aruba has long been famous for its sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear waters—but there’s a whole new layer to the One Happy Island that’s waiting to be explored. Resorts and cultural institutions are weaving wellness, heritage, and creativity into unforgettable guest experiences. Here’s what’s new and not-to-miss this season:

Radisson Blu Aruba invites guests to slow down and breathe deeply with its brand-new Garden Flow Experience—a first-of-its-kind wellness journey on the island. Set in lush garden surroundings, this complimentary activity includes a meditative walk, hands-on plant watering (yes, really!), and a soul-soothing sound healing session. It’s designed to help you reconnect with yourself and nature, while also supporting Radisson’s sustainability efforts. Talk about a vacation that feeds your body and your spirit!

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is turning beachside evenings into pure magic with their Aruba Under the Stars event series. Think: local musicians, folkloric storytelling, poetry, and candlelit garden vibes. Want to take it a step deeper? Join one of their Ocean Sound Baths, where floating on mattresses under the sunset sky is paired with healing sound bowl ceremonies in the shallow waters. It’s wellness meets wonder—exclusive and complimentary for Boardwalk guests.

Also at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba, creativity is getting a spotlight with their first-ever Artist in Residency Program launching this fall (September 15–November 15, 2025). Artists from around the globe will live and work on-site, producing original works while connecting with the island’s rhythms and community. Guests may just get the chance to meet these creatives, view art in progress, or take part in intimate workshops. A truly one-of-a-kind cultural encounter!

If you’re looking to stay somewhere that gives back while honoring Aruba’s soul, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is leading the way. This eco-luxury resort just won the 2025 AHATA Impact Award for preserving and celebrating the island’s cultural roots. From curated local art and music, to sustainable dining and guided heritage experiences, their mission is to make every stay meaningful. Bonus: they also steward a nature preserve—so you can relax knowing your vacation is supporting the planet, too.

The accolades don’t stop there—Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort was also recently honored as one of the Caribbean’s top hotels in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious 2025 World’s Best Awards. This recognition speaks volumes about the resort’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and personalized guest experiences that truly stand out. For many travelers, this award reaffirms that Bucuti & Tara is one of the most exceptional stays not just in Aruba—but across the entire region.

You can read more about the award on the resort’s official blog

For a moving cultural experience, stop by Fort Zoutman in downtown Oranjestad. American artist Andre Henderson is showcasing nearly 30 powerful works that pay tribute to African heritage and the transatlantic slave trade. His tall, ornate panels depict African deities and ancestors in vivid, symbolic detail. The exhibition is open to the public and will later travel to Curaçao and the Netherlands. It’s a thought-provoking must-see that adds historical depth to your Aruba itinerary.

Whether you’re drawn to stargazing with local poets, floating sound meditations, or immersive art and culture, Aruba’s newest offerings deliver something beautifully different. So come for the sunshine—but stay for the soul.

Start planning your Aruba journey today. Your next meaningful escape awaits.

Aruba’s summer season is in full swing, and the island is brimming with events that showcase its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and lively spirit. From festive dinners and beachside festivals to cultural showcases and local-themed parties, here’s the ultimate summer guide to Aruba’s must-attend experiences.

Add a twist of holiday magic to your summer with the Christmas in July Buffet, hosted at Aquarius within the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort:

Imagine festive décor meeting tropical comfort food—seafood platters, grilled favorites, and holiday classics with a Caribbean flair. It’s a cozy, cheerful celebration perfect for families, couples, and food lovers seeking something seasonal in July. Reservations are highly recommended!

Party by the sea at the Pelican Pier Party, part of the popular Bright Summer Festival:

You’ll find two electrifying DJ stages—Bright and Electric—featuring local talents like IRSAIS, AGUILAR, DJ KASH, MANYBEAT, and more. Set against an ocean sunset, enjoy floating decks, Casamigos margaritas, fresh coconuts, mojitos, and VIP cabanas—all steps from the water. Don’t miss this high-energy celebration of summer beats and sunset vibes.

Get a taste of authentic island culture every Thursday evening with this Dushi Aruba This Way – Party like a Local beachside party at Renaissance Ocean Suites:

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat BBQ with a local twist, live brass bands, a carnival-style performance, artisan stalls, craft cocktails, and festive dancing under the stars. It’s a fantastic way to soak up local flavor and connect with Aruba’s vibrant energy.

Experience an authentic taste of Aruba’s heritage at the Bon Bini Festival, a weekly Tuesday night tradition in Oranjestad: