Holiday decorating in Puerto Rico is moving beyond traditional trees, lights and ornaments toward new combinations of colors, textures and lighting meant to reflect the island’s identity and customs, with celebrations also shifting between large Christmas and New Year’s parties and more intimate gatherings where decor, food and the use of space matter most. One example is at the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in Isla Verde, where festive installations use a palette of wine and deep red tones in various gradations with gold accents, deep-colored floral arrangements, candles of different heights, lamps with red shades and large illuminated Christmas pieces; glass elements and reflective surfaces multiply the lighting and create contrasts among warm tones.
Among the most striking pieces are large illuminated ornaments evoking the traditional spheres used on Christmas trees, placed as the centerpiece alongside flowers, foliage and small points of light. The hotel’s spaces, including the Grand Ballroom, Tropicoro and Gold Room, along with interior and exterior areas, can host both large events and private gatherings of small groups, such as a dinner for ten people.
Puerto Rican crafts, natural materials, traditional musical instruments, typical dishes and holiday drinks can be worked into contemporary designs, and small celebrations allow decor to focus on centerpieces, floral arrangements, candles and personalized details.