Christmas & New Year by the Sea
December brings a particular energy to Brazil’s Emerald Coast. The days are long, the beaches come alive, and celebrations gather around tables that stretch late into the warm summer evenings. Here, Christmas and New Year’s Eve belong to the sun and sea.
At Awasi Santa Catarina, formerly Ponta dos Ganchos, the festive season finds a more intimate setting. Our Relais & Châteaux lodge occupies a private peninsula in Governador Celso Ramos, facing the Três Ilhas archipelago, about 50 minutes from Florianópolis International Airport. With your own guide and dedicated 4×4 vehicle as part of a Fully Hosted stay, you can spend the holidays exploring Brazil’s southern coast, enjoying time together, or simply watching the ocean from your villa.
In Brazil, Christmas arrives as summer gets underway, and the holiday’s most cherished traditions often unfold around the dinner table. On Christmas Eve, families gather for the ceia de Natal, a festive meal that can carry the celebrations well past midnight. The occasion brings generations together over familiar dishes, conversation, and the pleasure of sharing another year.
At Awasi Santa Catarina, that spirit of togetherness takes on the character of the coast. Chef Dani Damasceno celebrates Brazilian culinary traditions through regional ingredients, freshly caught seafood, and produce from the lodge’s organic garden.
On December 24, the lodge gathers for a special Christmas Eve dinner, Chef Dani’s take on the ceia de Natal, served at our restaurant. If you would prefer a more private occasion, a table beside the sea or on the lodge’s private island can be arranged with our team in advance.
The Days Between, Left Open
The days separating Christmas and New Year’s Eve have a special appeal. Away from the bustle of crowded beaches, our private peninsula invites you to discover the region without a fixed schedule.
With a guide who knows the coast and its changing conditions, the possibilities extend well beyond the lodge.
- Follow the water: Kayak or paddleboard from our beach into the sheltered coves of Ganchos de Fora, stopping for a swim along the way.
- Discover life beneath the surface: Travel by boat toward Arvoredo Island, where snorkeling and diving in permitted waters offer glimpses of sea turtles, rays, and colorful marine life.
- Take the forest path: Walk through the Atlantic Forest from Ilhéus to Sissial Beach, where your guide prepares a picnic overlooking the sea.
- Get to know the coast: Explore traditional fishing communities or visit Florianópolis, where Azorean heritage lives on in Ribeirão da Ilha, its oyster farms, and the historic city center.
Our private excursions follow your interests, whether you prefer a morning on the water or an afternoon among the villages of Santa Catarina.
With Fully Hosted stays, meals, beverages, guided explorations, spa treatments, and airport transfers are included. The hours between celebrations are yours to enjoy.
Réveillon
In Brazil, New Year’s Eve is known as Réveillon, a celebration filled with traditions and the anticipation of a fresh beginning. Many Brazilians dress in white as a symbol of peace, while others visit the shoreline at midnight to jump seven waves, making wishes for the year ahead.
Across the country, beaches fill with people welcoming the new year. At Awasi Santa Catarina, the occasion can be more personal.
On December 31, Awasi Santa Catarina welcomes the new year with a celebration of its own: a festive dinner followed by a party with a DJ that carries the evening toward midnight. Dress in white if you’d like to join the tradition, then step down to the beach to jump the seven waves.
If a quieter evening suits you better, our team can arrange a private dinner overlooking the water, followed by a walk along the beach beneath the summer sky. There is no prescribed way to celebrate here.
On New Year’s Day, breakfast can linger into late morning. The spa beckons, the bay invites another swim, and a new year begins without any particular hurry.
Your Place for the Festive Season
Christmas and New Year are among the most sought-after times to visit Santa Catarina, so we recommend arranging your stay well in advance.
A few details to help you plan:
- Arriving: Florianópolis International Airport (FLN) is approximately 50 minutes away. Private round-trip transfers are included with Fully Hosted stays. Explore how to get here.
- Staying: Our 25 private villas overlook the Atlantic, with private pools in five of the six accommodation categories. Villa Anhatomirim spans two floors, while Villa Ponta dos Ganchos features a heated infinity pool and ocean-view sauna.
- Gathering: Awasi Santa Catarina welcomes guests aged 14 and older. Families traveling with younger children can contact our reservations team to discuss available options.
Whether you’re returning to a place you love or discovering Brazil for the first time, our team can help plan a festive stay that feels true to you. Beyond the holidays, the peninsula is an equally inviting setting for honeymoons, anniversaries, and other meaningful celebrations throughout the year.
Christas & New Year FAQs
What is included in a Fully Hosted holiday stay?
The Fully Hosted experience includes accommodations, meals, beverages, a private guide and 4×4 vehicle, tailor-made excursions, spa treatments, and round-trip private transfers from Florianópolis International Airport.
How early should I book Christmas or New Year’s Eve in Brazil?
December and the New Year period are popular times for coastal travel in Brazil. We recommend booking early, particularly if you have preferred dates or villa categories.
Can families spend Christmas at Awasi Santa Catarina?
Yes. Awasi Santa Catarina welcomes guests aged 14 and older. Families with younger children are encouraged to contact the reservations team for additional information.
Does Awasi Santa Catarina offer special Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations?
Yes. Awasi Santa Catarina hosts a special Christmas Eve dinner on December 24 and a New Year’s Eve celebration with a DJ on December 31. Guests who prefer a more private evening can arrange personalized dining experiences with our team. Contact us for details about this year’s festive program.
What is Réveillon in Brazil?
Réveillon is the Brazilian celebration of New Year’s Eve. Popular traditions include wearing white to symbolize peace and jumping seven waves while making wishes for the coming year. Many Brazilians gather at beaches to welcome the new year, although celebrations vary by region and family.
What is Christmas like in Brazil?
Christmas in Brazil falls during summer, with warm weather, long days, and celebrations often taking place outdoors. Christmas Eve is traditionally centered on the ceia de Natal, a family dinner that may continue past midnight. Along the coast of Santa Catarina, the season is also an opportunity to enjoy the beach and ocean.
