¡Hola! I'm Chef Yadi.
Welcome to Nochebuena Central, your go-to site for all things Nochebuena!
I can't wait to share our traditions with you. For now, explore below to find recipes, stories, and answers to those holiday questions... like what to talk to your tío
about at the dinner table.
Recipes &
Shopping Lists
We've brought together the must-have dishes for a delicious Nochebuena feast, and even made it easy to download and print the shopping lists.
How to Make Ensalada Rusa by D
A classic Dominican dish - creamy potato salad with beets for the Nochebuena spread!
Download RecipeHow to Make Carne Puerco by Dayami
Easy fall-apart roast pork butt cooked in a flavorful broth of seasonings that will win the night.
Download RecipeHow to Make Flan by Eat Rico
You can't feast without dessert! Bring Flan, a Sweet caramel custard that serves as a traditional dessert during Nochebuena.
Download RecipeHow to Make Sugar-Free Coquito by Yaidy
Creamy rum and milk punch - a healthy version of a Puerto Rican staple for Nochebuena!
Download RecipeHow to Make Creamy Sofrito Salad by Rebeca
A creamy salad dressing made with our Classic Sofrito - pairs perfectly with any salad, savory or sweet!
Download RecipeHow to Make Pernil by Dayami
Easy fall-apart roast pork butt cooked in a flavorful broth of seasonings.
Download RecipeHow To Make Arroz Moro by Franchesca
Three different delicious options for mixed rice and beans
Download RecipeHow To Make Yuca Frita by Rebecca
Crispy and delicious fried yuca for the perfect Nochebuena appetizer
Download RecipeHow To Make Pastelón by Nidianny
Cheesy layers of chicken and mashed plantains with sabor in every bite.
Download RecipeHow To Make Rosca De Reyes by Karina
Sweet bread traditionally eaten every January 6th on Día de los Reyes Magos
Download RecipeHow to Make Pasteles
by Chef Yadi
A step-by-step guide on how to make the ultimate Nochebuena staple, Pasteles.
Step 1: How To Make the Masa
The masa can be make or break when prepping pasteles - here’s how we recommend doing it.
Download RecipeStep 2: How To Make the Filling
No matter what protein you’re using to fill your pasteles, here’s how we like to season it
Download RecipeStep 3: How to Wrap Like a Doña
We teamed with some incredible Doñas to show you the most foolproof way to wrap your pasteles
Download RecipeA Historical Look at Nochebuena Traditions
Nochebuena—“Good Night”—is celebrated on December 24th. It started during Spanish colonial times, mixing Catholic traditions with Indigenous and African influences.
Today, It’s more than just celebrating the nativity—think Christmas Eve but louder, longer, and filled with love, laughter, and legendary food. From roasting lechón to abuelita’s pasteles, it's about gathering to eat, dance, and stay up late.
It's about the magic of the night—sharing traditions, reconnecting, and welcoming all. Don't worry if you didn't grow up with Nochebuena; there's always room. Join us and add sabor to your holidays!
And it doesn't end here—the celebration continues with Three Kings Day on January 6th.
Playlists for
Every Moment
Expert Holiday Tips
Get Ready with Dwarmis
Get fun outfit inspo with our favorite Dominican Designer, Dwarmis Concepcion!
What to Say with Cesar
We all have that primo we don’t know how to talk to - here are some of the best tips on avoiding awkward conversations!
Get Ready with Loco Ninja
Makeup inspo and more! Get the best look for Nochebuena with a little color and sparkle.
Gift Guide
Nochebuena Made Easy with Flavorful Gifts from the Latin-Owned Brands we Love!
La Familia Tool Set
Juntos! Our Tostonera, Masher, Skimmer + Mortar y Pestle, together in a 4-piece set.
$105
Plátano Verde Tee
Show your love for the mighty plátano with this ingredient centric tee.
$25
Eat Más Sazón Set
For the sazón lover! Includes a tee + tote, plus our Sazón y Adobo Combo.
$55
Pasteles Paper & String Combo
An essential combo for preparing one of our most beloved Latin dishes.
$12
10 pack Coño Que Rico Coquito
This creamy 30oz drink is a Nochebuena staple from our friends at The Coquito Plug.
$440
10in Cast Iron Skillet
This 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet by Victoria embodies tradition, quality, and sustainability. With a long, ergonomic handle for safe handling and pre-seasoning that enhances its natural non-stick properties, it's perfect for searing, baking, or frying.
$20.15 $23.25
Buena Vista Social Club Musical Tickets
Coming to Broadway this Spring, gift the experience of stepping into the heart of Cuba.
$69 - $291
Disha Hot Sauce
For anyone who likes hot sauce on their pasteles, we have been obsessed with Disha Hot, created by Omar Apollo, a first-generation, Mexican-American singer, songwriter, and producer from Northwest Indiana.
$15
Countdown for Nochebuena
Learn about the traditions of Nochebuena with this joyful story that counts up to twelve and back down again.
$12.31 $15.99
The Complete Lengthening & Thickening Collection
Give the gift of tamed and nourished curls with Rizos Curls latest launch.
$80 $94
tub kit no.1
Made for Solo or partner soaks, the tub kit from Maude features soak bath salts alongside bath, a coconut milk bath.
$36
Coquito Candle
For the Coquito lover, this candle from Bonita Fierce Candles will be familiar and inviting.
$34
Luz Divina Cross Necklace
This 18K gold-filled Necklace is the perfect accessory for any outfit, and we love that all jewelry from The Sourced Studio is tarnish resistant.
$55
