How to Host the Perfect Cuban-Themed Noche Buena Party

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Noche Buena is more than just a Christmas Eve celebration—it's a cherished tradition that brings together friends, familia, and all the deliciousness that Cuban culture has to offer.

Picture a night filled with loud music, playing dominoes, dancing, and, of course, plenty of lechón asado, yuca con mojo, and croquetas to feed the entire neighborhood.

Whether you're Cuban or just want to add a little Cuban flair to your holiday celebration, here's how you can throw a Noche Buena party that your guests will be talking about until el año que viene! (ja..ja..ja..)

Let's start planning:

1. Set the Scene: Decoraciones

A Noche Buena party is not just about who is there, its also about the atmosphere. You want your space to feel warm, vibrant, and inviting—like you're stepping right into a cozy Cuban household on Christmas Eve.

• Domino Table for Authentic Cuban Touch: Set up a domino table to keep the spirit of Noche Buena alive. Dominoes are a classic part of any Cuban gathering—playing a few rounds with friends and family will make your night feel truly authentic. Can't forget the dominoes, check out our Cuban Bred™ Dominoes!

• String Lights: Nothing says Christmas quite like string lights! Opt for classic twinkle lights or colorful String Lights to create that magical evening glow.

• Palm Tree Christmas Tree: Bring in palm leaves or tropical-themed decorations to give that Miami flair. You can use artificial palms to line your entryway or outdoor area. Find Artificial Palm Leaves.

• Colorful Tablecloths: Set up a table that pops with bright colors—think red, green, and gold, with hints of blue for that classic Cuban feel. A beautiful tablecloth can tie everything together.

• Cuban Inflatable Santa: Navidad wouldn't be complete without an inflatable Cuban Santa drinking cafecito ready to play dominos! 

2. The Noche Buena Feast: Food is Everything

No Cuban-themed Noche Buena is complete without the food—it’s literally the star of the show! You need a mix of classic dishes that will transport your guests straight to the streets of Havana.

Check out Stephanie's Review on Amazon for La Caja China

• Lechón Asado (Roast Pork): Traditionally, the lechón is cooked in a Caja China, you can cook an entire pig in the roasting box! But you can also roast un pernil (roasted pork shoulder) in the oven if you don't want the responsibility of a caja china. You’ll need a good roasting pan and plenty of garlic, sour orange, and spices for the perfect mojo marinade.

• Moro: A classic combination that’s a must-have at every Cuban celebration, moro brings together black beans and white rice in a deliciously seasoned dish. The garlic, cumin, and bay leaves make this dish flavorful and aromatic, perfect for pairing with lechón. Don't forget to add the bacon! More details on that later.

Photo credit: A Sassy Spoon

• Yuca con Mojo: No Noche Buena is complete without yuca, drenched in garlic mojo. You can get peeled frozen yuca, but I personally like to freshly peel and boil them. Don’t forget a mortar and pestle to smash the garlic for that authentic mojo flavor. Need a delicious recipe? Check out one of my favorites Cuban Yuca con Mojo recipe from Jamie over at A Sassy Spoon.

• Platanitos Maduros: No Cuban meal is complete without sweet fried plantains. Platanitos maduros are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of that caramelized sweetness everyone loves. They’re the perfect side dish to balance all the savory flavors on your plate.

• Croquetas & Empanadas: Set up a platter of croquetas and empanadas for snacking throughout the night. Trust me, nothing says “party” like a pile of crispy, delicious croquetas. If you like serving them fresh y crispy check out this deep fryer. Fry both at the same time!

3. Drinks Station: Bring on the Coquito!

A Noche Buena isn’t just about food—it’s also about the drinks. Set up a drinks station where guests can serve themselves Coquito, Rum and Coke, or even a simple Cuban mojito!

Check out this customer review on the glass bottles.

• Coquito Bottles: Pre-make your coquito (the Puerto Rican version of eggnog or the Cuban version Crema de Vie) and serve it in cute swing-top glass bottles. Guests can pour themselves a cup, and you can even send them home with a bottle as a parting gift!

• Mojitos: Isn't it too cold outside for a mojito? If you live outside of Miami, it probably is too cold! However, if you still want a refreshing drink, follow this easy Classic Mojito recipe.

• Cuban Sodas: These three Cuban sodas are like the three wisemen. The best of the best, and delivering happiness to those who love them. Serve and enjoy Materva, Jupiña, and my personal favorite, Ironbeer.

4. Music & Entertainment: Make It a Fiesta

What’s a Noche Buena without music and dancing?

• Bluetooth Speaker: You’ll need a quality Bluetooth speaker to keep the music pumping all night. Something portable and with solid bass will get everyone on their feet. Shop Bluetooth Speakers on Amazon.

• Music: Fireworks won't be the only thing you'll be hearing on Noche Buena. Get the party started with some classic Salsa music like Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, and then make your way to modern Spanish music like Bad Bunny, Karol G. We love a good song to mover el esqueleto (move the body) too!

• Karaoke: This is a personal request that I would love to add to Noche Buena this year because I LOVE KARAOKE! Check out this cute wireless microphone to sing El Rey with the entire family.

5. Cuban Desserts: Sweet Endings

Finish the night with a spread of Cuban desserts that will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

Photo Credit: L'Española

• Turrón: Today, turron is enjoyed all over the world and is a staple of holiday celebrations and special occasions. I wish it was available year round in our local grocery stores! My favorite Turrón is from Sanchis Mira.

• Flan: There has to be flan to end the meal on a sweet note. If you want to make flan from scratch, use a classic flan mold for that perfect caramel topping.

• Torrejas: Torrejas are a Cuban version of French toast, made with thick slices of Cuban bread soaked in sweetened milk, fried to perfection, and often drizzled with honey or syrup. Torrejas are the perfect comforting dessert, reminiscent of home and holidays past. Serve them warm, and watch as everyone reaches for seconds.

• Pastelitos: Don’t forget pastelitos de guayaba, de queso, de coco... there are too many to choose just a few. Serve these to wrap up the night perfectly.

6. Matching Shirts: Para La Foto!

Make your Noche Buena celebration even more festive with these fun, Cuban-inspired Christmas tops! Whether you're a croqueta lover or simply ready for some coquito, these shirts are perfect for you and your family to match in style.

• "Most Likely To Eat…" T-Shirt: Everyone knows there’s always someone who’s most likely to eat all the lechón or all the croquetas! These shirts are perfect for that family member who never leaves the food table. Match up and let the whole party know who the foodies are! Also available on sweaters.

• “It’s Time To Sit En La Sala and Drink Coquito” T-Shirt: Noche Buena is all about sitting en la sala, chatting with the family, and, of course, enjoying some coquito. This shirt captures the essence of those family moments perfectly and is a must-have for your holiday wardrobe. These are also available on sweaters.

• “All I Want For Christmas Are Croquetas” T-Shirt: Forget mistletoe and reindeer—all we want for Christmas are croquetas! This shirt (or sweater) is a perfect match for any croqueta lover in the family. It's festive, fun, and sure to start some delicious conversations. 

Bonus: The Unexpected Mariachis

What’s a Noche Buena party without some unplanned surprises? If you've been to enough Cuban celebrations, you know there's always that moment where—somehow—mariachis show up at the party. No one really knows who called them, but they’re here, in full force, singing their hearts out while everyone claps along, takes shots, and joins in on the fun.

Pro Tip: Embrace the chaos! There’s no better way to keep the party spirit alive than by joining in, grabbing a tambourine, and making sure everyone gets a chance to sing (whether they can or not). After all, Noche Buena is all about making memories that’ll be retold for years to come.

Make Your Noche Buena Unforgettable

Hosting the perfect Cuban-themed Noche Buena is all about celebrating togetherness, enjoying amazing food, and bringing felicidad into your home. With the right decor, music, drinks, and food, you can create a night that’s unforgettable—one that will make even abuela proud.

Ready to throw a Noche Buena your family and friends won’t stop talking about? Start planning now and make it all come together!

¡Feliz Noche Buena!