Top 4 Christmas destinations in Colombia

Christmas is a magical time when Colombia is filled with lights, colors and festivities. If you’re looking for a special place to celebrate Christmas, here are the best destinations in Colombia where you can immerse yourself in the joy and traditions of Christmas. Get ready for a unique experience in these enchanting places!

The city of eternal spring transforms itself into a Christmas capital from mid-November onwards, with the famous lights for which it is famous throughout the country. During the last weeks of November, the inhabitants of Medellin all start hanging Christmas decorations and beautiful illuminated garlands, andyou can feel the Christmas atmosphere as you stroll through the streets of the city. Musicians, for the most part, start singing Christmas carols on the streets and in the shopping malls, and ice rinks are set up in some malls too.Finally, if you stroll around the Parc del Rio, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the Christmas illuminations over the Medellin river.Here are a few places you can visit during your stay in Medellin

• North Park to see the many illuminations
• Ride the « Tranvía de Ayacucho »: for a different perspective on the city
• Envigado and Sabaneta: with their lights illuminating the entire Aburrá Valley.
• Barbosa, Girardota, Copacabana: 3 neighboring towns, superbly decorated

Parades, concerts and cultural events fill the streets with the joy and spirit of Christmas.

The city of Cali, known as the capital of salsa, becomes a must-see destination during the Christmas season in Colombia.As in the main cities, you’ll find superb Christmas decorations, but the main festivity remains the Feria de Cali. First celebrated in 1957, this festival followed the tragic incidents that took place in the city. Its aim was to bring joy back to the inhabitants. It was also nicknamed the Sugar Cane Festival. It is one of the most important and eagerly awaited events of the year. During the week-long festivities, the city is filled with music, dance and color. Parades, concerts, salsa competitions and cultural events immerse you in Cali’s vibrant culture. The most important events of the feria are the salsodromo and superconcierto, the salsodrome is where salsa dancers gather to compete, and the superconcert is the biggest and most important concert of the festival. The feria takes place from December 25 to 30 in the streets of Cali, featuring numerous parades of salseros caleños (salsa dancers from Cali) and concluding with concerts by well-known local artists.At Christmas, Cali lights up spectacularly, transforming its streets and squares into a magical setting. The Cali River, the Parc de la Caña and the Bulevar del Río are just some of the places where you can admire these lights.If you want to enjoy the colors and traditions of Cali, don’t hesitate, come in December!

As explained above, the whole of Colombia lights up during the month of December, and there’s one period when all Colombians light candles: December 7 and 8. This is the dia de las velitas , otherwise translated as the day of candles, and is a Colombian family tradition (rather similar to the origins of Lyon’s Fête des Lumières).In the Boyaca region, you’ll also discover superb illuminations, notably along the Route of Lights, which passes by the Boyaca Bridge, Tunja, Paipa, Duitama, Corrales and Villa de Leyva.

At the emblematic Boyaca Bridge and in the village of Tunja, the mayor of each village will light the first candles, while a band will open the show at the Bridge. Created in 1986, it’s in Villa de Leyva that you’ll observe the Festival of Lights in honor of the Immaculate Conception. At Christmas, this charming colonial town is transformed into a magical place. Its cobbled streets and white houses are adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. There are open-air concerts, Christmas markets and the traditional Misa del Gallo in the magnificent Plaza Mayor, where you’ll find local festivities around music and illuminations. Finally, from December 9 to 29, you can hop on a tourist train to discover the other illuminated villages.

Cartagena lights up for Christmas: come and discover the city’s colonial charm under its most beautiful illuminations . The walled city of Cartagena is another must-see destination for Christmas in Colombia. Its cobbled streets are dotted with lights, garlands and Christmas decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Concerts, parades and cultural events, as well as the traditional Novena de Aguinaldos in the church of San Pedro Claver, are just some of the ways to experience Christmas in the tropics.

Colombia offers a wide variety of destinations to experience Christmas in a unique and special way. Whether it’s enjoying the famous Christmas lights of Medellín, immersing yourself in the colonial magic of Villa de Leyva, exploring the walled city of Cartagena, or marvelling at the spectacles of the Cali feria, each destination will give you an unforgettable Christmas experience. Come and discover the magic of Christmas in Colombia! If you’d like to discover Colombia at Christmas, but also all year round, find below some examples of unforgettable trips 👇