What to Know About Christmas Lights in Medellin 2023
As a predominantly Christian country, Colombia is one of many in South America that celebrate Christmas. When the holiday season rolls in, Colombian Christmas lights are some of the most elaborate displays you will ever see, and Medellin’s Christmas light display is certainly no exception.
During Christmas, Medellin lights up spectacularly with lights of all shapes and sizes. They can come in different colors and can blink or remain stationary. They are affordable and easy to install, making them a top pick for holiday decorations.
Christmas lights in Medellin have become a staple of the holiday season, with the city transforming into a magical wonderland each year. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellin is renowned for its vibrant culture and year-round temperate climate. During the holiday season, that vibrancy is taken to new heights, with millions of dazzling Christmas lights lighting up almost the entire city through the annual event El Alumbrado.
As the sun sets, Medellin turns into a magical wonderland—colorful lights suddenly illuminate the night sky. The streets of Medellin are decorated with bright lights in various shapes, from traditional Christmas trees to elaborate designs featuring the jolly Santa Claus and his reindeer.
Experience Christmas in Medellin in Different Parts of the City
There are bound to be a lot of visitors coming for the annual event, so you might run into crowded spots. Thankfully, there is more than one place you can visit to experience the beautiful Christmas lights in Medellin and avoid those inconveniences.
Medellin’s Christmas lights displays are not isolated to any one part of the city. Decorating the streets and buildings has become an annual practice for many areas in Medellin. What was once started by the EPM (Empresas Públicas de Medellin), is now a city-wide tradition. Areas you can experience the light display include the following:
Plaza Mayor
Medellin’s most iconic lights display can be found in the Plaza Mayor, which was where the first public lights display took place in 1851. The plaza is transformed into a massive, glowing Christmas tree adorned with thousands of colorful lights, which twinkle and shimmer against the night sky, creating a stunning sight that draws visitors from all over the world.
Parque de los Pies Descalzos
Another popular light display can be found in the Parque de los Pies Descalzos or Barefoot Park. The park is especially popular among families who like to stroll through a magical forest, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations.
Botanical Garden
The city’s parks and gardens are also decked out in festive lights for those seeking a more traditional Christmas light display. The Botanical Garden, for example, is a beautiful place to visit during the holidays. It is surrounded by colorful lights and fragrant blooms.
La Strada de las Luminarias
The city’s most famous street, La Strada de las Luminarias, is also a must-see during the holiday season. This street is lined with small, twinkling lights, creating a beautiful and inviting pathway that leads visitors through the heart of the city.
Carrera 70
The unique thing about the displays on Carrera 70 is that the light installations take the form of musical instruments such as drums, violins, trumpets, tambourines, and musical notes. There are also colorful lights on ceilings and poles between the Plaza de Banderas and the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana.
Pueblito Paisa
If you like an overlooking view while surrounded by thousands of Christmas lights, Pueblito Paisa is the place to be. It is located in the heart of Medellin and hosts several restaurants that serve coffee, ice cream, and many other Colombian specialties, such as Bandeja Paisa. A delicious meal, a view of the city, and a display of lights—what more can you ask for?
Barrio Provenza
One of the most unique displays of Christmas lights in Medellin, Colombia, can be found in the Barrio Provenza, a picturesque neighborhood known for its bohemian vibe. Visitors can stroll through the streets, surrounded by colorful lights and handmade decorations, soaking up the local culture and holiday spirit.
In addition to these iconic Christmas light displays, Medellin also boasts several smaller, more intimate displays that are just as magical. From small, brightly lit stalls selling holiday treats and gifts, to intimate Christmas tree displays in local shops and cafes, the city is truly alive with holiday spirit during this time of year.
Another highlight of Christmas in Medellin is the annual Christmas parade, which is held in the heart of the city. The parade features marching bands, elaborate floats, and Santa Claus himself, as well as a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky.
El Alumbrado 2023
In Colombia, there is a special event that highlights the wonder of Christmas Lights. Medellin is the best place to experience El Alumbrado, a seasonal light display, featuring more than 12 million lights adorning the city. The lights are usually turned on in late November, but the official start of the festival is on December 7, which is the Day of the Little Candles or Día de las Velitas.
El Alumbrado is the perfect time to visit Medellin in 2023, whether you are with your family, your friends, or your special someone. Expect the sidewalks to be packed with food stalls and shops selling holiday knick knacks.
If you plan to bring a car, we highly recommend you don’t. While there are about 300 parking spaces in different areas, take note that there will be millions of other visitors coming into the city for the event.
You are better off taking the Medellin metro or other public transportation. A stroll through the city streets is more enjoyable as you can get up close and personal with what Medellin has to offer.
When visiting Medellin for the holidays, it is important to plan ahead. This means checking the schedule of events and activities in advance, so you can make the most of your time in the city. It is also a good idea to book your accommodations in advance, as the city can get quite busy during the holiday season.
Each year, the lights attract thousands of visitors, and they are a source of pride for the city and its residents. Whether you are a local or a visitor, Christmas in Medellin is sure to bring a smile to your face and fill your heart with holiday cheer. So make sure to add a visit to the Christmas lights in Medellin to your holiday itinerary this year!