🎄 2025-2026 Season at a Glance
- Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 12, 2026
- Hours: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM (nightly)
- Locations: 61 sites across Medellín
- Theme: "En Navidad, Medellín te quiere"
- Special: Celebrating Medellín's 350th anniversary & EPM's 70th
- Cost: FREE
Every December, Medellín transforms into one of the most spectacular light displays in the world. The Alumbrados EPM (EPM Christmas Lights) have been a tradition since 1955, and this year marks the 58th edition of this beloved event.
National Geographic has named Medellín's Christmas lights among the top 10 holiday light displays in the world, and for good reason. Unlike commercial displays in North America or Europe that focus on Santa and shopping, Medellín's lights celebrate Colombian culture, nature, and community—creating an experience that's uniquely magical.
This Year's Theme: A Double Celebration
The 2025 theme, "En Navidad, Medellín te quiere" (At Christmas, Medellín loves you), celebrates two major milestones: the city's 350th anniversary and EPM's (the public utilities company) 70th anniversary.
The displays pay tribute to Medellín's natural and historical heritage, with particular focus on the iconic Seven Tutelary Hills (Cerros Tutelares) that shape the city's landscape.
Where to See the Lights
🌟 Parques del Río (The Main Event)
The central hub runs approximately 1.5 km along the Medellín River between the Guayaquil Bridge and the EPM Building.
Highlight: A hanging garden of 9,121 handmade flowers spanning the river—orchids, carnations, birds of paradise—all programmed for dynamic light patterns. Giant suspended macaws, hummingbirds, butterflies, and dragonflies complete the display.
Getting there: Metro stations Alpujarra, Industriales, or Poblado are all about 10 minutes' walk.
🎪 Thematic Zones Along the River
Tribute & Origins: A 25-meter Christmas tree crowned by a golden orchid with an immersive show inside.
Identity & Culture: A monumental carriel paisa (traditional leather bag) with a lights show inside, plus Feria de las Flores tributes.
Traditions & Celebration: A 12-meter Nativity scene, three monumental Wise Men, and scenes of neighborhood traditions.
🎨 Other Notable Locations
Centro (Downtown): Plaza Botero, Parque de Bolívar, Avenida La Playa
Las Palmas: Multicolor garden theme
Carrera 70 (La 70): Carnival-style décor
Cerro Nutibara/Pueblito Paisa: Stars and reindeer displays
Envigado & Sabaneta: Less crowded, easily accessible alternatives
Tips for Visiting
⏰ Best Times to Go
Least crowded: Weeknights (Monday-Wednesday), arriving right at 6 PM or later around 10 PM.
Surprisingly quiet: December 24th and 31st—most families gather at home.
Most crowded: Weekend evenings, December 7th (Día de las Velitas), and December 8th.
Security note: At Parques del Río, security stops letting people in after 8:30 PM.
🚇 Getting Around
Metro: The best option. Use stations Alpujarra, Exposiciones, Industriales, or Poblado. Avoid rush hour (5-7 PM).
Traffic warning: December traffic around the Christmas lights can be brutal. Take the Metro or go after 8 PM.
E-bike tours: Several companies offer nighttime e-bike tours covering multiple locations in one evening.
🍽️ Food & Drinks
You'll find stalls selling traditional Colombian holiday treats like buñuelos (fried cheese balls), natilla (custard), and hojuelas (crispy pastries). However, locals advise eating dinner before or after your visit for better quality options.
Safety Considerations
The Christmas lights areas are generally safe with increased security presence. Standard precautions apply:
• Keep your phone and wallet secure in crowds
• Don't wear flashy jewelry or display expensive cameras
• Use the Metro or ride-sharing apps (Uber/DiDi)
• At Parques del Río, you'll go through security checks at entrances
Other December Events
🕯️ Día de las Velitas (December 7)
The informal kickoff to the Christmas season. Families place candles and lanterns along sidewalks and balconies across the city. Walk through any residential neighborhood after dark to see the glow.
Novena de Aguinaldos (December 16-24): Nine nights of prayers, songs, and snacks with friends and family. If you're invited to join a local family's novena, absolutely say yes.
The Bottom Line
The Medellín Christmas lights are one of the most magical experiences you can have in Colombia. The displays are free, the weather is perfect, and the atmosphere is joyful. If you're in Medellín between late November and mid-January, make time to see them—preferably on a weeknight when you can actually enjoy them without massive crowds.
¡Feliz Navidad!
Last updated: December 18, 2025. Information sourced from EPM, Medellín's official tourism site, and local tour operators.