✨ Don't Miss: Alumbrados EPM Christmas Lights
Medellín's famous Christmas lights are ON through January 12, 2026. Over 8 million LED bulbs across 61 locations, with the main display at Parques del Río featuring 9,121 handmade hanging flowers spanning the river.
Hours: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM nightly | Cost: FREE
Read Our Complete Guide →📆 Week at a Glance
🎉 This Weekend (Dec 20-22)
Naviwine 2025
A wine and music festival at Cheap Wine X WareHouse featuring local and international artists. Great atmosphere for the pre-Christmas weekend.
El Caribefunk Live
Popular Colombian band El Caribefunk performs at 20Mission Cerveza. Expect Caribbean rhythms, funk, and a great party atmosphere at this craft brewery venue.
Stand-Up Comedy Shows
Multiple comedy shows running through the weekend including Andrés Bravo's year-end special. Most shows are in Spanish but great for practicing comprehension!
Weekly Language Exchanges
Perfect for practicing Spanish or meeting locals and other expats. Most are free or very cheap.
Gringo Tuesdays at Vintrash
The most popular expat language exchange in Medellín. Language practice from 4-8:30 PM, then the party starts! Games, beer pong, and international crowd.
Colombia Immersion Exchange
More structured language exchange at a Spanish school in Envigado. Ice-breaker activities, conversation practice, and cultural events. Calmer than Gringo Tuesdays.
Noah Hostel Rooftop Exchange
Chill language exchange on a rooftop in Manila neighborhood. Mix of travelers and locals. Great views and relaxed atmosphere.
Nightlife & Social
El Poblado Pub Crawls
Multiple operators run pub crawls through Parque Lleras area. Usually includes drinks, VIP entry to clubs, and a group of fellow travelers. Great for solo travelers.
Live Salsa at Son Havana
One of the best salsa clubs in the city with live bands. Even if you can't dance, the atmosphere is electric. Locals will often help you learn!
3 Cordilleras Brewery Tours
Tours of Medellín's most famous craft brewery. Includes 5 beer samples and a look at the brewing process. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
Cultural Activities
Comuna 13 Graffiti Tours
Walk through the transformed neighborhood with local guides. Learn about the history, see incredible street art, and ride the famous outdoor escalators.
Free Walking Tours
Real City Tours offers free 4-hour walking tours of downtown Medellín at 10 AM daily. English-speaking guides, tip-based. Great introduction to the city.
Medellín Food Tours
Guided culinary tours through local markets and restaurants. Try bandeja paisa, arepas, exotic fruits, and local street food with expert guides.
Day Trips from Medellín
Guatapé & El Peñol
The most popular day trip: colorful pueblo, 700+ stairs up the famous rock, stunning lake views. Book a tour or take a bus from Terminal del Norte (~2 hours).
Santa Elena Flower Farms
Visit flower farms in the mountains above the city. Learn about the silletero tradition, see stunning orchids, and enjoy cooler mountain air. Perfect for photos.
Paragliding in San Félix
Tandem paragliding flights over the Aburrá Valley with incredible city views. No experience needed. Flights last 15-30 minutes depending on conditions.
🎄 Christmas Week Tips
December 24 (Noche Buena): Most businesses close early. This is a big family night—if you're lucky enough to be invited to a Colombian family celebration, say yes! Expect fireworks at midnight.
December 25: A quieter day. Many restaurants closed. The Christmas lights at Parques del Río will be less crowded than usual.
December 31: Another huge family night with traditions like eating 12 grapes at midnight and wearing yellow underwear for luck. Book dinner reservations now if you want to eat out.
🔜 Coming Up
Know of an event we should include?
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brendan@medellinrainbow.com