Introduction to Christmas in Colombia
In Colombia, Christmas is not just a date on the calendar; it's a tapestry of emotions, aromas, and sounds that intertwine from early December until dawn on the 25th. While in many countries the center of celebration is December 25th, here the heart beats strongest on the night of the 24th, in what we know as Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). This difference is not coincidental, but the result of a mix of history, culture, and faith that has shaped our traditions over the centuries. For curious travelers and residents, understanding why we celebrate December 24th and what rituals accompany it is delving into the soul of a country that lives Christmas with contagious intensity.
Historical and Cultural Reasons for Celebrating December 24th
The choice of December 24th as the central day of Christmas in Colombia has deep roots in Catholic tradition, which arrived with Spanish colonization. According to the liturgical calendar, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus, and the midnight Mass, celebrated at midnight from the 24th to the 25th, symbolizes the vigil and wait for that sacred moment. This practice consolidated during colonial times, where indigenous and African communities fused their own celebrations with Christian ones, giving rise to a night full of spiritual and family meaning. Unlike cultures that prioritize the 25th as a day of gifts, in Colombia Christmas Eve is the moment of gathering, reflection, and celebration, marking the beginning of the celebration that extends until Holy Innocents' Day on December 28th and Three Kings' Day in January.
Highlighted Traditions: Aguinaldos, Tamales, Nativity Scenes, Masses, Carols
Christmas traditions in Colombia are a mosaic of customs that awaken the senses. Aguinaldos, games of chance and singing performed with family, fill homes with laughter and friendly competition from December 16th. Tamales, wrapped in plantain leaves and filled with meat, rice, and vegetables, are a symbol of abundance and are prepared in many regions for the dinner on the 24th. Nativity scenes or manger scenes, crafted with clay or wooden figures, recreate the Bethlehem scene and are set up in homes and public spaces, often accompanied by lights and moss. Midnight Masses gather entire communities in decorated churches, while carols like "Mi burrito sabanero" or "Campana sobre campana" resonate on radios and streets, creating an unmistakable soundtrack of the season.
Regional Variations and Examples of Celebrations
Colombia is a country of regions, and each adds its own stamp to Christmas. On the Caribbean Coast, for example, the celebration includes cumbias and fandangos, with dishes like lechona and coconut rice. In the Coffee Region, Christmas light displays in towns like Armenia attract thousands with synchronized light shows. In Medellín, the famous EPM Light Displays, under the concept "In Christmas, Medellín Loves You", illuminate the city from November 28, 2025, to January 12, 2026, with 8 million LED lights and hand-woven figures honoring the city's 350 years, according to the official EPM website. In Bogotá, during December 2025, Plaza de Bolívar hosted the immersive show "An Imagined City" with mapping and performances, though this event has ended. For January 2026, there are no events scheduled at Plaza de Bolívar, but other spaces like the Festival Brilla Sueños near El Campín stadium run until January 12, 2026, according to the Bogotá Mayor's Office. In Cali, the Christmas Lighting on the Río Boulevard started on December 7, 2025, and ran until December 31, 2025, with over 4,000 figures inspired by local biodiversity, as reported by El País. The Manizales Fair is held in January and is not part of Christmas festivities. These variations show how Christmas adapts to local landscapes and rhythms, offering a unique experience in every corner of the country.
Tips for Experiencing These Traditions as a Visitor
If you visit Colombia in December, immerse yourself in Christmas by attending midnight Masses, even if you're not religious, to feel the solemnity and community. Try tamales at a local market or at a family dinner invited by Colombian friends, and don't miss the aguinaldos, where you'll learn typical songs and simple games. Visit the light displays in cities like Medellín or Cali, and bring a light jacket for the cool nights in the highlands. Remember that Colombian hospitality shines during this time, so accept invitations and ask about traditions; every family has its own story to tell. In the end, Christmas here is more than a holiday: it's an invitation to connect with human warmth.
Share your own Colombian Christmas traditions in the comments or on social media, and carry with you the spirit of a celebration that, like the aroma of buñuelos, lasts long after the holidays pass.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Colombia
Why is December 24th celebrated more than December 25th in Colombia?
In Colombia, Christmas Eve (December 24th) is the heart of the celebration due to the Catholic tradition of midnight Mass, which commemorates the birth of Jesus. This practice took root during Spanish colonization and merged with indigenous and African traditions, turning the night of the 24th into a moment of family and spiritual gathering.
What are the typical dishes of Colombian Christmas?
- Tamales: Wrapped in plantain leaves, filled with meat, rice, and vegetables
- Lechona: Especially on the Caribbean Coast, pork stuffed with rice and spices
- Buñuelos: Fried cheese and flour balls
- Natilla: Corn dessert with cinnamon
- Coconut rice: Typical side dish from the Caribbean region
Where can I see the best Christmas light displays in Colombia?
- Medellín: EPM Light Displays from November 28, 2025, to January 12, 2026, with LED lights and figures across multiple city points according to EPM.
- Bogotá: During December 2025, Plaza de Bolívar had the show 'An Imagined City'; for future events, check the official schedule.
- Cali: Lighting on the Río Boulevard from December 7, 2025, to December 31, 2025, with over 4,000 figures according to El País.
- Armenia: Parque de la Vida and historic center (current information unchanged).
What are Christmas aguinaldos?
Aguinaldos are traditional games played with family from December 16th. They include activities like "Pajita en boca" (carrying a straw without using hands), "Dar y no recibir" (giving gifts without expecting anything in return), and typical songs that create a festive and family atmosphere.
