On December 7, when the sky over Bogotá darkens, in Usaquén the lights don't go out, they turn on. Thousands of candles, lanterns, and garlands illuminate the cobblestone streets of this northern neighborhood, transforming the Day of the Little Candles tradition into a celebration that smells of melted wax, freshly made natilla, and community. Here, Christmas is not just a date on the calendar; it is an act of luminous resistance, a reminder that, even in the big city, neighbors still come out to their doorways, share an aguardiente, and sing to the Virgin.
Streets and plazas where light becomes neighborhood
The epicenter has always been the Plaza de Usaquén and its colonial church. But the magic spreads like gunpowder through the surrounding little streets: Carrera 6ª, between Calles 119 and 120, dresses up in style with arches of white and yellow lights. The streets near the park, such as Calle 119B, fill with candles placed by residents, although they do not form a continuous tunnel. Each block has its own personality: some prefer traditional candles on the sidewalk, others venture into designs on the ground forming stars or hearts. Walking here that night is like navigating a river of still fire, where each flame tells a family story.
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Events that weave community
The local action board, together with cultural collectives, does not let the date pass without programming. There is usually a Christmas carol concert in the plaza, with children's choirs from schools in the area. Last year, a street theater group performed the story of the Immaculate Conception among buñuelo stalls. The most authentic thing, however, happens spontaneously: families who open their garages with tables of natilla and hojuelas for passersby, or grandparents who bring out their guitars to sing 'Los caminos de la vida' in front of an improvised altar with candles. It is in these unorganized gestures that Usaquén reveals its heart.
Tips for the Christmas market
The flea market of Usaquén, on weekends, catches the spirit. During December, especially the weekend after the 7th, the stalls multiply. Arrive early, around 10 a.m., to avoid crowds and find the best crafts. Don't limit yourself to buying: talk with the artisans, many are neighbors who explain the origin of their tagua nativity scenes or their soy candles. Bring cash; although some accept cards, local currency speeds up the exchange. And try the chocolate with cheese from one of the food stalls: it is a Usaquén ritual.
Where to take refuge with flavor
After walking among lights, several establishments become warm refuges. Abasto restaurant, in the heart of the colonial neighborhood (Carrera 6 No. 119B-52), is an old grain warehouse converted into a cozy restaurant serving Mediterranean and North African cuisine; it does not offer a specific Christmas menu with sobrebarriga nor a monumental nativity scene, but its atmosphere is ideal for a hot dinner. Other cafes and restaurants on the plaza usually decorate their windows with Christmas motifs and offer hot chocolate, although there is no evidence of establishments called 'Café de la Villa' or 'La Bodeguita de Usaquén' with the characteristics mentioned. All these places not only feed the body, but are part of the collective decor of the neighborhood.
Frequently asked questions about the Day of the Little Candles in Usaquén
When is the Day of the Little Candles celebrated in Usaquén?
The Day of the Little Candles is celebrated on December 7 every year, but in Usaquén the celebration usually extends throughout the entire weekend, especially at the flea market.
What should I bring to better enjoy the celebration?
- Warm clothing: December nights in Bogotá can be cold
- Comfortable footwear: the cobblestone streets require good shoes for walking
- Cash: to buy at the flea market and street stalls
- Camera: to capture the magic of the lights
- A candle: to join the tradition and light it with the neighbors
How do I get to Usaquén?
Usaquén is located in the north of Bogotá. You can get there by:
- TransMilenio: there is no TransMilenio station in Usaquén; the nearest stations are on Autopista Norte (Line B) or Caracas, but they require a transfer. The most common way is to arrive by city bus or taxi.
- Bus: Routes that run along Carrera 7ª and Calle 116
- Taxi or ride-hailing app: from any point in the city
- Private car: there are public parking lots in the area
Are there activities for children?
Yes, children can enjoy:
- Christmas carol concerts in the plaza
- Christmas craft workshops at some market stalls
- Spaces to light candles safely
- Activities organized by the local action board
Practical information about the places mentioned
Plaza de Usaquén
- Address: Carrera 6ª between Calles 119 and 120, Usaquén, Bogotá
- Google Maps: See location on Google Maps
- Celebration hours: December 7 from 6:00 p.m. onward
- Cost: Free entry
Usaquén Flea Market
- Address: Parque de Usaquén, Calle 119B with Carrera 6ª
- Google Maps: See location on Google Maps
- Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (in December it extends its hours)
- Website: www.mercadosdepulgasbogota.com/usaquen
- Recommendation: Arrive early to avoid crowds
Abasto Restaurant
- Address: Carrera 6 No. 119B-52 (also registered as Calle 118 #5-41), Usaquén, Bogotá
- Google Maps: See location on Google Maps
- Phone: (601) 6751319 / WhatsApp: (315) 8715220
- Website: www.abasto.com.co
- Menu: Mediterranean and North African cuisine; there is no specific Christmas menu with sobrebarriga.
History of the Day of the Little Candles: from imported faith to Bogotá ritual
The celebration that today lights up the streets of Usaquén has its roots in the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, proclaimed as dogma by Pope Pius IX in 1854. The custom of lighting candles and lanterns on the eve of December 8 —the date on which the Church commemorates that mystery— arrived in Colombia with evangelization and gradually blended with the community practices of each region. Over time, what began as a prayer vigil transformed into a neighborhood festival: families bring the candles out to the doorstep, children run among the flames, and the night becomes a collective ceremony of gratitude and hope.
In Usaquén, that general narrative acquired its own nuance. Before the municipality was annexed to Bogotá in 1954, the town of Usaquén already celebrated with candles and songs around its colonial church; the tradition was an excuse for families that scattered during the year to the labors of the countryside to come together again. With the arrival of the massive urbanization of the north of the city, the ritual did not disappear: it reinvented itself. The new neighbors, many of them arrived from other regions of the country, adopted the custom and added their own accents: the carols of the Caribbean blend with those of the highlands, and the santafereña natilla coexists with the buñuelos of every kitchen.
Today, the Day of the Little Candles in Usaquén is a synthesis of that history: a date of religious root that functions, above all, as an act of neighborhood identity. It is no coincidence that it is one of the few nights of the year when the residents of the historic neighborhood come out into the street to talk with those they only see in passing. The light of the candles, in that sense, fulfills a double function: it illuminates the public space and reweaves the ties that urban life tends to loosen.
Testimonies of local residents: the voice of those who light the tradition
Behind every lit candle there is a family story that repeats year after year. For many Usaquén families, the night of December 7 begins with a routine inherited from generation to generation: bringing the chairs out to the doorstep, preparing the natilla, and sharing the first buñuelos among the neighbors before nightfall. The residents of the blocks near the park describe the celebration as one of the few occasions when the neighborhood recovers the pace of the town it was before becoming the gastronomic and commercial epicenter of northern Bogotá.
The merchants of the area also experience the date intensely. The artisans of the flea market tend to agree that the weekend after December 7 is one of the busiest of the year, and many spend weeks preparing decorated candles, nativity scenes, and carved figures for the occasion. For the shopkeepers and café owners, the night represents an opportunity to show the neighborhood's hospitality: several open their doors with free hot chocolate for those walking among the candles.
The most valuable testimonies, however, are those of the older adults who grew up in the former municipality. Their accounts coincide on one point: the celebration has grown in size, but it preserves its essence. The light of the candles continues to be, for them, a gesture of gratitude and memory —a reminder that Usaquén, despite urban transformation, remains a place where neighbors recognize each other and greet each other by name.
Tickets, Pricing, and Where to Buy
The Día de las Velitas in Usaquén is a free, open-to-the-public event. No tickets or advance purchase are required to access the streets of Usaquén's historic center. Candles and lanterns can be bought from local shops and street vendors in the area, with prices ranging from COP 5,000 to COP 20,000, depending on size and design. It is recommended to bring cash to support local merchants.
Official Schedule and Stage Timetables
The official schedule has not yet been published by the Local Mayor's Office of Usaquén. However, activities are expected to begin at 5:00 p.m. with the lighting of candles in the main park and surrounding streets. There will be musical performances on stages set up in the plaza and on Calle 119. The event will conclude at 11:00 p.m. with a light show. Check the Local Mayor's Office social media for confirmed times.
Getting There and Local Safety Tips
Usaquén is located in northern Bogotá. You can take TransMilenio to Usaquén station (Line B) and walk 10 minutes to the historic center. There are also SITP bus routes serving the area. For those driving, parking is available at Hacienda Santa Bárbara shopping center and on Calle 119. Arrive early, wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes, and keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid carrying valuables and stay in well-lit areas. Follow instructions from local authorities.
