How are the Novenas celebrated in Colombia, and can I participate in them?

Novenas are celebrated in Colombia over the nine days leading up to Christmas, with family gatherings, prayers, and festive songs. This tradition is centered around community and family, with typical foods like buñuelos and natilla being shared. Visitors are welcome to join these gatherings, and many communities open their doors to tourists for a taste of the cultural experience.

What are the Alumbrados Navideños (Christmas Lights) and in which cities are they best?

The Alumbrados Navideños are renowned Christmas light displays that transform cities into magical winter wonderlands. The most famous is in Medellín, where the Medellín River and parks become bright with lights. Bogotá, Cali, and Bucaramanga also host incredible displays that are sure to enchant.

What are the typical Christmas foods in Colombia, and where can I try them?

Traditional Christmas foods in Colombia include buñuelos (fried dough balls), natilla (a custard-like dessert), tamales, and lechona (stuffed roasted pork). These treats are available at restaurants, Christmas markets, and community gatherings during the holiday season, offering a true taste of Colombian Christmas.

How is Christmas celebrated in small towns compared to big cities in Colombia?

In small towns, Christmas celebrations are more intimate, often centered around local traditions, family gatherings, and religious events. Big cities, like Medellín and Bogotá, have grand celebrations with public parades, firework displays, and large-scale events that draw in crowds from across the country.

What Christmas events and festivals take place in Colombia?

Colombia’s Christmas season features numerous events, including concerts, light festivals, and community gatherings. Medellín's Alumbrados and Bogotá's Christmas on Wheels parade are just a few of the large-scale events that attract visitors, while local towns celebrate with Novenas and smaller parades.

What Christmas activities are available for families and children in Colombia?

Families and children in Colombia enjoy visiting Christmas light displays, attending community novenas, and participating in parades and holiday markets. In larger cities, there are holiday fairs with activities for children, and rural towns often host family-oriented religious gatherings.

What is the weather like in Colombia during Christmas, and what should I pack?

The weather in Colombia varies by region. In the Andes, Christmas is cooler, so pack layers and a jacket. In coastal regions like Cartagena, expect warm weather, so light clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended. Always bring something for cooler nights, especially in high-altitude areas.

Is Colombia safe to visit during the Christmas season?

Generally, Colombia is safe to visit during Christmas, especially in tourist-friendly areas. Big cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena have strong security measures, but it’s always important to be cautious, avoid risky areas, and stay aware of your surroundings in crowded places.

What Spanish phrases or words should I learn to enjoy Christmas in Colombia?

Key Spanish phrases for Christmas in Colombia include: Feliz Navidad (Merry Christmas), Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), Feliz año (Happy new Year), Parranda (Christmas Colombian Party), Natilla y Buñuelos (a popular Christmas snack). Learning these will help you immerse yourself in the local festivities.

Are there volunteering or cultural immersion opportunities during Christmas in Colombia?

Yes, there are various opportunities to volunteer during Christmas in Colombia, including helping at orphanages, community events, or environmental projects. Volunteering allows travelers to give back to local communities while experiencing Colombia’s rich culture firsthand.

Experience an Authentic Colombian Christmas: Top 5 Destinations for Cultural Immersion

Colombia Immersion

Oct 23

Written By Juan Martinez

Colombia is home to some of the most vibrant and unique Christmas celebrations in Latin America. The holiday season here is not just about decorations and gifts; it’s a deeply cultural experience, steeped in tradition and local flavor. From lively festivals in bustling cities to peaceful celebrations in rural towns, spending Christmas in Colombia offers an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in both the language and the spirit of the season. Here are five destinations to consider if you're looking for an authentic Colombian Christmas.

Medellín: A City of Lights and Festivities

Why visit: Medellín is world-renowned for its Alumbrados Navideños, a spectacular display of Christmas lights that illuminates the entire city. The Medellín River and various parks become glowing works of art, making this one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Colombia. In addition to the lights, the city is alive with Christmas concerts, food festivals, and holiday parades.

Christmas traditions: Beyond the lights, Medellín celebrates with the Novenas, nightly gatherings for prayers, songs, and food in the nine days leading up to Christmas. These community events offer a genuine look into local holiday traditions.

Best for: Visitors who want a lively Christmas experience with lots of cultural activities and city life. For an unforgettable experience, check out Real City Tours for guided tours that delve deeper into the city's festive culture.

Villa de Leyva: A Colonial Christmas Wonderland

Why visit: Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s most picturesque colonial towns, is known for its timeless architecture and cobbled streets. Christmas here is all about old-world charm, with a Festival de Luces (Festival of Lights) that draws visitors from across the country.

Christmas traditions: Villa de Leyva’s celebrations begin with fireworks in early December and continue with nightly Novenas and a bustling Christmas market filled with artisanal crafts and holiday treats. The peaceful yet festive atmosphere makes it perfect for a laid-back but culturally rich Christmas.

Best for: Travelers seeking a cozy, small-town Christmas with historical charm.

Mompox: A Christmas by the Magdalena River

Why visit: Mompox, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a peaceful and historical setting for Christmas, nestled along the Magdalena River. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to enjoy the holidays in an unhurried, intimate way.

Christmas traditions: The town’s colonial streets are decorated with lights and filled with music during the holidays. Here, the Christmas celebrations are a mix of religious and local customs, and you can enjoy parades, traditional music, and candlelit processions by the river.

Best for: Those looking for a serene, off-the-beaten-path Christmas experience.

Armenia: A Christmas in the Coffee Region

Why visit: Armenia, located in Colombia’s famous Coffee Region, offers a perfect blend of nature and Christmas festivities. Surrounded by lush coffee farms and breathtaking landscapes, Armenia provides a more relaxed holiday experience.

Christmas traditions: In this region, you can expect to participate in traditional Christmas gatherings like parrandas navideñas (holiday parties) hosted on coffee farms, as well as enjoy local Christmas markets and festivities. The combination of nature and tradition makes Armenia an ideal place for a tranquil yet festive holiday.

Best for: Nature lovers and those interested in rural Colombian Christmas traditions.

San Carlos: Celebrate in Nature’s Heart

Why visit: Tucked away in the mountains of eastern Antioquia, San Carlos is a hidden gem that offers a truly authentic Colombian Christmas experience. Known for its stunning waterfalls, rivers, and lush green landscapes, San Carlos provides a peaceful and intimate setting for celebrating the holidays.

Christmas traditions: San Carlos comes alive during Christmas with local festivities, Novenas, and small-town gatherings where everyone is welcomed like family. While it’s quieter than the big cities, the town’s festive spirit is unmistakable, and you’ll find locals celebrating in the streets and in their homes, with traditional music, food, and fireworks.

Why with Spanish Adventure: This is where the magic of language and culture immersion comes together. At Spanish Adventure, based in San Carlos, you can not only experience the unique traditions of a Colombian Christmas but also immerse yourself in the language through our immersive Spanish learning program. Our adventures combine daily Spanish lessons with cultural activities, giving you a true taste of local life. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the holidays while learning Spanish in a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path setting.

A Christmas You’ll Never Forget in Colombia

Colombia offers a holiday season filled with joy, warmth, and unique cultural traditions that you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're drawn to the dazzling lights of Medellín, the historical charm of Villa de Leyva, or the tranquil beauty of small towns like San Carlos and Mompox, there's no better way to truly immerse yourself in Colombian culture than spending Christmas here. By joining Spanish Adventure, you can combine the celebration of these traditions with an immersive Spanish learning experience, making this holiday season one that blends education, adventure, and authentic local culture.

Ready to experience the magic of a Colombian Christmas?
Book your spot with Spanish Adventure and embark on an unforgettable journey that will enhance both your language skills and your understanding of Colombia’s rich traditions.
Secure your place now and create lasting holiday memories with us.

Common Questions About Christmas in Colombia and How to Join the Celebration

Novenas are celebrated in Colombia over the nine days leading up to Christmas, with family gatherings, prayers, and festive songs. This tradition is centered around community and family, with typical foods like buñuelos and natilla being shared. Visitors are welcome to join these gatherings, and many communities open their doors to tourists for a taste of the cultural experience.
The Alumbrados Navideños are renowned Christmas light displays that transform cities into magical winter wonderlands. The most famous is in Medellín, where the Medellín River and parks become bright with lights. Bogotá, Cali, and Bucaramanga also host incredible displays that are sure to enchant.
Traditional Christmas foods in Colombia include buñuelos (fried dough balls), natilla (a custard-like dessert), tamales, and lechona (stuffed roasted pork). These treats are available at restaurants, Christmas markets, and community gatherings during the holiday season, offering a true taste of Colombian Christmas.
In small towns, Christmas celebrations are more intimate, often centered around local traditions, family gatherings, and religious events. Big cities, like Medellín and Bogotá, have grand celebrations with public parades, firework displays, and large-scale events that draw in crowds from across the country.
Colombia’s Christmas season features numerous events, including concerts, light festivals, and community gatherings. Medellín's Alumbrados and Bogotá's Christmas on Wheels parade are just a few of the large-scale events that attract visitors, while local towns celebrate with Novenas and smaller parades.

Families and children in Colombia enjoy visiting Christmas light displays, attending community novenas, and participating in parades and holiday markets. In larger cities, there are holiday fairs with activities for children, and rural towns often host family-oriented religious gatherings.
The weather in Colombia varies by region. In the Andes, Christmas is cooler, so pack layers and a jacket. In coastal regions like Cartagena, expect warm weather, so light clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended. Always bring something for cooler nights, especially in high-altitude areas.
Generally, Colombia is safe to visit during Christmas, especially in tourist-friendly areas. Big cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena have strong security measures, but it’s always important to be cautious, avoid risky areas, and stay aware of your surroundings in crowded places.
Key Spanish phrases for Christmas in Colombia include:
"Feliz Navidad" (Merry Christmas)
"Nochebuena" (Christmas Eve)
“Feliz Año” (Happy new Year)
“Parranda” (Christmas Colombian Party)
"Natilla y Buñuelos" (a popular Christmas snack)
Learning these will help you immerse yourself in the local festivities.
Yes, there are various opportunities to volunteer during Christmas in Colombia, including helping at orphanages, community events, or environmental projects. Volunteering allows travelers to give back to local communities while experiencing Colombia’s rich culture firsthand

Juan Martinez