The official date of Christmas is only a few days away, but in Rio de Janeiro, the celebrations have been underway for some time. That’s because this year, the Marvelous City has gone all out to deliver incredible Christmas attractions and the mood is infecting all cariocas and tourists alike! That’s why we’ve put together the best tips for you to make the most of Christmas in Rio de Janeiro 2025!
Christmas tree in Botafogo
The Christmas tree in Enseada de Botafogo is literally the big news this year. With a structure equivalent to a 30-storey building, the floating tree puts on a show of light and sparkle on the beach.
The program also includes a gastronomic village and free concerts until January 6th!
📅Until 06/01 | Friday to Sunday, 7pm
📌Enseada de Botafogo
💵Free entry
Lagoa Tree
Christmas in Rio de Janeiro 2025 also sees the return of an icon!
The Lagoa Tree made its comeback in style this month and illuminates the city’s South Zone with more than 900,000 lights and tributes to the Brazilian states.
📅Until 28/12 | from 7pm
Rodrigo de Freitas Lake
💵Free entry
Candlelight: Christmas Classics
The magic of Christmas is not only in the lights and decorations, but also in the music! So the Candlelight Concerts are perfect for getting into the Christmas mood in an unforgettable way.
In Candlelight: Christmas Classics, you have a unique musical experience, listening to themed music surrounded by a sea of candles! Check out the program and guarantee your ticket!
- 20 and 26/12: Candlelight: Christmas Classics, at the Museum of Tomorrow;
- 20/12: Candlelight: Christmas Classics, at Solar de Botafogo.
Christmas at the Municipal Theater
The classic show “The Nutcracker” is currently showing at the Municipal Theater in Rio de Janeiro. But with tickets sold out, the iconic building surprised locals and visitors with an extra, free Christmas program.
A mapped projection of the ballet is shown nightly on the façade, with striking scenes, characters and soundtrack. In addition, cantatas in the window and a Christmas Village also adorn the surroundings. Well worth a visit!
📅Until 28/12 | Tuesday to Sunday
📌Theatro Municipal | Praça Floriano, s/n – Centro
💵Free
Christmas decorations in the malls
Rio de Janeiro’s shopping malls have also taken great care with this year’s Christmas decorations, including a 75-meter tree, a snow show, Santa’s House and much more!
Here’s a list of the best Christmas decorations in shopping malls for you and your family to enjoy!
Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan
You first heard about when and where the Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan would be visiting Rio de Janeiro.
And the illuminated trucks continue to circulate through the neighborhoods, bringing joy to different regions of the city. Check out the full schedule of neighborhoods here!
Christmas (and New Year!) dinner
The end of the year is also celebrated with a good Christmas dinner, isn’t it? Panettone, French toast, codfish… the abundant table and the family together make the party even more special.
That’s why (and to save you from spending hours in the kitchen) we’ve put together a list of the best places in Rio that offer complete suppers and special menus to suit all tastes!