In the last month of the year, Rio de Janeiro has an intense program. Christmas attractions, end-of-year parties, exhibitions, plays… there’s everything going on in the city! So here’s your guide to what to do in December in Rio de Janeiro!
Sinatra B’Sides
Did you know that December 12th is the day one of the most important figures in American music was born?
It’s on this date that Blue Note Rio will pay homage to Frank Sinatra, with the presentation of Sinatra Labo B (B’Sides).
The unprecedented project by singer, producer and co-musical director of the show Dudi Baratz, with the participation of Grupo RUA 52, focuses on the 40s and 50s of Sinatra’s career, presenting the audience with a lesser-known repertoire of the singer.
📌Blue Note Rio | Avenida Atlântica, 1910 – Copacabana
📅12/12 | at 8pm
💵From R$30 (half-price)
Capoeira Music Festival
The National Meeting of Bambas, which takes place once a year, has been so successful that it will have a special second edition.
The event will open with the 1st Capoeira Musical Festival – Mestre Ephrain, which promises to be a true celebration of capoeira culture, paying homage to the iconic Mestre Ephrain and highlighting the central role of music in this art.
In addition, participation is open to capoeira singers and composers from all over Brazil, who will compete for prizes in different categories.
📌Sampaio Olympic Village
📅14 and 15/12 | at 2pm
💵Free
The Scene (doesn’t) Change
Inspired by Maria Bethânia’s anthological concert in 1974, the documentary theater show ‘A Cena (Não) Muda’ draws a parallel between that oppressive period, Brazil in the 1970s, and what hasn’t changed in 50 years.
Historical facts, the truculence and violence in general practiced against the population, disappearances and other crimes that have been perpetuated over time are confronted on stage through real narratives documented by history.
📌 Domingos Oliveira Theater | Gávea Planetarium
Until 18/12 | Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8pm
💵From R$20 (half-price)
Solitude by Caio F.
Directed by Alexandre Mello, the play pays homage to the writer Caio Fernando Abreu in a reflection on loneliness, death and the search for love in the metropolis.
To do this, it focuses on two of the author’s short stories on the subject (“A little beach with very clear sand, there, on the edge of the creek” and “Lady of the Night”), as well as letters written between 1987 and 1990.
It’s also worth noting that the play evokes images from a time of explicit homophobia due to misinformation and the existential pain of this generation that lived through the military coup and the decline of the arts and culture in the country.
📌Ateliê Alexandre Mello | Rua Alice, 1.658/201 – Laranjeiras
Until 22/12 | Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. | Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
💵From R$ 25 (half-price)
Reality is Almost Abstraction: A Picturesque Journey to the Periphery
On display at the Centro Cultural Correios, the exhibition ‘Reality is Almost Abstraction: Picturesque Journey to the Periphery’ explores the creative power of the periphery, featuring works that imagine everyday life and break with traditional definitions through abstract language.
In addition, the exhibition features more than fifty contemporary artists exploring different artistic languages, including painting, sculpture, graffiti, engraving, set design and photography.
📌Centro Cultural Correios | Rua Visconde de Itaboraí, 20 – Centro
Until 11/01 | Tuesday to Saturday, from 12pm to 7pm
💵Free
Quantum
In December, São Paulo visual artist Alexandre Vianna presents the ‘Quantum’ exhibition to the public in Rio de Janeiro.
The project is made up of works in which photographs and paintings are mixed, the result of the artist and photographer’s research into portraying human bodies, highlighting an invisible force that surrounds the individual when expressing their deepest feelings.
In addition, video projections and an audiovisual documentary are also part of the show.
📌Cidade das Artes (Gallery 2) | Avenida das Américas, 5.300 – Barra da Tijuca
Until 23/12 | Thursday to Sunday, from 2pm to 8pm
💵Free
Candlelight Concerts
December is also a great month to attend a candlelight show, especially if it’s themed! Want to get into the Christmas spirit in a magical way?
Then don’t miss Candlelight: Christmas Special – Jingle Bells, Hallelujah and more!, which will take place on December 18, 19 and 20 at the PRIO Theater.
Plus, keep an eye on all the Candlelight programming in Rio as there’s always an incredible concert happening in iconic places in the city!
Christmas in Rio de Janeiro
Speaking of Christmas, did you know that Santa Claus is making several trips to Rio de Janeiro?
There’ s no shortage of Christmas attractions in the city, such as themed decorations in shopping malls, photos with Santa, shows, free events and more! Here we tell you a little about the best of what’s happening in the Marvelous City!
New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro
New Year’s Eve in Copacabana is an event and a tip on what to do in December in Rio de Janeiro. But there are several other New Year’s Eve parties taking place in the city.
What’s more, for those who are going to spend New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro but don’t fancy the hustle and bustle, there are also quieter options. In other words, everyone has a good time!
Escape to nearby cities
If you’re going on vacation at the end of the year, how about taking some time off to go up into the mountains? Or visit a city in the countryside?
A getaway to cities near Rio can be a great option for those who want to escape the hectic routine of Rio this year and relax. Be sure to check out our guide first!