Hello, 2026! Another year ahead and we’ve already got the best tips for you to enjoy this first month. So, if you want to know what to do in January in Rio de Janeiro, check out our complete guide to enjoying the city to the full!
Enjoying summer in Rio de Janeiro
Not only has a new month begun, but so has the summer season! And the hottest season of the year looks just like the Marvelous City, doesn’t it? Rio de Janeiro gets even bluer and busier!
Around here, we have a few tips that you can’t miss if you’re enjoying summer in Rio de Janeiro…
…but also tips for nearby cities if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle!
Chaves: The Exhibition
If you miss your afternoons watching Chaves and Chapolin, then you need to visit this exhibition in Rio.
To honor the 40th anniversary of the premiere of one of Brazil’s most beloved shows, Chaves: The Exhibition takes you on a fun and nostalgic journey into the universe of the series, with sets, costumes, characters and lots of curiosities!
📌Via Parque Shopping | Avenida Ayrton Senna, 3000 – Barra da Tijuca
📅Until February 2026
💵 From R$ 20, | Tickets here!
Michelangelo – The Master of the Sistine Chapel
The Michelangelo – The Master of the Sistine Chapel exhibition has arrived in Rio de Janeiro and tickets are flying out!
So take advantage of the fact that the year has just begun to enjoy this excellent cultural program in the center of Rio Through high-tech projections, the exhibition takes you inside one of the most famous chapels in the world to appreciate Michelangelo’s works!
📌Centro Cultural Correios | Rua Visconde de Itaboraí, 20 – Centro
📅Until February 2026
💵 From R$ 25, | Tickets here!
Imaginary Archipelago
Also at the Rio Center, the ‘Imaginary Archipelago’ exhibition offers an immersion in the work of photographer Luiz Braga. His images portray the landscapes, individuals, customs and traditions of Pará, captured from moments of exchange and coexistence.
The exhibition brings together 191 photographs from the 1970s to the present day – most of them exhibited only once!
📌Paço Imperial | Praça Quinze de Novembro, 48 – Centro
📅Until March 2026 | Tuesday to Sunday and holidays, from 12pm to 6pm
💵Free
Candlelight Concerts
If, in January, the idea is to slow down and also enjoy a different program, then go see one of the Candlelight concerts this month.
This is because the candlelight shows are surprising, exciting and always take place in iconic places in Rio de Janeiro.
Bonus tip: in March, Warner Bros. and Candlelight will bring the magic of Middle-earth to the Marvelous City with the classical music concert Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings! But you can secure your tickets now – don’t miss out!
Spanta Universe 2026
One of the biggest and most diverse music festivals in Brazil, Universo Spanta is set to rock Rio ‘s summer this month!
That’s because the program features a line-up full of established artists and new talents to cater for the most different audiences. Among them, Ivete Sangalo, Ana Castela, Joelma, MC Cabelinho, Pixote, Os Garotin, BaianaSystem and many more!
In addition, Carnival blocks and samba schools are also on the festival program.
📌Marina da Glória | Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, s/n – Glória
📅From 12 to 26/01
💵From R$25,
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty
The story of Princess Aurora takes on a new dimension in this show that combines traditional ballet with futuristic elements.
In Ballet of Lights, talented dancers light up the stage in costumes adorned with fiber optic lights, creating a perfect fusion between the past and the future.
📌PRIO Theater | Avenida Bartolomeu Mitre, 1110 – Leblon
📅15 and 29/01 | at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
💵From R$ 105, | Tickets here!
The Jazz Room
The Jazz Room is a magical experience that will immerse you in one of the most iconic musical genres!
In this show, Cariocas will discover the different styles of jazz and learn about its roots straight from New Orleans, while watching performances by professional artists that will leave everyone awestruck!
📌Dolores Club | Rua do Lavradio, 10 – Centro
📅29/01 | at 19h and 21h30
💵From R$125, | Tickets here!
I’m not giving up!
Actor Othon Bastos returns to the stage of Teatro Vannucci to present his solo “Não me entreggo, não!”.
The hotly contested play, which premiered there in 2024, returns to the stage this month with the reflections of this veteran artist, at the height of his 92 years, recalling every moment of his career. The play is a lesson in life and resilience and will be running for a short season!
📌Teatro Vannucci | Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 52 / 3º andar – Shopping da Gávea
📅From 02/01 to 01/02 | Fridays and Saturdays at 6pm | Sundays at 4pm
💵From R$ 25, (half-price)
Djavan – The Musical: Lives to Tell
Djavan – The Musical: Lives to Tell is also back for another season in the city.
Conceived by Gustavo Nunes, with artistic direction by João Fonseca and text by Patrícia Andrade and Rodrigo França, the musical traces Djavan’s life and creation through personal and artistic episodes, with his own work as the narrative axis.
📌Teatro Claro MAIS RJ | Rua Siqueira Campos, 143, 2º Piso – Copacabana
📅From 08/01 to 08/02 | Thursdays and Fridays, 8pm | Saturdays, 4:30pm and 8:30pm | Sundays, 6pm
💵From R$ 19,80