Christmas in Colombia is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year. The lights, the music, the family gatherings, and the religious traditions create a season full of color, flavor, and joy. However, beyond the well-known elements such as the Novena de Aguinaldos (Christmas Novena) or the Day of the Little Candles, there are lesser-known Colombian Christmas customs that reflect the country's cultural diversity and the festive spirit of its people.
In this article you will discover how Christmas is celebrated in different regions of Colombia, which traditions are kept alive, and which are resurfacing thanks to the love for roots and national identity.
The importance of Christmas in Colombian culture
Christmas in Colombia is not only a religious celebration, but also a time for family and community togetherness. From the end of November, the streets fill with lights, music, and fairs that mark the beginning of the holiday spirit. Colombian families prepare their homes, organize dinners, and plan gatherings with friends and neighbors.
In many towns, the Christmas festivities represent an opportunity to strengthen social ties, promote the local economy, and revive traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Day of the Little Candles, the beginning of Christmas
On December 7th , the eve of the Immaculate Conception, Colombians celebrate the Day of the Little Candles , one of the most symbolic dates on the national festive calendar. This night, the streets, balconies, and parks are illuminated with thousands of candles and lanterns that symbolize the light guiding the Virgin Mary.
Although this custom is well-known, in some regions like Boyacá and Antioquia a more traditional version is maintained: families prepare their own lanterns with recycled materials, colored paper, and handmade wax. In municipalities like Villa de Leyva , the festival of lights has become an internationally recognized tourist attraction.
You can learn more about this celebration on Candle Day in Colombia .
The Christmas Novena, a tradition that unites generations
Between December 16th and 24th , families gather each night to pray the Novena de Aguinaldos , a religious tradition that blends faith, song, food, and joy. At each gathering, Christmas carols are sung accompanied by traditional instruments such as the tambourine or maraca, and traditional dishes are shared.
The curious thing is that, in regions like Santander or Nariño , the novenas include dramatizations with children representing Joseph, Mary and the shepherds, while in large cities like Bogotá or Cali, corporate novenas are celebrated with raffles, music and gifts.
Christmas gifts, Christmas games with a Colombian flavor
A little-known custom outside of Colombia is the tradition of Christmas games , which begin in early December. These activities, very popular in departments like Boyacá and Cundinamarca , consist of challenges between friends or couples with fun rules: "yes and no," "give and don't receive," or "straw in mouth." Whoever breaks the rule must pay a forfeit or complete a funny dare.
These games strengthen family bonds and reflect the characteristic humor of Colombian Christmas. Furthermore, they remain an important part of family celebrations, especially in small towns.
Nativity scenes and Christmas contests in the neighborhoods
The Nativity scene is a central element in almost every home. But in some municipalities, such as Pasto or Tunja , there are veritable living Nativity scene competitions, where communities recreate the Nativity scene with actors, animals, and handmade decorations.
In working-class neighborhoods of Medellín and Barranquilla , community councils organize contests for the best-decorated facades and streets, encouraging creativity and community participation. On every corner, nativity scenes represent not only faith, but also art and solidarity.
Christmas lights, a source of Colombian pride
Colombia is world-renowned for its Christmas lights , especially those in Medellín, Cali, Bucaramanga, and Bogotá . These cities transform their streets into luminous works of art that attract thousands of tourists.
What few people know is that in smaller towns, like Guatapé, Pamplona, or Quimbaya , there are also handcrafted Christmas lights made by the residents themselves. Many of them use recycled bottles, paper, and local materials, demonstrating Colombian environmental commitment and creativity.
Traditional Christmas dishes that cannot be missed
Christmas in Colombia is a truly savored experience. Typical Christmas dishes vary by region, but all share a love for homemade food and sharing. Among the most traditional are:
Fritters and custard : the undisputed kings of December.
Tolima-style lechona : typical at large family celebrations.
Tamales : a must-have at December breakfasts and dinners.
Ajiaco and sancocho : comforting soups to accompany the cold season.
Empanadas and chicha : present in the novenas and neighborhood festivals.
Each region adds its own personal touch, making Christmas cuisine a map of flavors that span the entire country.
You can read more about typical cuisine in Traditional Colombian Dishes by Region .
Midnight Masses and religious celebrations
On Christmas Eve , many families attend Midnight Mass , which is celebrated at midnight. In towns with a Catholic tradition, such as Mompox or Popayán , this mass is accompanied by live music, lanterns, and fireworks.
Upon leaving the temple, families gather to share Christmas dinner and await together the arrival of the Christ Child, who, unlike in other countries, is responsible for bringing gifts to Colombian children, not Santa Claus.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day celebrations
After December 25th, the festivities continue. Throughout the country , end-of-year celebrations , street parties, and local fairs take place. In Cali , the Cali Fair, held from December 25th to 30th, is one of the most anticipated events. In other regions, there are parades, processions, and popular dances.
A curious New Year 's tradition is burning the Old Year , a rag doll that represents the bad things of the year that is ending. It is burned at midnight on December 31st as a symbol of renewal and hope.
Regional diversity in celebrations
Each region of Colombia experiences Christmas in a unique way:
Caribbean Coast : parties with music, dancing and typical foods such as coconut rice and meat pie.
Andean Region : religious celebrations, Christmas carols and community lighting.
Amazon and Orinoco : indigenous traditions are mixed with Christian celebration.
Colombian Pacific : Afro-Colombian chants, prayers and gastronomy with seafood.
This diversity makes Christmas in Colombia a multisensory experience that combines faith, joy, color and tradition.
Why are Colombian Christmas traditions unique?
Colombian Christmas traditions reflect the soul of the country: hospitality, creativity, devotion, and a strong sense of community. Beyond decorations and gifts, the true essence of Christmas in Colombia lies in sharing, giving thanks, and keeping alive the traditions that unite us.
Exploring these celebrations is also a way to appreciate the cultural richness that makes Colombia such a diverse and magical country.