Best winter illumination destinations in South America
Best winter illumination destinations in South America
Colorful city square illuminations and traditional winter festivals in South America
One South American riverside city's Christmas light display ranks among the most elaborate anywhere in the world, transforming entire parks each December into a major tourist draw. Other countries further south add a quieter, more modest version.
The destinations on this list range from large-scale riverside and park installations drawing visitors from across the country to smaller city centre displays built around shopping districts and main squares. Both run on the Northern Hemisphere's Christmas calendar despite the continent's mixed seasons.
Visiting in the weeks immediately after the official switch-on tends to mean a better balance of full displays and slightly smaller crowds than opening night itself. Dressing warmly for evening viewing also matters considerably given the cooler night-time temperatures. Most displays run nightly through the season.
Lists by region
City in Brazil
São Paulo
A vibrant mix of culture and cuisine
Each year the tree near Ibirapuera Park is opened with fireworks and live shows. Lights frame the lake there and a water and light show runs daily. Avenida Paulista has giant Christmas trees on buildings and free choir performances. Villa de Natal SP at Parque Villa-Lobos has a 65 metre tree and a skating rink.
City in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
The Obelisco was built in 1936 and is now the centre of the holiday light show. A light projection is shown on the monument. Avenues such as Corrientes, Callao and Santa Fe have festive lighting. Each of the 15 comunas in this city has a lit Christmas tree in a plaza or park.
City in Brazil
Gramado
Brazil’s Alpine Escape in the South
In Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil, this town hosts a festival called Natal Luz. A 99 foot magic Christmas tree has over 3,500 ornaments and 2,600 string lights. A floating lights show is part of the Nativitaten at Joaquina Rita Bier Lake. The festival began in 1986 as a small concert.
City in Colombia
Bogotá
Vibrant Culture in the Andean Highlands
The Jardín Botánico de Bogotá is one of the 35 lighting points in this city. Streets such as Carrera 7a and Calle 10 are lit too. In 2023 the displays used more than 7 million bulbs across 16 localities. Old village plazas in Usaquén and Suba are also lit.
City in Colombia
Medellín
The City of Eternal Spring
Millions of coloured lights glow along the Medellín River and La Playa Avenue. The route starts at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Theater and passes Bolívar Park. EPM, a public utility of this city, has created the lights since 1967. The lights have been turned off only once, in 1992, during an energy crisis.
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