Medellín's Christmas lights: a guide to the Alumbrados

Every Christmas season, Medellín's public utility EPM switches on the Alumbrados, millions of lights and giant illuminated figures along the river and in parks across the city. They usually run from late November or early December until mid-January; in 2025 they were lit on November 28 and stayed on until January 12, 2026, with Parques del Río as the main hub. They're free, and seeing them is one of the best reasons to visit Medellín in December.

What the Alumbrados are

Medellín takes Christmas lights seriously. Each year, EPM, the city's public utility company, designs and installs a citywide display known as the Alumbrados navideños, or simply the Alumbrados. It isn't a few strings of bulbs on lampposts. Think kilometers of illuminated tunnels, giant figures several stories high, light shows over the river and decorated parks in every part of the city.

The tradition goes back to 1955, when businesses and the city first decorated Avenida La Playa downtown. EPM took over the design and cost in 1967, and since then the lights have grown into one of the city's biggest events. National Geographic once named Medellín's lights among the best Christmas displays in the world, and on December evenings it can feel like the whole city is out walking.

When they're on

The lights usually go on in late November or the first days of December and stay on until around the second week of January, after the Epiphany holiday. For the 2025 season, the mayor and EPM switched them on at Parques del Río at 6 pm on Friday, November 28, 2025, and they stayed on until Monday, January 12, 2026, a public holiday. That made 46 nights of lights.

Dates for the 2026 season hadn't been announced when we checked in October 2026. Watch EPM's and the Alcaldía de Medellín's websites in November. The opening night ceremony is free to attend, but it's very crowded.

Each evening the lights come on at dusk, around 6 pm. Plan to arrive a little before then to watch them switch on.

Where to see them

The layout changes every year, but the 2025 edition gives you a good idea:

Parques del Río and the Paseo del Río. The riverside parks were the main hub in 2025, with the biggest installations, including a lit castle with the city's coat of arms, an 11-meter carriel (the traditional paisa leather bag) and a dome with video mapping. This is where to go if you only have one night.
The EPM Building. EPM's headquarters, beside Parque de los Pies Descalzos, had laser projections and a light-and-water fountain.
El Centro. Traditional routes downtown, including Plaza Botero, Parque San Antonio and the area around La Playa, are decorated, and the city runs cultural events, novenas and guided night walks in the center in December.
Neighborhood favorites. Avenida Las Palmas, Carrera 70 in Laureles, Parque Lleras in El Poblado, Parque de Boston and the Ayacucho tram route all had displays.
Cerro Nutibara. A lit trail climbed the hill toward Pueblito Paisa, which also hosts events in December and has wide views over the city.
The rural districts. Santa Elena, San Antonio de Prado, San Cristóbal, Altavista and Palmitas each had their own displays.

In total, EPM lit 61 spaces in 2025, with about 8 million bulbs, 25,000 figures and 600 kilometers of light hose. Many of the figures were woven by local artisan mothers. EPM says it reuses materials from earlier editions and uses energy-efficient lighting.

How to visit

Use the metro. Roads near the main displays get jammed, especially on weekends and around Christmas Eve and New Year's. The metro is the easiest way to reach the river area. Check Metro de Medellín's announcements for its December operating hours before you head home late.

Go on a weeknight. Friday and Saturday nights between mid-December and New Year's are packed with families. Monday to Thursday nights are calmer.

Walk it. The riverside displays are made for strolling. Wear comfortable shoes and give yourself 2 hours.

Mind your things. Crowds bring pickpockets. Keep your phone in a front pocket, carry little cash and stay with your group. The city deploys extra police and traffic officers on the main routes during the season.

Eat like a local. Street stalls sell buñuelos (cheese fritters) and natilla, the custardy Christmas dessert, along with hot drinks and grilled snacks. December is also the season of the novenas, nine nights of Christmas prayers and gatherings before Christmas Eve, which you'll see in parks and homes across the city.

Is December a good time to visit Medellín?

For atmosphere, yes. December brings the lights, Christmas markets, music and a festive mood. It's also one of the busiest times of year: many Colombians living abroad come home, flights and hotels fill up early and some places close for the holidays around December 24 to 25 and December 31 to January 1. Book well ahead. See our guide to Medellín's weather and the best time to visit for the rest of the year.

Frequently asked questions

When do Medellín's Christmas lights start?

Usually in late November or early December. In 2025 they were switched on on November 28 and stayed on until January 12, 2026.

Are the Alumbrados free?

Yes. All the public light displays are free to visit.

Where are the best Christmas lights in Medellín?

The main installations are usually along the Medellín River at Parques del Río, with more downtown, on Avenida Las Palmas, on Carrera 70, in Parque Lleras and in parks across the city.

What time do the lights come on?

At dusk, around 6 pm, every evening during the season.

How do I get to the lights?

The metro is the easiest option for the riverside displays. Traffic near the main routes is heavy in December, especially on weekends.