Latest News

Christmas in Colombia: Nine Nights of Novenas, a Thousand Lights

By The City Paper Staff - December 16, 2025

Christmas in Colombia does not arrive quietly. It announces itself early, with the scent of cinnamon and panela simmering in kitchens, the crackle of fireworks in neighborhood streets, and the steady murmur of voices gathering night after night for the novenas. Long before December 24, the country has already slipped into celebration, moving to a […]

Bogotá Switches On a Season of Lights, Art, and Night Cycling

By The City Paper Staff - December 11, 2025

Every December, Bogotá transforms. Streets glow with constellations of LED lights, plazas turn into theatrical stages, and entire neighborhoods feel suspended somewhere between festive nostalgia and big-city spectacle. But this year’s celebration, dubbed Navidad es Cultura, is bigger, brighter, and more imaginative than ever before. Running from December 5 to 23, it invites locals and […]

From the Sacred to Spectacular: Bogotá’s Walkable Christmas

By Richard Emblin - December 14, 2024

Bogotá’s “Caminar la Navidad” offers a festive, walkable experience along Carrera Séptima, featuring immersive performances and installations, celebrating Christmas with art, music, dance, and environmental awareness, from December 14-23.

Bogotá’s Ciclovía Nocturna on December 12 embraces Christmas spirit

By The City Paper Staff - December 12, 2024

Bogotá’s annual Ciclovía Nocturna returns December 12, offering 95 kilometers of cycling lanes. Over three million participants are expected to enjoy holiday lights, fitness activities, and landmarks in this eco-friendly celebration uniting the city’s festive spirit.

An extra 1,500 cops on Bogotá streets with start of Christmas season

By Richard Emblin - December 9, 2024

Bogotá has mobilized 1,500 police officers to enhance safety during the Christmas season. Focused on nightlife, commerce, and tourism areas, the initiative includes advanced technology and strengthened patrols.

Christmas in Colombia: Traditions that date back centuries

By The City Paper Staff - December 18, 2023

Novenas are an integral part of Christmas celebrations in households throughout Colombia. The nightly recitations are complemented by children’s games and the joyous singing of villancicos.

Bogotá illuminates Christmas in festive splendor

By The City Paper Staff - December 6, 2023

The Colombian Capital, Bogotá, transforms into a mesmerizing Christmas wonderland, Illuminating the city with enchanting lights and festive cheer. From Velitas to Constellations, residents and visitors can embark on a luminous Journey through a dazzling array of holiday celebrations.

The iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York. Photo: Andrew Dallos/Creative Commons.

Why the Christmas tree is a tradition older than Christmas

By The Conversation - December 21, 2022

Evergreens have long served as symbols of life during the bleakness of winter. But Queen Victoria spurred the tradition that has become a global phenomenon.

The Tree of Abundance in Bogotá's Plaza de Bolívar. Photo: Alcaldía de Bogotá

Highlights of Bogotá’s 2022 Christmas Route

By The City Paper Staff - December 9, 2022

Bogotá is celebrating Christmas with its traditional alumabrado, and concert cycle in public parks, as well as a major production titled “The Tree of Abundance”

Your need-to-know of celebrating a Colombian Novena night

By The City Paper Staff - December 16, 2021

Being in “the know” of a tradition that dates back three centuries will make a Novena night in Colombia a memorable night.

Night Bike Ride and concerts highlight Bogotá’s Christmas agenda

By The City Paper Staff - December 9, 2021

Starting with Noche de Velitas, among the many highlights of the Bogotá’s Christmas agenda is the Night Bike Ride and illuminations in 20 public parks.

Independence lights of Colombia’s Puente de Boyacá

By Richard Emblin - December 17, 2019

The Puente de Boyacá joins the alumbrados across the nation with a festive display of lights marking the country’s bicentenary of independence.

Gravity-defying show comes to Bogotá’s Plaza de Bolívar with El Sueño de Isidro

By The City Paper Staff - December 14, 2019

From December 15 to 23, Bogotanos will be treated to a sound, light and acrobatic spectacle in Plaza de Bolívar titled “El Sueño de Isidro.”

Bogotá dazzles for Navidad with free concerts and acrobatic spectacle

By The City Paper Staff - December 13, 2019

With lights to admire every night this holiday season, Bogotá’s agenda includes over 100 free events and acrobatic spectacle in Plaza de Bolívar by France’s La Maison.

Big Picture: Medellín decked with Christmas lights

By The City Paper Staff - December 13, 2018

Medellín’s Christmas Lighting (El Alumbrado) outshines other Colombian cities for its coverage and themes.

Handel’s Messiah and Bogotá’s Christmas concert agenda

By The City Paper Staff - December 8, 2018

Here, some of the cultural highlights of December’s concert schedule, as well as exhibitions in museums and galleries.