Medellín's Christmas lights, known locally as the alumbrados, are the light displays that EPM, the city's public utility, puts up every December along the river, downtown, in neighborhood parks and in the outlying districts. The main display runs along the Medellín River at Parques del Río. As of November 5, 2026, EPM has not officially announced this year's dates or theme. In 2024 and 2025 the lights were switched on November 28 and stayed up until mid-January, from 6 p.m. to midnight.
What the alumbrados are
They are a decades-old tradition and one of the December outings that brings the whole city out. Each year has a different theme, and many of the figures are handmade.
What the 2025 edition looked like
According to EPM, the 2025 edition was called "En Navidad, Medellín te quiere" ("At Christmas, Medellín loves you") and honored the city's 350th anniversary and the utility's 70 years. It featured:
- 8 million LED bulbs.
- 600 kilometers of rope lights.
- 25,000 figures, woven by hand by artisan mothers who head their households.
- About 60 lit locations across the city.
In 2024 the theme was "Medellín: pesebre de luz," built around a huge nativity scene on the river.
Where to see the lights
The exact layout changes every year. These were the main spots in 2025, a useful reference until EPM releases the 2026 map.
Parques del Río, the main route
The centerpiece is a walk of roughly 1.5 kilometers between the Guayaquil bridge and Parques del Río. In 2025 it included a giant Christmas tree, a castle, a carriel (the traditional paisa shoulder bag), a hanging garden and a Christmas dome. Across the way are the fountains at the EPM Building, and Parque de los Pies Descalzos is nearby.
Downtown
Parque de Bolívar, Avenida La Playa and the intersection of Avenida Oriental and La Playa.
Neighborhoods and viewpoints
- Neighborhood parks: in 2025, 43 parks across the city's 16 comunas were lit, including Parque Lleras, a 2-minute walk from Haven.
- Carrera 70 in Laureles, with its traditional bars.
- Avenida Las Palmas, on the way up to the Las Palmas lookout.
- Pueblito Paisa on Cerro Nutibara.
Outlying districts
Altavista, San Antonio de Prado, San Cristóbal, San Sebastián de Palmitas and Santa Elena also had displays in 2025.
2026 dates and hours
EPM usually announces the switch-on date toward late November. There is no official 2026 announcement yet, so treat the following as the pattern from previous years, not a confirmation:
- Switch-on: November 28 in 2024 and November 28 in 2025.
- Last night: in 2025 the lights stayed on through the Monday holiday of January 12, 2026; in 2024 they also ran until mid-January.
- Hours: daily from 6 p.m. to midnight, with special hours on December 24 and 31.
- Cost: the route is outdoors and free to visit.
We will update this article once EPM confirms the 2026 dates.
Getting there from El Poblado
By metro
Metro Line A stops at Poblado station. From there, Industriales is the next stop north and Exposiciones is a little farther; both are close to the river route.
By taxi or ride-hailing app
Parques del Río is about 15 minutes by car from Haven without traffic. In December the area gets congested and some streets may be closed to cars, so ask to be dropped a few blocks away and walk the last stretch.
Tips for your visit
- Arrive before 6 p.m. to stay ahead of the switch-on crowds.
- Weekends and the nights around Christmas are the busiest; weeknights are easier to walk.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in the most crowded spots.
A Christmas lights evening from Haven
An easy way to plan the night: head up to the 360° Rooftop & Restaurant on the 11th floor about 40 minutes before sunset to get a table on the edge, watch the city lights come on, then take a taxi to the river. If you'd rather stay close, Parque Lleras is a 2-minute walk from the hotel and Provenza has plenty of restaurants and bars for dinner.
December is high season in Medellín, and the city's Christmas Festival and Myths and Legends Parade add to the lights. Our Medellín guide includes Parques del Río, the Las Palmas lookout and other spots with distances from the hotel. For these dates, browse our rooms and suites and check availability and rates for your dates on WhatsApp at +57 321 209 7033.
