Build your party around Medellín's own December traditions. Walk the alumbrados (the city's Christmas lights, usually from late November into January). Light candles on the Noche de las Velitas (December 7). Host a novena gathering (December 16–24) with buñuelos and natilla. Then add a centerpiece: a chiva ride, a themed dress-code night or a murder mystery dinner. Book early, because December fills up fast.
Some cities do Christmas. Medellín stages it. From the end of November, the city is lit up block by block, families gather for nightly prayers and sweets, and every office starts quietly planning its year-end party. If you're organizing one this year, whether for coworkers, friends or visiting family, here's how to make it feel local and memorable.
Know the season you're working with
The alumbrados
Medellín's Christmas lights are its signature December event. In the 2025 season, the city switched them on from November 28 to January 12, lit from 6 p.m. to midnight, across dozens of points. These included Parques del Río, the riverside Paseo del Río, downtown, Avenida Las Palmas and Carrera 70, plus the main parks of the city's comunas. Dates for this year are set by the city, so check the official announcements. It's reasonable to expect a similar late-November start.
Noche de las Velitas: December 7
On the night of December 7, homes, sidewalks and streets across Colombia fill with candles and paper lanterns. The tradition marks the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. Many people consider it the true start of the Christmas season.
The Novena de Aguinaldos: December 16–24
For nine nights before Christmas, families, neighbors and coworkers gather for the novena: prayers, readings and carols (villancicos), traditionally followed by buñuelos (fried cheese-dough fritters) and natilla (a set, spiced custard-style dessert). Offices often host one of the nine nights. It's one of the most charming ways to bring a mixed local and foreign team together.
Holiday party ideas
1. Lights walk and dinner
Meet for an early dinner, then walk a section of the alumbrados together. Pick a weeknight if you can, since weekends are packed. Agree on a meeting point in case anyone gets separated in the crowd.
2. An office novena
Host one evening of the novena with buñuelos, natilla and a playlist of Colombian Christmas classics. Invite colleagues to share how they celebrate at home. It's simple, inclusive (participation in prayers is optional) and very Medellín.
3. Velitas night
If your party falls around December 7, build in a candle moment: lanterns on a terrace, a few minutes of quiet and a toast. It costs almost nothing and people remember it.
4. A chiva through the season
The chiva rumbera, Colombia's painted party bus, is a festive way to move a group between stops in December. Confirm the route, return time and drinks policy in advance.
5. Amigo secreto, upgraded
Colombian offices often run an amigo secreto (Secret Santa) gift exchange. Raise the stakes with a theme, such as "something that would have existed in 1989."
6. A theme night with a dress code
A year-end party is the perfect excuse to dress up. A late-'80s theme of shoulder pads, sequins and power suits works well in December, and our 1989 dress code guide walks guests through it. Add the soundtrack from the sound of 1989.
7. A murder mystery dinner
For a party people will talk about well into January, consider an evening with a story. Medellín Mystery is a murder mystery dinner set in Medellín, 1989, on a private rooftop in El Poblado, with live actors. It's by invitation only, dates are announced to confirmed guests, and the dress code is as if your life depended on it. Planning for coworkers? Our team building guide lists the questions worth asking any venue.
More Christmas in Medellín
For more ideas on spending the season in the city, including the lights, traditions and things to do, see Christmas in Medellín and medellin.christmas.
December planning tips
- Book early. Restaurants, transport and private spaces fill up quickly once the lights go on.
- Mind the holidays. Colombia has public holidays around December 8 and in early January, which affect traffic, opening hours and staff availability.
- Plan transport for crowds. Areas near the lights get congested in the evening. Pre-book rides and set clear pickup points.
- Mix languages thoughtfully. For international teams, see nights out for groups who don't speak Spanish.
Frequently asked
When are Medellín's Christmas lights on?
The alumbrados usually run from late November into January. In the 2025 season they were on from November 28 to January 12, from 6 p.m. to midnight. Check the city's announcements for this year's dates.
What is the Noche de las Velitas?
It's the night of December 7, when Colombians light candles and lanterns at home and in the streets on the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Many treat it as the start of the Christmas season.
What is a novena de aguinaldos?
It's a nine-night tradition from December 16 to 24, with prayers, readings and carols shared with family, neighbors or coworkers, usually followed by buñuelos and natilla.
Can Medellín Mystery be part of a holiday party?
Medellín Mystery is by invitation only, and dates are announced to confirmed guests. RSVP on the homepage to be considered, and use the contact page for other questions.