Colombia’s second-largest city transforms into a Christmas wonderland each December. Medellin’s holiday celebrations center around its spectacular “Alumbrados” light displays – arguably South America’s most impressive. The best way to experience these twinkling masterpieces is aboard a traditional chiva bus, where you’ll join locals singing carols and sipping hot aguardiente (anise liquor).
We especially love the evening combo tours that pair light-viewing with visits to Pueblito Paisa, a charming replica colonial village offering panoramic city views. For active travelers, the zipline-and-lights adventures provide an adrenaline rush before the evening’s illuminated spectacle.
Check out these recommended Christmas experiences in Medellin to start planning your festive Colombian adventure.
Good To Know
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Private Christmas Lights Tours by Medellin City Services offer a festive 3.5-hour chiva bus exploration of major landmarks like La Playa and Medellín River.
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The Alumbrados Medellín Christmas Event features dazzling light displays, with private tours available from £59.96 per person, suitable for strollers and service animals.
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Exclusive Christmas Lights Tours by The Andes Adventure Travels provide private transportation to top holiday light displays in a 2-hour experience priced from $65 per person.
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Combo tours offer a full-day experience combining cultural visits to Pueblito Paisa and Plaza Botero with a traditional Colombian lunch, priced from $199 per person.
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Adventurous combo tours, such as Zip Lines Adventure and Christmas Lights Tour or Coffee and Christmas Lights Tour, provide thrilling outdoor activities alongside festive sightseeing.
Private Christmas Lights Tour in Medellin
The Private Christmas Lights Tour in Medellín offers visitors an enchanting evening experience amidst the city’s dazzling holiday illuminations.
Operated by Medellin City Services, this 3.5-hour private tour takes guests aboard a festive chiva bus to explore the millions of lights across Medellín and neighboring towns.
The tour visits major landmarks adorned with holiday lighting, including La Playa, Medellín River, Parque de las Luces, and the city’s stadium.
With pickup from most Medellín hotels and water or juice provided, the tour allows travelers to stroll through the main squares and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Despite some minor complaints about traffic and communication, reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and the overall enjoyable experience.
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Festive Medellin Christmas Lights Tour Excites Visitors
One of the most enchanting ways to experience Medellín’s festive spirit is through the Medellin Christmas Lighting Private Tour. This private tour takes visitors on a journey to marvel at the city’s dazzling holiday light displays.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and allows service animals. With private transportation and meals included, the tour provides a hassle-free experience.
While some reviews mention crowds and a less-than-enthusiastic guide, others praise the knowledgeable guide and the amazing lights. At €1,731.75 per person, the tour’s pricing varies based on group size.
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Festive Alumbrados Medellín Christmas Event Unveiled
Every year, the Alumbrados Medellín Christmas event unveils a dazzling display of lights across Medellín, Colombia, delighting visitors and locals alike.
Starting on December 2, 2025, the event offers a private tour with transportation and a guide, allowing attendees to explore the festive lights. Priced from £59.96 per person, the tour includes hotel transfers and an excursion through the city.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals.
With a perfect 5-star rating from 3 reviews, this Christmas experience promises to be a highlight of any visit to Medellín.
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Exclusive Christmas Lights Tour Lights Up Medellín
Visitors to Medellín can experience the city’s dazzling Christmas lights up close on an exclusive private tour. Operated by The Andes Adventure Travels, the 2-hour tour costs from $65 per person and provides private transportation to the best holiday light displays.
With a 5-star rating and no reviews below 5 stars, the tour is highly reviewed. Snacks are included, and the tour is accessible to most travelers. Guests can take advantage of the “Reserve Now and Pay Later” option.
The tour starts at 6:00 PM and isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller friendly. Pickup points are available, and the tour is located near public transportation.
Read our full review: Exclusive Christmas Lights Tour Lights Up Medellín Review
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Combo Tour: Christmas Lights and Medellin City Tour Including Traditional Food
Travelers can experience Medellin’s cultural highlights and dazzling Christmas lights on this full-day combo tour.
The tour includes visits to Pueblito Paisa, Barefoot Park, Plaza Botero, and Parque de la Luz. Guests will also enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch at a local restaurant.
The tour provides round-trip hotel transport by air-conditioned minivan and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Priced starting at $199 per person, the tour includes all taxes, fees, and activities, though alcoholic drinks and gratuities are extra.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and single travelers must pay for two. Health and safety measures, such as temperature checks and vehicle disinfection, are in place.
Read our full review: Combo Tour: Christmas Lights and Medellin City Tour Including Traditional Food Review
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Combo Tour: Zip Lines Adventure and Christmas Lights Tour of Medellin
This combo tour offers travelers an exhilarating blend of outdoor adventure and festive sightseeing in Medellin.
The full-day experience includes a zipline adventure through the rainforest and a guided tour of the city’s famous Christmas lights display. Guests can soar through the canopy, then explore Medellin’s vibrant holiday decorations with flexibility to stop and savor festive treats or enjoy live entertainment.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as safety equipment for the zipline. With a minimum age of 8 and a weight limit of 100 kgs, this private tour provides an unforgettable way to experience the best of Medellin’s Christmas celebrations.
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Combo Tour: Street Art, Christmas Lights and Food Tour in Medellin
Exploration of Medellín’s vibrant culture, cuisine, and artistic expressions awaits on this comprehensive combo tour.
Guests will enjoy the city’s colorful street murals, underground art spaces, and festive holiday lights. Savor a delicious local lunch or dinner, and appreciate the city’s diverse creativity.
The tour is family-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and can be tailored to individual interests.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a knowledgeable driver/guide, this experience offers a seamless way to discover Medellín’s best during the holidays.
Priced from $199 per person, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the season in this dynamic Colombian destination.
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Private Medellin Paragliding and Christmas Lights Tour
A private full-day tour in Medellín, Colombia offers the perfect opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant Christmas festivities.
The tour includes paragliding over the Medellín Valley and a guided exploration of the city’s famous Christmas lights, the largest in Colombia.
With no prior paragliding experience necessary, travelers can enjoy a scenic tandem flight over the rolling hills.
The Christmas lights tour features stops at the best viewpoints to admire the millions of twinkling displays.
The customizable itinerary allows for breaks to savor festive snacks.
Convenient hotel pickup, round-trip transport, and all activities are included in this great-value package.
Read our full review: Private Medellin Paragliding and Christmas Lights Tour Review
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Combo Tour: Coffee and Christmas Lights Tour From Medellín
Travelers can combine their love for coffee and Christmas cheer on this private full-day tour in Medellín, Colombia.
The customizable itinerary includes a visit to mountainside coffee farms to learn about local agriculture and coffee production, followed by a scenic gondola ride and a relaxed walk through the city’s colorful Christmas light displays.
The tour includes lunch or dinner, local taxes, and a private driver/guide for a personalized experience.
Wheelchair-accessible transportation and multi-lingual guides are available.
Prices start at $199 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and a reserve now, pay later option.
Read our full review: Combo Tour: Coffee and Christmas Lights Tour From Medellín Review
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The Sum Up
Medellin’s Christmas lights displays and events offer visitors a truly festive and magical experience. From private tours showcasing the city’s stunning illuminations to combo tours combining other activities like zip-lining and coffee tasting, there’s something for all to enjoy during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or a fun family outing, Medellin’s Christmas experiences are sure to leave you dazzled and filled with holiday cheer.