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Medellín Christmas lights tour (Alumbrados)

More than 35 million lights along the river. A private night tour, December and January only.

4-5 hours (extra hour available) Up to 4 people Hotel pickup USD $98 per vehicle
Lit Christmas tree next to the 'Yo amo Medellín' sign Light figures of the Christmas displays over the Medellín river

About this tour

Every December Medellín switches on more than 35 million LED bulbs and becomes the biggest Christmas display in Latin America — National Geographic has listed it among the best in the world. The main installation runs along the Medellín river, and the city fills with families walking, eating buñuelos and taking photos until late at night.

Seeing it by taxi is a nightmare: the streets close, traffic crawls and parking disappears. With a private vehicle and a driver who knows which route works on which night, you go from installation to installation, get out where the photos are good, and get home when you decide. The tour runs from late November through mid-January.

The route, step by step

  • Evening pickup at your accommodation (7-8 p.m. recommended)
  • Main installation along the Medellín river
  • Parque de las Luces and the city centre
  • Walking stops for photos at the best points
  • Christmas food: buñuelos, natilla, hot chocolate (optional)
  • Neighbourhood installations depending on the year's route
  • Panoramic viewpoint over the illuminated city
  • Return to your accommodation

What is included

  • Private door-to-door transport
  • Local driver for the whole route
  • Pickup at your hotel or Airbnb
  • Flexible itinerary, at your pace

Not included

  • Entrance tickets and meals
  • Optional activities
  • Tips

Tips from people who do this every week

  • Go on a weeknight: the weekend crowds are serious
  • Bring a light jacket — Medellín cools down at night in December
  • Cash for buñuelos and natilla at the stalls along the river

Questions about this tour?

Ask Helbert about timings, what to bring or how to combine it with another plan. He answers instantly.

Frequently asked questions

When can I do the Christmas lights tour?
From the last week of November to mid-January, which is when the installations are switched on. Outside that window the tour does not exist.
What time is best?
Between 7 and 9 p.m. Earlier and it is not dark enough; much later and some food stands start closing. Weeknights are far calmer than weekends.
How much does it cost?
USD $98 (about $400,000 COP) for the private vehicle, up to 4 people, for 4 to 5 hours. Each extra hour is USD $12 if you want to keep going.
Is it good with children?
It is one of the best family nights in the city. Bring a light jacket, and expect to walk in stretches between stops.

Guides that help with this plan

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