City of Lights - Medellin, Colombia

Christmas time in Medellin, Colombia is a time of celebration and holiday spirit as the city begins to light up with amazing decorations. Citizens decorate their yards, balconies and homes with festive decor as everybody prepares for the month of December and its various celebrations. Another big highlight every December is when the city turns on the Christmas lights that they have been busy preparing the entire month of November. This event traditionally begins on the night of December 7th of every year, but varies from time to time depending on the weather, etc. These Christmas lights adorn the entire city and are setup along major thoroughfares, roads, parks and especially along the Medellin River. The concentration of Christmas lights along the Medellin River is truly a sight to be seen as millions of dollars are spent every year creating unique themes that are different from the previous season’s theme. Families come out to visit the Medellin River area as it comes alive with thousands of people who revel in the fantastic array of colors and designs that make up the area. There are vendors selling everything from cotton candy, fast foods, beverages of every sort and flavor as well as street performers who come out to entertain the crowds that include tourists who flock to the city to see the sites and more than 500 different activities and 80 events that take place throughout the entire month.