Christmas in Cartagena 2026: Lights, Noche de Velitas (Dec 7) & What's Open on Dec 24–25
Christmas in Cartagena is unlike Christmas anywhere else. Imagine 30°C (86°F) evenings, a Caribbean breeze, colonial balconies wrapped in lights and the sound of champeta and vallenato drifting out of every plaza.
For Colombians, December is the most important month of the year. Families gather, cities shine and the streets fill with life until late at night.
My name is Martín Rosales, and I have celebrated every Christmas of my life in Cartagena. Here is everything you need to enjoy the 2026 season like a local.
30-Second Summary (Key Takeaways)
- The season starts on December 7 with Noche de Velitas, the night of candles.
- December 8 is a national holiday (Tuesday, December 8, 2026).
- The best lights are in the Walled City and Getsemaní, and they usually stay up until early January.
- December 24 and 25 change opening hours: most of the city is open, but some museums close or open late.
- The best time to see the lights is after sunset, ideally on foot with a local guide.
When Does Christmas Start? Noche de Velitas, December 7
Colombia opens its Christmas season on the night of December 7, known as Noche de Velitas (Night of the Little Candles). Families light candles and paper lanterns on sidewalks, doorsteps and balconies in honor of the Virgin Mary, on the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
In 2026, Noche de Velitas falls on Monday, December 7, and the national holiday is on Tuesday, December 8. Expect a festive atmosphere, more local visitors and lively neighborhoods that night.
Insider tip: The most moving way to experience it is in residential neighborhoods, where families gather outside their homes. Ask us and we will take you somewhere authentic and safe.
Where to See the Christmas Lights
Cartagena invests heavily in its Christmas lights. In 2025, the city switched them on in the first week of December with Plaza de la Aduana as the main stage and about 20 other sectors lit at the same time. The 2026 date had not been announced when this article was written, but the lights traditionally go up in early December and stay until around January 6.
My favorite places to see them:
- Plaza de la Aduana and the Clock Tower: The grand entrance to the Walled City and the center of the celebrations.
- Plaza Santo Domingo and Plaza San Pedro Claver: Colonial churches framed by decorations.
- The city walls: Views of the illuminated Old Town on one side and the Caribbean on the other.
- Getsemaní and Plaza de la Trinidad: The most local and lively corner, with music, street food and families out late.
In 2025 the city also added a floating nativity scene in the Bahía de las Ánimas. It’s not yet confirmed whether it returns in 2026, but if it does, the best view is from the waterfront near the Convention Center.
Christmas Foods You Have to Try
December has its own flavors in Colombia. Don’t leave without trying:
- Buñuelos: Golden cheese fritters, the classic Christmas snack.
- Natilla: A soft, sweet custard flavored with cinnamon, served with buñuelos.
- Pasteles: Rice, meat and vegetables wrapped and steamed in leaves, a Christmas Eve tradition on the coast.
- Fresh fruit and juices: Mango, lulo, maracuyá and corozo to beat the heat.
👉 Taste them with a local on our Cartagena Food Tour.
What’s Open on December 24 and 25?
In 2026, Christmas Eve is Thursday, December 24, and Christmas Day is Friday, December 25. Here’s what to expect:
- The Old Town, the walls and Getsemaní: Always open to explore. They are especially beautiful at night.
- Restaurants: Many stay open, but Christmas Eve dinner reservations fill up fast. Book ahead.
- Museums and attractions: Some may close or reduce their hours on the 24th and 25th. Christmas morning is usually the quietest time of the year.
- Shops: Many close early on the 24th and open late on the 25th.
Holiday hours are often confirmed only that same week, so check before you go, or travel with a guide who adjusts the route on the day.
Your 2026 Holiday Calendar
| Date | Day | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| December 7 | Monday | Noche de Velitas: candles and lanterns across the city. |
| December 8 | Tuesday | Immaculate Conception: national holiday. |
| December 16–24 | Wed–Thu | Novena de Aguinaldos: nine nights of family prayers, carols and food. |
| December 24 | Thursday | Christmas Eve: family dinners; the main celebration night. |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day: a quiet morning, families out in the afternoon. |
| December 31 | Thursday | New Year’s Eve: parties and fireworks over the city. |
| ~January 6 | — | The Christmas lights usually come down around this date. |
See the Lights on a Private Evening Walk
The best way to experience Christmas in Cartagena is on foot, after sunset, when the air is cooler and the city is glowing. On a private evening walking tour, I take you through the best-decorated plazas, the walls and Getsemaní, and share the stories behind our traditions, at your own pace and with a local who knows the city’s safe and authentic corners.
👉 Book our Private Walking Tour of Cartagena as an evening lights tour, or ask for a Custom Tour for your family.
Write to us on WhatsApp with your dates and we’ll help you plan a Christmas in Cartagena you’ll never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Christmas season start in Cartagena?
Colombians traditionally open the season on the night of December 7, Noche de Velitas, when families light candles and lanterns on doorsteps and balconies. In 2026 it falls on Monday, December 7, followed by the national holiday on Tuesday, December 8.
Where are the best Christmas lights in Cartagena?
The Walled City and Getsemaní are the heart of the celebration: Plaza de la Aduana, the Clock Tower area, Plaza Santo Domingo, the city walls and Plaza de la Trinidad. The lights usually stay up until early January.
Is Cartagena open on Christmas Day?
Yes. The Old Town, the walls and Getsemaní are open to explore, and many restaurants operate. Some museums and attractions may close or reduce their hours on December 24 and 25, so confirm that same week or travel with a local guide.
What is the best way to see the Christmas lights?
Walk the Old Town after sunset, when the air is cooler and the lights are on. A private evening walking tour lets you see the best decorations safely while learning the stories behind Cartagena's traditions.
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Martín Rosales
Founder & Certified Local Guide at Cartagena Tour Guides
Providing private, unhurried, and personalized travel experiences across Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, and the Caribbean coast of Colombia. With over 30 years of combined family expertise.
