Medellin in December: What to Expect

Quick overview: December is Medellin’s most festive month and one of its busiest. The city is decorated with the Alumbrados, EPM’s Christmas lights, which this year are scheduled to switch on between November 23 and December 6. Key dates include the night of November 30 (Alborada), December 7 (Día de las Velitas), December 8 (Desfile de Mitos y Leyendas and a national holiday), the Novenas from December 16 to 24, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The weather is usually mild, but rain is still possible. It is high season, with more international visitors and Colombians traveling for the holidays, so accommodation, flights, transportation and restaurant reservations are more expensive and sell out faster. Booking early is the most important part of planning a December trip.

Why Visit Medellin in December?

December is when Medellin is at its most festive.

Streets and parks are decorated, families gather every night, music plays in every neighborhood and the city’s traditions are visible everywhere. For visitors, it means more events, more energy and a very different experience from the rest of the year.

It is also one of the most popular months for group trips. Many people use the holidays to plan bachelor parties, birthday trips, family reunions and New Year’s celebrations in Medellin.

The trade-off is simple: more atmosphere, but more demand.

Medellin Weather in December

Medellin keeps its mild climate throughout the year, and December is no exception. Days are usually warm and evenings are cooler.

December is often considered a transition toward a drier period, but rain showers can still happen, especially in the afternoon.

What this means for your trip:

• Pack light clothes for the day
• Bring a light jacket for the evenings and rooftops
• Carry a small umbrella or rain jacket
• Keep outdoor plans flexible

For a complete list, see our guide on what to pack for Medellin.

December Events and Key Dates in Medellin

Holiday dates follow Colombia’s official calendar. Event dates and hours are confirmed each year by the organizers, so check them before planning around a specific night.

The Christmas Lights

The Alumbrados are the highlight of the season. The main display is along the Medellin River near Parques del Río, with more decoration downtown and in neighborhood parks. In the previous edition, they were on every night from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

Día de las Velitas

On the night of December 7, candles light up sidewalks, balconies and parks. It is a quiet, beautiful tradition and one of the best nights to walk around a neighborhood.

The Myths and Legends Parade

On December 8, downtown Medellin hosts a parade with costumed groups, music and characters from Colombian folklore. Expect road closures in the center of the city.

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve

For Colombians, the big celebrations happen on the nights of December 24 and 31, mostly with family. Many businesses change their hours on these days, so plan dinners and transportation in advance.

Are Prices Higher in Medellin in December?

Yes. December is high season, so you should expect higher prices and less availability, especially for:

• International and domestic flights
• Villas, apartments and hotels
• Transportation around Christmas and New Year
• Special events, parties and VIP tables
• Popular tours and day trips

Everyday costs such as meals, coffee and local transportation are less affected, but demand is higher everywhere. For a broader look at budgets, read our guide on whether Medellin is expensive for tourists.

Crowds and Traffic in December

Medellin receives international visitors and Colombians from other cities during the holidays, and many locals living abroad come home for the season.

You will notice it in a few places:

• The Alumbrados route: very busy on weekends and holidays
• El Poblado and Provenza: fuller restaurants and nightlife
• The airport: longer lines around Christmas and New Year
• Roads to Guatapé and nearby towns: heavy traffic on holiday weekends

The airport is in Rionegro, outside the city, so allow extra time for transfers during the holidays. Our guide on getting from Medellin airport to El Poblado explains the options.

Is December a Good Time for a Group Trip?

It can be one of the best times, as long as the group plans ahead.

December works especially well for:

• Bachelor parties: more nightlife and events
• Birthday trips: a festive atmosphere for celebrations
• Family trips: Christmas lights and traditions for all ages
• New Year’s Eve groups: villas, rooftops and fireworks

The main challenge is availability. Large groups need larger properties, more transportation and bigger restaurant tables, and those are the first things to sell out.

Day Trips From Medellin in December

A day outside the city is a good way to balance the busy evenings.

Popular options include Guatapé, Santa Fe de Antioquia and Jardín. Santa Fe de Antioquia is particularly appealing in December for its warmer climate, pools and colonial streets. See our guide to traveling to Santa Fe de Antioquia from Medellin.

Avoid driving out on the first and last day of holiday weekends, when roads are busiest.

Tips for Planning a December Trip to Medellin

• Book accommodation first: it is the hardest thing to find later.
• Fix your flights early: holiday dates fill up fast.
• Plan transportation for key nights: December 24 and 31 are the hardest nights to find rides.
• Reserve restaurants for groups: especially on weekends and holidays.
• Check special schedules: many businesses change hours on holidays.
• Leave free time: the best December moments are often unplanned walks and local celebrations.
• Keep valuables secure: crowded areas attract pickpockets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medellin in December

Is December a good time to visit Medellin?

Yes. December is Medellin’s most festive month, with the Christmas lights, local traditions and New Year’s celebrations. It is also high season, so plan and book early.

What is the weather like in Medellin in December?

Usually mild, with warm days and cooler evenings. Rain is still possible, so bring a light jacket and an umbrella.

When do the Medellin Christmas lights start?

This year, EPM has scheduled the switch-on between November 23 and December 6. In the previous edition, they started on November 28.

What holidays are there in Colombia in December?

December 8 (Immaculate Conception) and December 25 (Christmas) are national holidays. January 1 and the Reyes holiday, on Monday, January 11, 2027, follow soon after.

Is Medellin more expensive in December?

Flights, accommodation, transportation and events are usually more expensive and sell out faster in December because of high demand.

Is Medellin crowded in December?

Yes, especially around the Christmas lights, El Poblado, the airport and roads to nearby towns on holiday weekends.

What should I book in advance for December?

Accommodation, flights, airport transfers, restaurant reservations for groups, New Year’s Eve plans and transportation for December 24 and 31.

Can Medellin Crew help plan a December trip?

Medellin Crew can help groups plan December trips in Medellin, including villas, transportation, experiences and New Year’s Eve plans.

Make the Most of December in Medellin

December is when Medellin shows its most festive side: the lights along the river, candles on December 7, music in the neighborhoods and fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

It is also the month when planning matters most. Booking accommodation, transportation and key reservations early lets you enjoy the season instead of searching for availability.

Medellin Crew can help you plan your December in Medellin, with villas, transportation and experiences organized around your group.