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Medellin Christmas 2026
The Festival of Lights is one of the most important celebrations in Medellin, where colourful lights adorn the most iconic public squares.
Medellin Christmas Festival de las Luces y Alumbrados Navidenos 2026
The Festival of Lights is one of the most important celebrations in Medellin, where countless colourful lights adorn the most iconic public squares and plazas. It has been voted one of the top 10-holiday lights destinations in the world by National Geographic.
- Are you visiting for the festival? Stay in the gay district Poblado and take a taxi to the Christmas lights. It's a 10-minute drive. Stay at the 14 Urban Hotel, a 4-star boutique hotel with high-end amenities and delicious breakfast options. Highly recommended.
The Festival of Lights
- Next Edition: Awaiting dates, typically the end of November to early January.
- More than 4 million tourists visit Medellin during the holiday season as millions of Christmas lights transform the city at night. A series of cultural events and concerts are held during the festival. The Christmas lights in Medellin are known as “El Alumbrado” – The Lighting.
- The Museum of Antioquia offers free admission for everyone during the holiday season. Christmas lights illuminate the area around the Medellín River and La Playa Avenue. Over a hundred other locations over 16 sectors around Medellín are also decorated in recent years, including Botero Park, Nutibara Hill, 70th Street, 80th Street, 33rd Avenue, and Las Palmas Road. The main park by the gay district of Poblado is also transformed with light displays.
- The lights are switched on from late November; however, the official start date for the festival is Dec 7, the Day of Little Candles. Little Candles Day (Día de las velitas) is a widely observed traditional holiday in Colombia. It is celebrated on the eve of the Immaculate Conception, a public holiday in Colombia. The lights are switched on each evening at 6 pm.
- El Alumbrado is the perfect time to visit Medellin with balmy weather and a carnival-like atmosphere as the city pulses with new life. The sidewalks are packed with food stalls as giant 3d figures twirl along the Medellin River.
- Stay close to the gay bars and the Christmas light displays at the Marquee Medellin, rated “Wonderful” by guests with an outdoor pool with panoramic city views.
The Route
- BOOK A NIGHT TIME CHIRSTIMAS LIGHT TOUR.
- The starting point of the Lighting is on La Playa Avenue, and its main attraction is on the Medellín River. The main route of Lighting starts at the Pablo Tobon Uribe Theater, down La Playa to Bolívar Park. Since 2013, a projector plays videos on the façade of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Medellín. The route then takes Carabobo Street to San Juan Street, then to the Medellin River, and parallel the river, from the San Juan Bridge to the Guayaquil Bridge.
- Many of the gay bars and clubs along the streets of Poblado host special themed Christmas events and parties during the season. Bars are transformed with Christmas lights and many of the large clubs host special parties, especially during the public holidays and on New Year's Eve.
- For a “Wonderful” stay check out the Landmark hotel, close to the gay bars, featuring a stunning rooftop pool, superb onsite restaurants and modern gym.
Gay Medellin
- Colombia's second-biggest city, Medellin, has a thriving gay community. Most of the gay scene in Medellin is located around Parque Lleras in El Poblado or Pueblito Paisa, (paisas are people from Medellin) the heart of the city's tourist district and home to the best bars, shops, clubs and restaurants. Other gay bars are dotted across the city in the downtown area known as Candelaria and Laureles.
- Stay close to the gay centre of Medellin at the Lettera Hotel, a beautiful 4-star hotel with spacious rooms and a wide variety of breakfast options. It is just a two-minute drive to the city's busy bars and nightlife.
Medellin Gay Bars
The following gay venues are the most popular in Medellin and host memorable parties and theme nights during the gay pride festivities:
- Bar Chiquita – Friendly neighborhood bar with a large outdoor terrace, the perfect place to watch the world go by.
- Donde Aquellos – Flirt with local hot Colombians and enjoy a mix of pop and salsa music on the large outdoor terrace.
- La Cantina de Javi – Popular with locals and one of our top recommendations for an authentic experience.
- Ink Bar 33 – In the Laureles district close to the Viva gay club, complete with dance floor and happy hours.
Medellin Gay Clubs
- Viva Discoteca – Large gay club with theme nights on Saturday evenings with two dancefloors playing everything from Crossover music to Reggaeton. In Colombia, “crossover” refers to an eclectic mix of music where anything from salsa, vallenato, and merengue, to pop, Reggaeton, and electronica is played.
- Industry Club – Popular club with two dance halls playing electro music and full of hot circuit boys. Open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Recommended Hotels
Here are the hotels we recommend with good reviews, close to all the action:
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
Sites Hotel is were we stay when we are in
Medellin good location close to the gay bars
Official Website
For more information and advice on
Medellin Christmas, Visit Facebook
Map of Gay Medellin
Cra. 45 #5 - 15, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Set in a modern building featuring a terrace with a hot tub and BBQ facilities, Sites offers self-catering accommodation with free Wi-Fi and plasma TVs in Medellin. Poblado metro station is 1 km away.
The rooms at Sites are very bright. They are fitted with modern furnishing, and seating areas with sofa beds. Self-catering facilities include microwaves and refrigerators. Cleaning service is provided daily.
Cra 43C, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
The Four Points Sheraton Medellin is located in the heart of the Poblado commercial and financial district, downtown Medellin. It offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a massage room and a fitness center.
Rooms at the Four Points Sheraton Medellin have tasteful air-conditioned interiors. All are equipped with free Wi-Fi, cable TV and a minibar.
Cl. 5f #No 30 73, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. At Lettera Hotel the rooms include bed linen and towels. The accommodation offers a continental or American breakfast.
Address: Cra. 37 ##8a - 88, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
- Bar Chiquita offers a vibrant and flamboyant LGBTQ+ night out in Medellín—featuring kitschy visual design, creative cocktails, drag shows, and a lively terrace scene.
- With a welcoming crowd and high-energy vibe, it promises flamboyant fun and artistic sparkle in the heart of El Poblado.
- Open: Daily 6pm-2am
Cl. 33 #74b 50, Laureles - Stadium, Medellín, Laureles, Medellín
The new men-only gay cruising club
Address: Cra. 38 #9A-26, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
- Donde Aquellos Bar in Medellín is a lively LGBTQ+ venue in El Poblado’s Parque Lleras.
- Known for its inclusive vibe and stylish crowd, it offers indoor dancing and an outdoor terrace.
- Expect cocktails, karaoke, and a fun mix of locals and tourists.
- A go-to spot for LGBTQ+ nightlife in the city.
- Open: Daily 10pm-3.45am, Sunday 6pm-3.45am
Address: Cra. 36 #8A-123, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
- Club Oráculo delivers a dynamic LGBTQ+ nightlife experience with drag performances, themed DJs, go‑go dancers and diverse music styles across multiple floors.
- The crowd is engaged, inclusive, and ready to dance—all amid creative décor and a welcoming atmosphere geared toward good times.
- Open: Daily 10pm-4am (closed Monday & Tuesday)
Address: Cra. 43 #56-25, La Candelaria, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín
- Men’s Club in Medellín is a long-running gay cruise bar popular with a masculine, adventurous crowd.
- Spread across three floors, it offers drinks, music, and private zones in a relaxed yet cruisy atmosphere.
- Staff are friendly, and the vibe is playful and welcoming.
- A go-to spot for bold, after-dark fun.
- Open:Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 4.20pm-11.30pm
Thursday & Sunday 4.20pm–1am
Friday & Saturday 4.20pm-3am
Address: Cl. 57a #46-47, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
- Kanahan Bar is Medellín’s intimate LGBTQ+ gathering spot—ideal for meaningful conversations, themed music nights, and well-priced drinks.
- It offers a tranquil, welcoming space where locals and tourists alike can feel at home before bigger outings.
- Open: 5am-2am weekends till 4am
Address: Av. 33 # 78-107, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
- Purple Club in Medellín is a lively two-level LGBTQ venue in Laureles known for drag shows, go-go dancers, reggaetón and pop beats.
- It draws a mixed, welcoming crowd of gay men and allies.
- It’s a top weekend spot for bold, inclusive nightlife.
- Open: Friday & Saturday 10pm-4am
Address: Cra. 40 #52-41, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
- A lively LGBTQ+ venue in central Medellín, Vaqueros blends a cabaret-style bar with a high-energy dance club.
- Expect drag shows, karaoke, crossover Latin beats, and a friendly mix of gay men, bears, and allies.
- It’s a fun, inclusive spot for late-night dancing and socialising.
- Open: Daily 6pm-2am
Address: Calle 26a #43f72, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
- Industry Club is a go-to for Medellín’s nightlife, offering thumping electronic music and a lively, inclusive crowd of gay men and allies.
- Ideal for those who want to get lost in dance-floor energy, especially on weekends when themed sets and cocktails flow freely.
- Open: Friday & Saturday 8pm-4am
Address: Av. 33 #65b-22, Laureles - Stadium, Medellín, Laureles, Medellín
- A men‑only gay cruising club located in Laureles, near Avenida 33.
- Known for its themed erotic nights, private play areas (labyrinths, video booths, gloryholes, etc.), and a discreet, welcoming atmosphere.
- Popular with locals and visitors seeking adventurous, adult experiences in a safe, structured environment.
- Open: Daily from 2pm till late
Address: Cl. 58 #47-18, La Candelaria, Medellín
- La Cantina de Javi in Medellín is a lively LGBTQ+ bar known for its inclusive vibe, upbeat Latin music, and friendly crowd.
- It’s a go-to spot for dancing, karaoke, and drag shows, drawing both locals and visitors for a fun, welcoming night out.
- Open: Friday & Saturday 24 hours
Address: Av. 33 #78-168, Laureles - Estadio, Medellín
- Happy Medellín is a vibrant LGBTQ+ venue in Laureles celebrated for queer-women–focused parties, themed events, and inclusive ambiance.
- With two floors of music, live shows, and a balcony lounge, it delivers fun, expressive nightlife with crossover, reggaetón, and pop beats.
- A welcoming, unpretentious spot ideal for dancing and socializing.
- Open: Wednesday 5pm-12am
Thursday & Sunday 6pm-2am
Friday & Saturday 6pm-4am (Closed Monday & Tuesday)
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Recommended Hotels in Medellin
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Medellin that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Sites Hotel
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star, Luxury: Unique terrace with hot tub and BBQ.
- Close to the gay district.
- Modern furnishing, sofa bed.
- Luxury self-catering rooms with daily cleaning, free Wi-Fi, and plasma TVs.
Lettera Hotel
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4 Star, Readers Choice: 24-hour front desk, free WiFi.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Air-conditioned, private bathroom.
- Offers continental or American breakfast, airport transfers, and room service.
Four Points
4 Star, Great Value
- 4 Star, Great Value: Outdoor pool, fitness center.
- Close to the gay district.
- Air-conditioned, minibar.
- Located in Poblado's commercial heart, with spacious rooms and wellness facilities.
14 Urban Hotel
4 Star, Location
- 4 Star, Location: Bar, shared lounge, city views.
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
- Air-conditioned, flat-screen TV.
- Free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, and room service in a vibrant city location.
Video Medellin Christmas Lights
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