For 2026, we confirmed 9 Christmas events for kids in Rio de Janeiro. The season opens on November 2 with Christmas Village and Inside the Tree (Vila de Natal e Interior da Árvore) and runs until January 6 with Tree lighting and fireworks. Of these, 7 are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Brazil.
The short version
- Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Rio de Janeiro and Nova Iguaçu: 9
- First: Christmas Village and Inside the Tree (Vila de Natal e Interior da Árvore), Rio de Janeiro, November 2
- Free events: Christmas Village and Inside the Tree (Vila de Natal e Interior da Árvore), Os Encantos do Bosque Mágico (The Charms of the Magic Forest), Santa at BarraShopping, Tree lighting and fireworks, Santa's arrival at NorteShopping, Characters and Christmas band at BarraShopping and more
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).
At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Rio de Janeiro
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 9 confirmed for 2026
- Towns
- Rio de Janeiro and Nova Iguaçu
- Season
- November 2 to January 6
- Free events
- 7
- Last checked
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Free Christmas events for kids in Rio de Janeiro
Santa’s grottoFree
Christmas Village and Inside the Tree (Vila de Natal e Interior da Árvore)
- When: Through Dec 23; Mon to Fri 5 pm to 9:40 pm, Sat 1 pm to 9:40 pm, Sun 1 pm to 8:40 pm
- Where: BarraShopping, outdoor parking lot (across from Av. das Américas), Av. das Américas, 4666, 22640-102 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free, with booking in the Multi app
- Ages: For the whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
This season, as BarraShopping celebrates Christmas with its traditional 75-meter tree, the big new feature is the Vila de Natal (Christmas Village). The visit goes inside the tree, with immersive rooms inspired by Santa's (Papai Noel's) House: an entrance hall, main hall, Santa's kitchen, an art gallery, an office, the Espaço Sonho de Natal (Christmas Dream Space) and Christmas Around the World.
Admission is free, but you need to book a time slot in the Multi app. The Village is in the outdoor parking lot, facing Av. das Américas, and is open Monday to Friday from 5 pm to 9:40 pm, Saturdays from 1 pm to 9:40 pm and Sundays and holidays from 1 pm to 8:40 pm, through Dec 23. Wheelchairs are available at the entrance, but strollers are not allowed inside.
Parent tip: Book in the Multi app before leaving home. Strollers and motorized chairs cannot enter the Village; the mall lends wheelchairs at the entrance.
- Host
- BarraShopping (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- BarraShopping, outdoor parking lot (across from Av. das Américas), Av. das Américas, 4666, 22640-102 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Rally’s Christmas research
Rally the corgi has 8 more Rio de Janeiro events researched for you.
- New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Rio de Janeiro.
- Exclusive access to free events Be first to hear about new free events in Rio de Janeiro.
- Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
- Rally’s Christmas Eve Express and a free advent calendar Get early access to Rally the corgi’s Christmas Eve tracker, plus a free digital advent calendar to count down to Christmas.
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Visit with SantaFree
Os Encantos do Bosque Mágico (The Charms of the Magic Forest)
- When: Nov 2 to Dec 25, during mall hours
- Where: Botafogo Praia Shopping, Praia de Botafogo, 400, 22250-040 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: For the whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
Botafogo Praia Shopping has gotten into the spirit with Os Encantos do Bosque Mágico, a season that runs from Nov 2 through Christmas Day. The idea is an enchanted forest where imagination has no limits, with decorated scenes and meetings with Santa (Papai Noel) for the kids.
The mall also runs a collection for the Natal Sem Fome (Christmas Without Hunger) campaign, with a donation point on the 3rd floor, at the Espaço Vista, which has one of the most beautiful views of Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain. Visiting the decorations is open to all during opening hours: shops and leisure Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm and Sundays and holidays from 1 pm to 9 pm.
Parent tip: Go up to the Espaço Vista on the 3rd floor to see the bay and leave a donation for Natal Sem Fome.
- Host
- Botafogo Praia Shopping (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Botafogo Praia Shopping, Praia de Botafogo, 400, 22250-040 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Visit with SantaFree
Santa at BarraShopping
- When: Through Dec 24; Mon to Fri 2 pm to 10 pm, Sat 10 am to 10 pm, Sun 1 pm to 9 pm
- Where: BarraShopping, Events Plaza (Lounge I), Entrance I, Av. das Américas, 4666, 22640-102 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free visit; printed photo from R$45
- Ages: For the whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
Santa (Papai Noel) meets families in BarraShopping's Events Plaza, in Lounge I (Entrance I), through Dec 24. Monday to Friday he is there from 2 pm to 10 pm, on Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm and on Sundays and holidays from 1 pm to 9 pm, with breaks from 12 pm to 1 pm and from 5 pm to 6 pm.
If you want to take a keepsake home, you pay for the photo: the printed one costs R$45, the printed one with a digital file is R$50 and the version with a photo frame and digital file costs R$70. Each extra copy is R$20. Be sure to see the Um Sonho de Natal (A Christmas Dream) season decorations, which have many free attractions at the same mall. The mall is at Av. das Américas, 4666, in Barra da Tijuca, and the decorations stay up through Jan 6.
Parent tip: Avoid arriving during Santa's breaks, from 12 pm to 1 pm and from 5 pm to 6 pm.
- Host
- BarraShopping (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- BarraShopping, Events Plaza (Lounge I), Entrance I, Av. das Américas, 4666, 22640-102 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Tree lightingFree
Tree lighting and fireworks
- When: Every day through Jan 6, from 6 pm; fireworks on Saturdays at 7 pm through Dec 19
- Where: BarraShopping, outdoor parking lot (across from Av. das Américas), Av. das Américas, 4666, 22640-102 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: For the whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
BarraShopping's traditional tree, 75 meters tall, the height of a 27-story building, lights up daily from 6 pm through Jan 6. It stands in the outdoor parking lot, facing Av. das Américas, and can be seen for free by anyone passing by.
On Saturdays there are fireworks at 7 pm: in November on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th, and in December on the 5th, 12th and 19th. If your children are sensitive to noise, you may prefer the days without fireworks. The visit to the Christmas Village, which is inside the tree, needs separate booking in the Multi app. On weekday evenings the Christmas Village opens at 5 pm, so you can combine the booked visit and the 6 pm lighting in one outing with the kids. All attractions of the Um Sonho de Natal (A Christmas Dream) season are free.
Parent tip: Fireworks are on Saturdays at 7 pm; for noise-sensitive kids, choose the other days.
- Host
- BarraShopping (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- BarraShopping, outdoor parking lot (across from Av. das Américas), Av. das Américas, 4666, 22640-102 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Santa Claus paradeFree
Santa's arrival at NorteShopping
- When: Sun, Nov 8, Santa arrives at 5 pm; decorations Nov 6 to Dec 26
- Where: NorteShopping, Avenida Dom Helder Câmara, 5474, 20771-004 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
NorteShopping, in Cachambi, unveils its 2026 Christmas decorations on Sunday, Nov 8, with the theme "Feito de Encontros" (Made of Meetings), honoring the mall's 40th anniversary. The party starts around 12:30 pm and the program is free.
There are Christmas parades, processions and a magic show for the kids, and the highlight is Santa's (Papai Noel's) arrival, set for 5 pm. The decorations are open from Nov 6 to Dec 26. Santa's hours and photo rules were not listed on the pages consulted.
Parent tip: Arrive early on the 8th, since the party is open to the public and tends to get crowded near 5 pm.
- Host
- NorteShopping (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- NorteShopping, Avenida Dom Helder Câmara, 5474, 20771-004 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Family Christmas eventFree
Characters and Christmas band at BarraShopping
- When: Saturdays and Sundays in November and December, and Dec 21 to 24, 1 pm to 8 pm
- Where: BarraShopping, mall corridors, Av. das Américas, 4666, 22640-102 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: For the whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
On Saturdays and Sundays in November and December, and also from Dec 21 to 24, the group Hiperativos brings themed characters and a Christmas band to stroll the corridors of BarraShopping. The performances run between 1 pm and 8 pm, and the idea is to run into the group along the way while the family walks around.
The attraction is part of the free Um Sonho de Natal (A Christmas Dream) program, which also includes weekend storytelling, Santa (Papai Noel) in the Events Plaza, a carousel and the Christmas Village inside the 75-meter tree. For little kids, it is an easy way to get into the Christmas mood with no set time. There is also a donation drive for new or gently used toys, in partnership with the NGO Viva Rio, through Dec 17, at Praça C&A, and an airplane carousel in the Events Plaza, booked through the Multi app.
Parent tip: There is no fixed time for the passing group; the characters stroll the corridors between 1 pm and 8 pm.
- Host
- BarraShopping (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- BarraShopping, mall corridors, Av. das Américas, 4666, 22640-102 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas story timeFree
Storytelling at BarraShopping
- When: Saturdays and Sundays, Nov 7 to Dec 20, 3 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm
- Where: NewYorkCityCenter, 1st floor (BarraShopping complex), Av. das Américas, 5000, 22640-102 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: For the whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
BarraShopping's Um Sonho de Natal program includes storytelling every Saturday and Sunday, from Nov 7 to Dec 20. There are three sessions a day, at 3 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm, on the 1st floor of the NewYorkCityCenter, which is part of the same complex on Av. das Américas.
Like all the attractions of the season, the activity is free and needs no registration. It pairs well with a visit to Santa (Papai Noel) in the Events Plaza or with the daily lighting of the 75-meter tree, which starts at 6 pm. On weekends, characters and a Christmas band also stroll the mall's corridors. The mall's program runs through Jan 6 and includes performances, interactive attractions and charity drives, such as a toy donation for the NGO Viva Rio through Dec 17.
Parent tip: Pair the 5 pm session with the tree lighting, which happens every day from 6 pm.
- Host
- BarraShopping (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- NewYorkCityCenter, 1st floor (BarraShopping complex), Av. das Américas, 5000, 22640-102 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Rio de Janeiro
Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.
The #1 spot Event hosts: free events are listed first. One featured spot puts your event at the very top of this page.Ask about the #1 spot
Tree lighting
Lagoa Christmas Tree 2026 (Árvore de Natal da Lagoa)
- When: Opening Sat, Nov 28 (times to be announced)
- Where: Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (Complexo Lagoon), Av. Borges de Medeiros, Lagoa, 22470-003 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Cost: See schedule (visiting is usually free, to be confirmed)
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
The Lagoa Christmas Tree is one of the year-end postcards of Rio de Janeiro. The 2026 edition is set to open on Nov 28, according to the city's official tourism portal, and the producers promise to share the program details soon.
In the previous edition, the structure was 60 meters tall with about 20 kilometers of LED lights, and the surrounding area had a kids' space and a Santa's House. For 2026 these features have not yet been confirmed, so it is worth following the @arvoredorio profile before going with kids.
Parent tip: Check times, kids' attractions and ticket pickup rules on the @arvoredorio profile before you go. On opening nights, use public transit or a ride app.
- Host
- Árvore do Rio (Dream Factory e BackStage) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (Complexo Lagoon), Av. Borges de Medeiros, Lagoa, 22470-003 Rio de Janeiro (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Nova Iguaçu
Visit with Santa
Natal no Quintal (Christmas in the Backyard) (Nova Iguaçu)
- When: Through Jan 1, during mall hours
- Where: Shopping Nova Iguaçu, Av. Abílio Augusto Távora, 1111, 26260-045 Nova Iguaçu (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price not listed by the mall
- Ages: For the whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
Shopping Nova Iguaçu has set up Natal no Quintal, inspired by the memories and traditional gatherings of Nova Iguaçu families. The season runs until early January and invites families to see the mall's themed decorations.
For kids, there are photos with Santa (Papai Noel), a Christmas Circuit with themed activities and games, and decorated scenes that make for good photos. Photo prices and Santa's hours were not announced, so it is worth confirming at the information desk on arrival. The season opening, on Nov 1, had Santa's arrival, a parade and the unveiling of the decorations, which now stay up until early January. The mall is at Av. Abílio Augusto Távora, 1.111, in the Luz neighborhood, in Nova Iguaçu, in the Baixada Fluminense.
Parent tip: Confirm Santa's hours at the mall's information desk before getting in line.
- Host
- Shopping Nova Iguaçu (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Shopping Nova Iguaçu, Av. Abílio Augusto Távora, 1111, 26260-045 Nova Iguaçu (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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More Christmas events for kids in Brazil
- Christmas events for kids in Gramado
- Christmas events for kids in Curitiba
- Christmas events for kids in Sao Paulo
- Christmas events for kids in Fortaleza
- Christmas events for kids in Campinas
- Christmas events for kids in Brasilia
- Christmas events for kids in Recife
- Christmas events for kids in Belo Horizonte
- Christmas events for kids in Joinville
- Christmas events for kids in Blumenau
- Christmas events for kids in Ribeirao Preto
- Christmas events for kids in Brazil
A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.com (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Rio de Janeiro: questions parents ask
What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Rio de Janeiro?
For 2026, we confirmed 9 Christmas events for kids in Rio de Janeiro, each on its host’s own page: Characters and Christmas band at BarraShopping, Tree lighting and fireworks, Christmas Village and Inside the Tree (Vila de Natal e Interior da Árvore) and 6 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Rio de Janeiro?
Yes, 7 of the 9 events here are free: Characters and Christmas band at BarraShopping, Tree lighting and fireworks, Christmas Village and Inside the Tree (Vila de Natal e Interior da Árvore) and 4 more. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa this year in Rio de Janeiro?
Where to see Santa: Christmas Village and Inside the Tree (Vila de Natal e Interior da Árvore), Natal no Quintal (Christmas in the Backyard) (Nova Iguaçu), Santa at BarraShopping and 2 more. Check the listings above for times and booking.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Rio de Janeiro?
Christmas story times on this page: Storytelling at BarraShopping.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
The story of Christmas in Rio de Janeiro
In Rio de Janeiro, the most famous Christmas tree does not stand in a square. It floats. Since 1996 the city has set giant trees on the water, first on Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and, in 2025, also in Botafogo Cove with Sugarloaf Mountain behind it.
How Rio celebrates Christmas, and what is different for visitors
Rio's Christmas is built around trees on the water and in parking lots turned into light shows. The tradition began in 1996, when a 48-meter tree was floated on Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon on four floats. Each year came with a new theme and an opening party with fireworks and music, and the tree became part of the city's tourist calendar alongside Copacabana's New Year's Eve and Carnival.
The last floating tree before a break was in 2019. After that the lagoon had smaller trees on land, until a floating tree returned in 2025.
For a visiting family, the big difference is that you watch from the shore. The best views are from the lagoon's edge, from the sand at Botafogo or from a mall parking lot where a giant tree stands. Most of what is on this page is in shopping malls, which are a popular way to do Christmas in Rio. Spoken shows are in Portuguese.
Local traditions your kids will meet
Santa is called Papai Noel in Brazil. In Rio he arrives with parties at malls in early November, and children can visit him in decorated houses and villages. One of the biggest is inside the BarraShopping tree, where the Christmas village is built into the base as a Santa's house.
The trees themselves are a tradition. In 2025 the Lagoon tree had a star for every state in Brazil, and each night a different person was invited to press the button that lit it. There was also a water show in Botafogo, where the water around the tree moved in time with the lights.
Storytelling sessions, characters and music bands are common in the malls on weekends, and in 2026 BarraShopping also collects toys for children until December 17.
Planning a Christmas visit to Rio de Janeiro with kids
The season starts early. Mall Santa parties begin in early November, and the Lagoon tree is inaugurated on Saturday, November 28, 2026. BarraShopping's tree lights up every day from 6 pm until January 6, and its Christmas village inside the tree runs through December 23, by reservation in the mall's app.
Most events on this page are free: Santa visits, weekend storytelling at 3, 5 and 7 pm from November 7 to December 20, roaming characters and Saturday fireworks at 7 pm through December 19. Printed photos with Santa are paid, from R$45.
The events here are mostly mall-based, in Barra da Tijuca, Botafogo and Nova Iguaçu, plus the Lagoon tree. Mix a mall afternoon with an evening at one of the trees.
A tree that sails, and a scenery designer behind it
In 2025 the Botafogo tree, 80 meters tall, was built at a shipyard in Niterói and towed across Guanabara Bay in the early hours of November 30. With its support structure, it weighed about as much as 1,800 small cars, and ten technicians watched it around the clock.
The set designer Abel Gomes has worked on the Lagoon tree since 1996 and also designed the Botafogo tree.
Traditions today
- The floating tree on Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon: Floated since 1996. In 2025 it returned at 60 meters and lit up at 7 pm every night until January 6.
- The Botafogo Cove tree: An 80-meter floating tree about 100 meters from the sand, visible along 700 meters of Botafogo Beach, with Sugarloaf behind it.
- The Water Ballet in Botafogo: A light show in which the water around the tree moves, held every half hour in the evenings of 2025.
- The 75-meter tree in Barra da Tijuca: The BarraShopping tree is as tall as a 27-story building and has a Santa's house inside its base, with free entry by reservation.
- Santa's house by the Lagoon: In 2025 the lagoon edge had a Santa's house, a photo area, a viewing deck for the tree and free pedal boats by reservation.
- Toy collection: In 2026 BarraShopping collects toys until December 17 on Praça C&A, donated to children through a local group.
A fact for kids
In Rio, the Christmas tree knows how to float. In 2025 an 80-meter tree was built in Niterói and towed by boats across Guanabara Bay to Botafogo beach.
Questions about Christmas in Rio de Janeiro
Is Rio de Janeiro worth visiting at Christmas with kids?
Yes, if your kids love lights and big, unusual sights. Rio has floating trees on the water, a 75-meter tree you can walk inside and many free mall events with Santa. Most of the action is outdoors in the evening.
Why is Rio's Christmas tree in the water?
Because Rio has put its tree on floats since 1996. In 2015 the Lagoon tree stood on eleven metal floats, each 2.44 meters tall. On the water it can be seen from far away, with the lights reflected below.
When was the first Christmas tree on Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon?
In 1996. That tree was 48 meters tall, weighed 90 tons and used 1.5 million bulbs on four floats. Each year had its own theme and an opening party with fireworks and music.
What happened to the Lagoon tree between 2019 and 2025?
The last floating Lagoon tree before the break was in 2019. In the following years the city set up smaller trees on land. A floating tree returned from December 6, 2025.
How tall was the Lagoon tree in 2025?
It was 60 meters tall, with 900,000 LEDs and more than 20 kilometers of flexible LED and neon. After the opening on December 6, 2025 it lit up every day at 7 pm until January 6, 2026.
When is the Lagoon tree inauguration in 2026?
It is listed for Saturday, November 28, 2026, opening Christmas in Rio's South Zone. Times are still to be announced, and visiting is usually free but to be confirmed.
What were the stars on the Lagoon tree in 2025?
A constellation with one star for each Brazilian state, lit every night. Kids can have fun counting the stars and finding the one for their home state.
Who pressed the button to light the Lagoon tree?
On opening night in 2025 the city's mayor and an oil company executive lit the tree. After that, a different person was invited each day to press the button, which made the 7 pm lighting a surprise.
How tall is the Botafogo Cove tree?
The tree inaugurated on November 30, 2025 was 80 meters tall with more than 2.3 million LEDs. It stood about 100 meters from the sand and could be seen along 700 meters of Botafogo Beach, with Sugarloaf Mountain behind it.
How did the Botafogo tree get to the beach?
By sea. It was built at a shipyard in Niterói and towed across Guanabara Bay in the early hours of November 30, 2025. Its weight was about that of 1,800 small cars.
How many people went to the Botafogo tree opening?
More than 100,000 people attended the opening on November 30, 2025, with fireworks and music. Organizers expected at least 650,000 visitors by January 6, 2026.
What is the Water Ballet at the Botafogo tree?
It is the light show where the water around the floating tree moves along with the lighting. In 2025 it ran every half hour, and the tree was lit from 7 pm to midnight. Kids usually watch from the sand.
Can we get to the Botafogo tree by metro?
In 2025 yes, and it was the most practical way. Botafogo metro station is about 500 meters from the beach, and parking near the tree was not allowed. Swimmers and boats had to stay 200 meters away from the structure, so the sand is the best viewpoint.
How big is the BarraShopping Christmas tree?
It is 75 meters tall, like a 27-story building, in the parking lot facing Avenida das Américas. This year it weighs 160 tons, uses more than 2 million bulbs and lights up every day at 6 pm until January 6.
Can you go inside the BarraShopping tree?
Yes. This year's Christmas village takes visitors inside the tree, through rooms inspired by Santa's house, such as a main hall, Santa's kitchen and an art gallery. It is free, but you need to book a time in the mall's app, and it runs through December 23.
Where can kids meet Santa in Rio de Janeiro?
At BarraShopping's event plaza through December 24, where a visit is free and a printed photo starts at R$45. Botafogo Praia Shopping has Santa meet and greets in its Enchanted Forest decor from November 2 to December 25, and Shopping Nova Iguaçu offers Santa photos until January 1.
Are there free Christmas events in Rio de Janeiro?
Yes, many. Free events include storytelling at BarraShopping on weekends, roaming characters and a band, Saturday fireworks through December 19, and Santa arrivals at malls such as NorteShopping on November 8.
Are Christmas events in Rio de Janeiro in English?
Most events are in Portuguese. Trees, lights and parades need no explanation, but for storytelling sessions and shows it is worth checking with the host.
Who is Abel Gomes?
He is the set designer who has worked on the Lagoon tree since the first edition in 1996. He was also behind the 80-meter Botafogo tree in 2025 and designs this year's BarraShopping Christmas village.
How do I explain to kids why Rio's tree is on the water?
Tell them Rio has used floats since 1996, like a decorated boat. In 2015 there were eleven metal floats, each taller than an adult. That way the tree can be seen from afar, from the Lagoon shore or the sand at Botafogo.
When does Christmas start in Rio?
Early. Mall decorations and Santa arrivals begin in the first days of November. NorteShopping's decorations run from November 6 to December 26, and Botafogo Praia Shopping's Enchanted Forest starts on November 2.
Sources
- Rio anuncia retorno da Árvore da Lagoa ao formato flutuante após seis anos, Viva
- Brasil: árbol de Navidad flotante más grande del mundo volvió a iluminar Río, América TV
- Após cinco anos, árvore do Rio é acesa na Lagoa, Time Out Rio de Janeiro
- Árvore de Natal na Enseada de Botafogo deve receber 650 mil visitantes, dizem organizadores, Tribuna do Sertão
- Rio inaugurou árvore de Natal flutuante de 80 metros de altura, Diario de Pernambuco
- Natal no Barra Shopping: Viagem à Vila Mágica de Natal, Riotur
- BarraShopping celebra 45 anos com Natal, árvore de 75 metros e vila interativa, Diário do Rio