Botafogo Cove hosts the first Rio Christmas, with an 80-meter tree, concerts, food trucks and free cultural programming.
Opening night at Botafogo Cove
On November 30, Botafogo Cove gains a new shine with the debut of Rio Christmas. Activities start at 5 p.m. in the waterfront area. In addition, a monumental 80-meter tree, lit by more than 2.3 million LED lights, illuminates the famous Rio skyline.
The opening night arrives in great style, with a fireworks show marking the birth of a new summer symbol. The Orquestra do Samba, led by Pretinho da Serrinha, welcomes singer Belo for a special appearance. Thus, two major forces of Brazilian music share the stage in a rare and symbolic moment.
The performance celebrates the strength and diversity of samba as a living cultural language in Brazil. After the concert, DJ Tamy takes over and brings a contemporary sound to the evening. This way, the event officially opens one of the most “carioca” Christmas seasons in recent years.
Food truck village and curation
Beyond the music, visitors can enjoy a vibrant Gastronomic Village fully set up with food trucks. The culinary lineup is curated by siblings Ana and Pedro Vidal, who selected traditional and beloved Rio brands. As a result, the space offers a rich and diverse tasting experience.
“We thought of varied, accessible and high-quality options. We wanted brands that represent Rio and deliver practicality with flavor.”
“From Confeitaria Itajaí, founded in 1932 in downtown Rio, to the draft beer from Brewteco, a bar that is the face of the city, we looked to unite beloved local venues with agile formats, perfect for events. This curation was special for us, thinking about the first year of Rio Christmas at Botafogo Cove.”
On opening night, food service will feature 13 trucks and 2 carts spread across the site. In the following weeks, there will be 8 trucks and 2 carts, keeping a steady variety of options. Thus, visitors can always find different choices for meals and snacks.
Selected flavors for visitors
Among the highlights are Vulcano, serving burgers and sandwiches, and Só Coxinhas, with mini savory pastries. The lineup also includes Fallafel, offering Arabic cuisine, and Espírito de Porco, known for special sandwiches. In addition, Tasquinha do Portuga brings Portuguese classics and is confirmed for opening night.
For the debut and the weeks that follow, Espeto BBQ, Seu Vidal, Confeitaria Itajaí and Expresso Tapioca will be present. The list also features Pão de Alho do Kiki, Pizza Al Taglio and Brewteco. Finally, carts selling sweet and salty popcorn, ice cream and açaí complete the experience.
Free cultural park until January
From November 30 to January 6, Botafogo Cove turns into a large free cultural park. The area hosts pocket shows, samba performances, artistic activations, light shows and water ballet. Moreover, visitors can enjoy sensory experiences and social spaces by the sea.
Every day, from 7 p.m. to midnight, the tree lights up and colors the water’s surface. This creates a new Rio ritual for residents and tourists. Rio Christmas reinforces Botafogo Cove as a meeting point during the holiday season.
With creative direction by Abel Gomes (SRCOM) and production by Accioly Participações, the project is presented as a gift to the city. Organizers expect to welcome more than 650,000 people during the season. Therefore, Rio strengthens its image as a stage for art, togetherness and belonging.
Diverse and family-friendly lineup
On opening Sunday, the celebration starts big, with a powerful debut night. From that moment, the entire city will be lit by the magic of Botafogo Cove. It is a Christmas that does not just shine, but also beats like the heart of Rio.
In the following weeks, the programming remains diverse and designed for all audiences. The schedule mixes samba, forró, orchestra performances and children’s activities, keeping the festive atmosphere. In this way, Rio Christmas stays lively all the way into the new year.
Events calendar
On December 6 (Saturday), the stage welcomes Nego Álvaro from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. On December 7 (Sunday), the Tapetes Contadores de Histórias storytelling group performs at 4 p.m., followed by the Nova Orquestra at 5 p.m. Thus, the weekend combines children’s storytelling and orchestral music.
On December 13 (Saturday), the highlight is the group Vem Cá Minha Flor, at 5 p.m. On December 14 (Sunday), Fróes e Banda perform, also at 5 p.m. The lineup offers options that appeal to different musical tastes.
On December 20 (Saturday), Grupo Arruda brings samba to the cove starting at 5 p.m. On December 21 (Sunday), the afternoon begins with the Bloco do Papai Noel parade at 4 p.m., followed by the Camerata Jovem do RJ at 5 p.m. This way, the schedule blends Christmas spirit and classical-inspired music.
As the year draws to a close, December 27 (Saturday) features DJ Michell at 5 p.m. On December 28 (Sunday), there is a Circus Workshop with Circo no Ato at 4 p.m., and Forró da Taylor at 5 p.m. Thus, circus arts, dance and forró share the same stage.
In January, January 3 (Saturday) brings DJ Camila Brunetta at 5 p.m. On January 4 (Sunday), the Bloco Que Pena Amor closes the musical schedule, also at 5 p.m. Finally, the calendar celebrates Brazilian culture through music, dance and storytelling.
The result is a genuinely Brazilian program that blends music, culture, childhood and dance. From samba to forró, from orchestras to storytelling, Rio Christmas creates a festive atmosphere. The event keeps the city celebrating until the beginning of the new year.
Access and circulation routes
On November 30 and on weekends, the public will have two main entry points to Botafogo Cove. Pedestrian crossings must be made exclusively via crosswalks that lead to underground tunnels. In this way, the event ensures safety and organization for those attending the shows.
Tunnel 1 is located near the beginning of Rua São Clemente, close to the subway exit. Tunnel 2 sits by the Edifício Argentina on Praia de Botafogo, near number 228. The main stage will be installed between these two access points, in the center of the cove.
On opening day, the Gastronomic Village will operate near both tunnels to improve circulation. On the following weekends, it will be concentrated mainly around Tunnel 1. Thus, visitors can quickly find food services as they arrive at the venue.
Because the area is large, there will be no direct crossing over the roadway for safety reasons. All pedestrian flow will be guided through the tunnels, ensuring comfort and clear directions. Therefore, those visiting the Botafogo Cove Christmas Tree will have an easy and organized route.
