Rio’s Christmas Tree lights up Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas on December 6 with a free Petrobras Symphony Orchestra concert and holiday events through December 28.
Iconic floating tree is back
After five years, Rio de Janeiro once again sees its traditional Christmas Tree shine on Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. The Rio Tree will be inaugurated on December 6 in a celebration night open to the public. Free tickets must be booked in advance through the GoDream website.
On opening night, a special tribute will mark the partnership with the Cristo Redentor Archdiocesan Shrine. A totem with a giant green button will be installed at the Lagoon complex. When pressed, it activates light cannons at the base of the tree, illuminating Christ the Redeemer before the tree lights up.
Right after the monument is lit, the Rio Tree will be turned on, officially opening the city’s Christmas season. Each day, a different person or group will be invited to perform this symbolic action. In this way, the project emphasizes the democratic and participatory spirit of the celebration.
Free Petrobras Symphony concert on December 6
On Saturday, December 6, the program begins at 5 p.m. with a performance by DJ João Pedro, trained at AIMEC-RJ. Then, at 7:55 p.m., the Petrobras Symphony Orchestra takes the stage set up at Lagoon. The concert will be conducted by maestro Felipe Prazeres, with guest singer Analu Pimenta.
The repertoire includes excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker”, such as “March”, “Trepak”, “Waltz of the Flowers” and “The Christmas Tree”. In addition, the program brings classics like “Silent Night” and “Blue Night”. A large Christmas medley features “Então é Natal”, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”, “The First Noel”, “Joy to the World”, “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Jingle Bells”.
The concert also presents popular Brazilian pieces, including “Tico-Tico no Fubá”, “Festa do Interior”, “Maria Maria”, “Feira de Mangaio” and “A Voz do Morro”. Giant screens at Parque dos Patins and Parque do Cantagalo will broadcast the show to different spots around the lagoon. Thus, audiences across the area can enjoy the performance outdoors.
Maestro Felipe Prazeres’ message
“It is an immense joy to conduct at the inauguration of the traditional Lagoa Tree after six years. This moment represents not only the return of one of Rio’s most cherished landmarks, but also the strength of art in bringing people together and inspiring them. We will present a repertoire that unites Christmas classics and popular songs, bringing the public even closer to concert music. Playing outdoors and for free is a way to democratize culture and celebrate encounters, the city and the transforming power of music.”
Maestro Felipe Prazeres celebrates the chance to conduct at the reopening of the Lagoa Tree. For him, the event highlights the emotional bond of the city with this symbol and with music. The program seeks to bridge classical repertoire and popular songs to reach broader audiences.
On this date, screens at Parque dos Patins and Parque do Cantagalo extend access to the concert. As a result, residents and visitors can follow the performances from multiple viewpoints around the lagoon. Near 9 p.m., the Rio Tree will be lit, restoring the city’s Christmas glow and magic.
Visual concept and tribute to Brazil
The creative project, signed by Orleans de Sá, brings visual elements typical of Christmas celebrations. The designs were conceived to be recognized by people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. In this way, each visitor is invited to see their own Christmas memories reflected on the tree.
The Rio Tree also pays tribute to Brazil through a special constellation. Each star represents one Brazilian state, shining every night of the event. This visual concept reinforces the idea of national unity during the holiday season.
Standing 60 meters tall, the tree was designed to stay in full harmony with Lagoa and its surroundings. The structure aims to blend naturally into the landscape, in dialogue with greenery, the city and the people. More than 20 kilometers of LED and Neon Flex will illuminate the installation.
Sustainability and Petrobras Diesel R
The 2025 edition introduces a key sustainability innovation. All the energy that powers the event will come from a generator fueled with Diesel R, developed by Petrobras. The fuel contains 10% renewable content in addition to the mandatory 15% biodiesel share.
Diesel R uses renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oils and animal fat. In its renewable portion, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60%. Therefore, the initiative underscores the project’s commitment to a just energy transition.
The use of Petrobras Diesel R to power the Rio Tree illustrates the pursuit of a more sustainable future. The project is produced by Backstage and Dream Factory. It is presented by the Ministry of Culture and Petrobras, through Brazil’s Rouanet Law, with sponsorship from O Boticário.
Sunday schedule with Diogo Nogueira
On Sunday, December 7, activities begin at 5 p.m. with DJ Lou Cascudo and Camila Mariotti. The tree will be lit at 7 p.m., maintaining the festive mood around the lagoon. Then, the main musical attraction takes over the stage.
At 8 p.m., samba singer Diogo Nogueira presents his show. He celebrates the opportunity to bring samba to the city at such a meaningful time of year. The performance will feature a special appearance by Father Omar, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
“I am happy to bring samba to Rio de Janeiro at such an important time of the year, so we can celebrate together the reopening of the floating tree in such a special spot of our city. I look forward to seeing everyone there to start the Christmas festivities with the best of Brazilian popular music, high energy and plenty of samba in our step.”
Diogo emphasizes that the concert celebrates the return of the floating tree to one of Rio’s most iconic postcards. Moreover, he invites the audience to kick off the Christmas season with Brazilian music. The night promises an upbeat blend of samba, community and celebration.
Free activities through December 28
The Rio Tree program runs from December 6 to December 28, always with free activities. Attendance requires advance booking of tickets on the GoDream website. This system helps organize public access throughout the season.
This year, activations at Lagoon gain special prominence with two new attractions. The Christmas Market, curated by Robert Guimarães and Fernando Molinari from Babilônia Feira Hype, brings together fashion, décor and craft exhibitors. A food area with food trucks completes the circuit.
The goal is to turn Lagoon into a meeting point for families, tourists and locals during the entire period. A recreation area with inflatable toys and a baby zone will be available for children of different ages. Admission is free, reinforcing the inclusive spirit of the project.
The Lagoon complex will operate from Friday to Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thus, visitors have several opportunities to enjoy music, shopping and gastronomy. The schedule follows the city’s Christmas calendar until late December.
Santa’s House and park attractions
At Parque do Cantagalo, the new Santa’s House will be one of the most anticipated attractions, especially for children. A special photo area will be set up on site, along with a lookout point to view the Rio Tree. In this way, visitors gain a privileged angle of the illuminated structure.
Free pedal boats will be available, with prior booking required through the GoDream app. The space will operate on Saturdays and Sundays, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., until December 28. On December 24 and 25, special opening hours are planned.
At Parque dos Patins, an illuminated, Instagrammable setting will be open to the public for photos. The area will also operate on Saturdays and Sundays, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., until December 28. Special hours will apply on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Service – Rio Tree 2025
Tree lighting
7 p.m., daily, from 07/12 to 06/01.
Music, gifts and gastronomy – Lagoon
Saturdays and Sundays, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., until 28/12.
December 6 (Saturday), 8 p.m. – Petrobras Symphony Orchestra.
December 7 (Sunday), 8 p.m. – Diogo Nogueira.
Free tickets available via GoDream website.
Parque do Cantagalo
Santa’s House.
Photo area.
Lookout for Rio Tree views.
Saturdays and Sundays, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., until 28/12, with special hours on 24 and 25/12.
Parque dos Patins
Illuminated Instagrammable spot.
Saturdays and Sundays, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., until 28/12, with special hours on 24 and 25/12.
