MetrôRio releases travel guide to reach main Christmas attractions in Rio, using metro stations close to trees and Theatro Municipal.
Christmas routes by metro
This December, Rio de Janeiro offers a special schedule of Christmas events across the city. To help residents and tourists move around, MetrôRio prepared a guide on how to reach the main attractions by metro. The list includes the Christmas trees at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and Enseada de Botafogo, and a special projection at the Theatro Municipal.
The concessionaire recommends using contactless payment or buying and topping up travel cards in advance. This speeds up access to stations and helps avoid queues at ticket offices. The guidance becomes even more important on days of large events.
Another tip is to use the MetrôRio app, available for Android and iOS devices. Passengers can plan journeys and monitor metro operations in real time. On the company’s website, the “Plan your trip” tool also helps users choose the best routes.
Lagoa Christmas Tree
The traditional Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas Christmas Tree has returned to light up the city. With around 60 meters in height, it is one of Rio’s most iconic holiday attractions. The metro is considered the most convenient public transport option for visiting the event.
MetrôRio suggests using General Osório/Ipanema station to access the tree. Visitors should choose Entrance E – Lagoa, which brings them closer to the lakeside area. This option offers a safer and more predictable journey to the attraction.
Botafogo Bay Christmas Tree
The Enseada de Botafogo Christmas Tree is another highlight of the season. This floating structure stands about 80 meters high and completes the view of Botafogo Bay. The metro network is again the recommended way to arrive and return.
To reach the attraction, the recommendation is to use Botafogo station. The best option is Entrance C – São Clemente (Praia), which leads passengers towards the waterfront. The tree’s program runs until 6 January.
Christmas projection at Theatro Municipal
In downtown Rio, the Theatro Municipal hosts a special Christmas activation. A light projection is displayed on the façade of the historic building in Cinelândia, inspired by the ballet “The Nutcracker”. Each show lasts around ten minutes, and a countdown clock marks the time left until the next session.
The attraction opened on 12 December and continues until 28 December, except on 24 and 25 December. Projections run from 6:40 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring characters such as the Nutcracker, the Snow King and Queen and Madame Bombom. The initiative turns the square into a festive meeting point.
Access is simplified by the metro, with recommended use of Carioca/Centro or Cinelândia/Centro stations. Both are a short walk from the Theatro Municipal and connect with different areas of the city. As a result, visitors can enjoy the show without depending on cars in a busy downtown area.