Rio’s Christmas Tree offers free programming on December 13 and 14 with dance, Christmas cantata, Parintins oxen show and Christmas market.
Special schedule at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
The Árvore do Rio 2025 continues to light up Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas with a special program on the weekend of December 13 and 14. The schedule brings music, dance, a Christmas cantata, popular culture attractions and the traditional daily lighting at 7 p.m. All activities are free, with advance ticket reservations through the GoDream website.
On Friday, 13/12, activities start at 5 p.m. with DJ Thaís Rodrigues, who opens the night with a set full of Brazilian sounds and danceable rhythms. At 7 p.m., the lighting of Rio’s Christmas Tree marks the high point of the evening. Then, at 8 p.m., the audience enjoys a performance by Focus Cia de Dança.
Under the direction of choreographer Alex Neoral, the company presents the acclaimed show “As Canções que Você Dançou Pra Mim”. The piece weaves together major hits by Roberto Carlos, from the iê-iê-iê era to romantic classics. Seen by almost 400,000 people in Brazil and abroad, the work is recognized for its strong connection with audiences of different generations.
Sunday: Christmas cantata and Parintins oxen
On Saturday, 14/12, the program begins at 5 p.m. with DJ Sô Lyma, who blends Brazilian rhythms, black music, house and disco. At 5:50 p.m., singer Yumi Park presents an intimate show that mixes pop, indie and MPB influences. At 7 p.m., Rio’s Christmas Tree is lit, opening the evening’s celebrations.
Five minutes later, at 7:05 p.m., the Theatro Municipal Choir performs an emotional Christmas Cantata, with special arrangements for the occasion. Closing the night, at 8:30 p.m., the Bois de Parintins show brings the colors and energy of Garantido and Caprichoso to the Lagoa. The performance celebrates Amazonian culture with music, movement and visual impact.
Christmas market, kids’ area and instagrammable spaces
The full program runs until December 28, always with free activities and ticket reservations via GoDream. This edition highlights new activations designed to attract large audiences. At the former Lagoon space, a Christmas Market curated by Robert Guimarães and Fernando Molinari, from Babilônia Feira Hype, brings together fashion, decor and craft exhibitors.
The market offers a circuit of creative gifts and a foodtruck area, forming a meeting point for families, tourists and locals. The space operates on Saturdays and Sundays, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.. During this period, the former Lagoon area becomes one of the main hubs of the Árvore do Rio experience.
Also at the former Lagoon, a children’s recreation area with inflatable toys and a baby zone will be available, with free admission. The structure is designed for kids of different ages. Opening hours follow the Christmas Market schedule, on Saturdays and Sundays, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Santa’s House, pedal boats and artistic nativity
At Parque do Cantagalo, the new Casa do Papai Noel (Santa’s House) is one of the season’s main attractions, especially for children. The space includes a dedicated photo area and a viewpoint overlooking Rio’s Christmas Tree. Free pedal boats will also be available, with prior booking through the GoDream app.
The Cantagalo area operates on Saturdays and Sundays, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., until 28/12, with special hours on December 24 and 25. At Parque dos Patins, a luminous instagrammable set is open to visitors for photos. The opening times mirror the Cantagalo schedule, with possible extended hours on festive dates.
Rio’s Christmas Tree is a project produced by Backstage and Dream Factory. It is presented by the Ministry of Culture and Petrobras, through the Rouanet Law, with master sponsorship from BB Seguros and sponsorship from O Boticário. The initiative is part of the Ministry of Culture’s cultural program.
Solidarity campaign and nativity inspired by Mestre Vitalino
The Árvore do Rio also promotes a solidarity campaign with two collection points for non-perishable food and toys, destined for the social actions of the Cristo Redentor Sanctuary. One point is located at the Lagoon and the other at Paróquia São José da Lagoa. The initiative invites visitors to contribute to families in vulnerable situations.
At Paróquia São José da Lagoa, visitors can see a special nativity scene conceived by set designer and visual artist Fabiana Barrocas, in collaboration with artist Gabriela Cunha. Built with recycled paper and clay, the installation is inspired by the popular aesthetic of Mestre Vitalino, a key figure in Northeastern ceramics and Brazilian art. The space also serves as a permanent donation point throughout the season.
Service – Árvore do Rio 2025
Tree lighting Daily at 7 p.m., until 06/01.
Music, gifts and gastronomy – Lagoon Saturdays and Sundays, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., until 28/12.
Friday, 13/12 5 p.m. – DJ Thaís Rodrigues 7 p.m. – Tree lighting 8 p.m. – Focus Cia de Dança
Saturday, 14/12 5 p.m. – DJ Sô Lyma 5:50 p.m. – Yumi Park 7 p.m. – Tree lighting 7:05 p.m. – Christmas Cantata – Theatro Municipal Choir 8:30 p.m. – Bois de Parintins
Tickets Free tickets available in advance through the GoDream website.
Parque do Cantagalo Santa’s House Photo area Viewpoint Pedal boats (booking required via GoDream app) Saturdays and Sundays, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., until 28/12, with special hours on 24 and 25/12.
Parque dos Patins Luminous instagrammable space Saturdays and Sundays, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., until 28/12, with special hours on 24 and 25/12.
