“My God, what a beautiful city,” said “João de Santo Cristo” when he left the bus station and saw the Christmas lights, in the classic song written by Renato Russo in 1979, portraying one of Brasília’s most striking features: its Christmas decorations. And it has always been like this, since the city’s beginnings. In its early years, the lights predominated at the National Theater and the Plano Piloto bus station. Later, they spread from the Esplanada dos Ministérios to the emblematic TV Tower, also taking over W3 Sul, which was Brasília’s major shopping center. And we can’t forget the classic lights of Conjunto Nacional, driven by the beauty of the old neon panels on the facade of the city’s first shopping mall.
Over the years, the city's Christmas lights have become more modern and technologically advanced, and are present in both public buildings and homes. LED lights, 3D projections and many other features provide sound and light shows throughout the city every year, enchanting residents of Brasília and tourists alike.
And where are the main Christmas venues currently? Here are some tips:
Shopping malls – The main shopping malls in the Federal District already have their Santa Claus to welcome children. ParkShopping has brought a different decoration, inspired by the British capital: “London Christmas”, which reproduces London’s tourist attractions, such as the pedestrian crossing Abbey Road – a Beatles icon –, the double-decker bus and the traditional telephone booth. DF Plaza Shopping, in turn, brought “Christmas on Ice”, including an artificial snowfall.
Image Park Shopping
Image Park Shopping
Image Park Shopping
Image DF Plaza Shopping
Image DF Plaza Shopping
POUPEX Santa's House – Located in the internal garden of the FHE/POUPEX headquarters, in the Urban Military Sector, Santa Claus’s home is made entirely of wood, with a living room, balcony, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Entry is free and no reservation is required. It is open from 8 am to 10 pm.
South Lake Pier – With decorations inspired by one of the most famous Christmas tales of all time, the “Nutcracker Christmas Forest” has lots of lights all along the shore and performances by circus artists and playful characters, always from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan – With illuminated and decorated trucks, the caravan passes through all 33 administrative regions of the Federal District, ending the attraction at the Esplanada dos Ministérios on December 17th. A light and sound show that delights adults and children every year.
Courts – Several blocks in the city have already established a Christmas tradition, decorating themselves with lots of lights and decorations every year. Block 301 in the Southwest and Block 303 in the North are very common examples, with residents participating in the assembly of all the structures.
Christmas Decoration 303 North
South Lake – Several houses in Lago Sul stand out for their Christmas decorations. There is even an annual competition that awards the most creative one. In QI 28, residents got together to build a Christmas village in Praça João de Barro, at the entrance to blocks 1, 2 and 3, with a street market, choir and food trucks.
