Colombian Christmas traditions: From Velitas to Novena

Colombia is known for turning Christmas into a month-long celebration filled with lights, music, food, faith, and family gatherings. While many countries focus primarily on December 24 and 25, Colombian Christmas traditions begin weeks earlier and bring communities together through cherished customs that have been passed down for generations.

From the glowing candles of Día de las Velitas to the nightly prayers of the Novena de Aguinaldos, Christmas in Colombia is about more than gift-giving. It’s a season centered on family, gratitude, community, and celebrating together.

Whether you have Colombian roots, family living abroad, or are simply curious about holiday traditions around the world, here’s a closer look at some of Colombia’s most beloved Christmas customs.

What makes Christmas in Colombia unique?

Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations of the year in Colombia. The holiday season officially begins in early December and continues through Christmas and into the New Year.

Cities, towns, and neighborhoods come alive with festive decorations, elaborate light displays, music, and family gatherings. While traditions vary by region, many Colombians share common customs that blend religious observance with joyful community celebrations.

The season is marked by gatherings of family and friends, traditional foods, prayers, music, and a strong emphasis on spending time with relatives and friends.

How Día de las Velitas marks the start of Christmas

One of the most recognizable Colombian Christmas traditions is Día de las Velitas, or the Day of the Little Candles, celebrated on December 7.

On this evening, families place candles and lanterns outside their homes, on balconies, sidewalks, streets, and public spaces. As darkness falls, communities glow with thousands of lights, creating one of the most beautiful nights of the year.

The tradition is associated with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and is widely considered the official start of the Christmas season in Colombia.

For many families, Día de las Velitas is also a time to gather with neighbors, share food, enjoy music, and celebrate the beginning of the holidays together.

How families celebrate the Novena de Aguinaldos

Beginning on December 16 and continuing through December 24, many Colombian families participate in the Novena de Aguinaldos.

This nine-day tradition combines prayer, songs, and family gatherings as people prepare for Christmas Eve. Family members, friends, and neighbors often gather each evening to recite prayers, sing Christmas carols, and enjoy traditional holiday treats.

The Novena is especially meaningful because it brings together multiple generations. Children, parents, grandparents, and extended family members participate together, reinforcing the importance of family and community during the holiday season.

In many households, the Novena becomes a nightly celebration filled with laughter, music, and shared traditions.

How Colombians celebrate Nochebuena

For many Colombians, the most important holiday celebration takes place on Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve.

Rather than focusing primarily on Christmas morning, families gather on December 24 for festive meals, celebrations, and late-night gatherings that often continue past midnight.

Many families spend the evening:

• Sharing a special holiday dinner
• Visiting relatives and friends
• Listening to Christmas music
• Watching fireworks displays
• Participating in religious services
• Enjoying holiday games and activities

The sense of togetherness is central to the celebration, making Nochebuena one of the most anticipated nights of the year.

How El Niño Dios shapes gift-giving traditions

While Santa Claus has become familiar in many Colombian households, traditional gift-giving is often associated with El Niño Dios (the Christ Child).

For generations, children have looked forward to receiving gifts believed to come from El Niño Dios on Christmas Eve.

Today, families may celebrate in different ways, but the tradition remains an important part of Colombia’s cultural and religious heritage. It also reflects the holiday’s emphasis on faith, generosity, and family.

How traditional foods bring people together

Food plays a major role in Colombian Christmas celebrations, and many favorite dishes appear at Novena gatherings, family dinners, and holiday parties.

Some of the most popular holiday foods include:

Natilla: A creamy dessert similar to custard that is commonly served throughout the Christmas season. Families often prepare their own versions using recipes passed down through generations.

Buñuelos: Fried dough balls made with cheese and are one of the most recognizable Colombian Christmas treats. Many Colombians consider the holiday season incomplete without them.

Ajiaco A traditional soup made with chicken and potatoes, help bring families together around the dinner table.

Other holiday favorites

Depending on the region, celebrations may also include tamales, empanadas, roasted meats, hot chocolate, and festive desserts shared among family and friends.

Beyond their flavors, these foods symbolize togetherness and hospitality, making them an important part of Colombian Christmas traditions.

How Colombians abroad stay close during the holidays

Millions of Colombians live outside their home country, but many continue to celebrate Christmas traditions wherever they are.

Families abroad often participate in virtual Novena gatherings, prepare traditional Colombian foods, decorate with candles and lights, and connect with relatives back home throughout December.

For many, supporting family is especially important during the Christmas season. Even when distance makes travel difficult, technology and international money transfers can help families remain part of holiday celebrations.

Why sending money home matters during Christmas

December is one of the busiest times of the year for family support and remittances.

Many Colombians living abroad send money home to help those who matter most prepare for holiday meals, Novena gatherings, travel expenses, gifts, and Christmas celebrations.

These transfers often help families:

• Purchase food for holiday gatherings
• Contribute to Christmas traditions
• Buy gifts for children and relatives
• Cover seasonal travel expenses
• Support family members during the busy holiday period

Sending financial support can be a meaningful way to participate in family celebrations, even when you can’t be there in person.

Western Union offers multiple ways to send funds internationally:

• Begin a money transfer online
• Explore different ways to send money
• Use the international money transfer app for convenient transfers on the go
• Send funds through international mobile wallet transfers where available

If you’re supporting family and friends during the holiday season, you can also send money to Colombia quickly and conveniently.

Celebrate Colombian Christmas traditions

From the glowing candles of Día de las Velitas to family Novena gatherings and festive Nochebuena celebrations, Colombian Christmas traditions are rooted in family, faith, and community.

These customs have helped generations of Colombians celebrate the holiday season together, whether at home or abroad. While traditions may vary across regions and families, the spirit of togetherness remains at the heart of every celebration.

Whether you’re celebrating with family and friends in Colombia or supporting people who matter most from afar, Western Union offers reliable ways to send money during the holiday season.

Ready to send holiday support to those who matter most in Colombia? Begin a money transfer today with Western Union.