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Month-long affair - The Christmas holiday in Colombia truly begins at the strike of midnight on November 30.

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The Alborada - December 1st is the start of a month-long party in the country, and the city of Medellín kicks off the festivities with the Alborada—a festival of fireworks that lights up the night sky to officially mark the start of the season.

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Medellín’s Christmas Lights - Another beautiful spectacle to take in if you find yourself in Medellín throughout the month of December is the impressive Christmas light display.

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Medellín's Christmas Lights - It is one of the best holiday light displays in the world, with 31 million twinkling bulbs illuminating the city.

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Ruta de La Navidad - The country's capital, Bogotá, is also famous for its Christmas lights called Ruta de La Navidad (Christmas Route).

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Ruta de La Navidad - You will want to visit Parque Nacional, Plaza de Bolivar, and Parque de los Novios for the greatest sights.

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Nativity scenes - Along with blindingly beautiful lights, elaborate nativity scenes can also be found throughout the country during December.

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Dia de las Velitas - December 7 in Colombia is Dia de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles) where entire cities and streets are filled with candles. It is a holiday tradition in the country and considered the unofficial start of Christmas for many families.

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Novenas - Novenas are celebrated on the nine days leading up to Christmas day.

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Novenas - It's a time when families gather together to pray, but it is also quite the social event with food, drinks, and lots of music.

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Aguinaldos - It is all fun and games leading up to the big day as well. Aguinaldos are fun little tricks and games played by children and adults all in humorous fun.

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Christmas Eve - Finally the big day has arrived! But actually, for Colombians, Christmas celebrations happen on December 24th. Children don't wait until the morning of the 25th to open presents. Everyone stays up until midnight after a huge party  to open and exchange presents. It is an all-night affair!

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Baby Jesus is coming to town - There is also no Santa Claus that comes down the chimney to deliver presents. In Colombian culture, they believe it is baby Jesus who delivers gifts to families and households.

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Food - Christmas night in Colombia, and the entire holiday season at that, would be nothing without the crazy amount of mouthwatering meals!

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Buñuelos and chocolate - Buñuelos (fried cheesy dough balls) and hot chocolate are some traditional food favorites served throughout the season.

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Natilla - Natilla is a Christmas staple in a Colombian household. This delicious dessert is like a flan or pudding that is sometimes filled with coconut flakes and topped off with cinnamon!

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Tamales - Tasty tamales can also be found on the Christmas table during the grand feast.

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Fig with arequipe - Other sweets include arequipe which is a sweet, milk dessert spread that can also contain coconut flakes.

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Hojaldres - This heavenly fried pastry is also typical of the Christmas season.

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Aguardiente - And no Christmas party in Colombia would be complete without a little aguardiente antioqueño to really get the party started! This is a strong alcoholic beverage.

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Music - Music is also very important throughout the holiday, and some traditional songs include: 'Mi Burrito Sabanero,' 'Feliz Navidad,' and 'Canta, Ríe, Bebe.'

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Christmas - Christmas Day in Colombia is typically reserved for attending mass with the family, recovering from the evening's crazy festivities, and, of course, eating leftovers!

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Dia de los Innocentes - The 25th may have passed but the fun continues in Colombia! Colombia's version of April Fool's is actually on December 28th and known as Dia de los Innocentes (Day of the Innocents). People play fun, goofy pranks on each other.

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New Year's - Like in many other places around the world, the Christmas season often stretches well into the new year and includes New Year's festivities and parties. Colombians have many traditions for this time as well.

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Año Viejo -

Right before the clock strikes 12, Colombians take to the streets with a life-sized doll called Año Viejo (Old Year). They then set the doll on fire to say goodbye to the past year and let go of its bad energies. 

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12 grapes - Once the clock officially strikes midnight, Colombians will eat 12 grapes, representing the months of the year, and will make 12 wishes. It is a fun way to bring good fortune!

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Yellow underwear - Something else Colombians do on New Year's for good luck is run around the house in yellow underwear. It sounds wild, but Colombians believe this will bring them luck, success, and happiness in the new year.

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Suitcase - And to ensure lots of travel opportunities, Colombians will take to the streets and run around with a suitcase!

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Colombian Christmas -

There is truly nothing like celebrating the holidays in the wonderful, magical country of Colombia. If you are ever lucky enough to celebrate Christmas in this Latin American country, it will be a truly unforgettable experience. Happy holidays!

See also: The best places to spend a white Christmas around the world.

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