She’s back! The Lagoa Christmas tree is lit after a five-year hiatus; see the pictures

The traditional Lagoa Christmas tree was lit this Saturday to the applause of locals and tourists. After a five-year hiatus, the traditional structure that marks Christmas in Rio de Janeiro has returned in style. During the inauguration, while the free tickets were sold, a fireworks display was also held on site. Scheduled to be turned on at 9 p.m., the official unveiling of the tree lights was delayed by a few minutes. But nothing discouraged the public eager for the structure’s return.

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Before the big moment of the evening, there was a performance by the Petrobras Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Felipe Prazeres.

Lagoa Tree was lit shortly after 9 p.m. — Photo: Alexandre Cassiano / Agência O Globo

This year, the tree returned with 20 kilometers of flexible LED and neon lights, in addition to measuring 60 meters high. On Saturdays and Sundays, until January 6, there will be a free event (with tickets available on the GoDream website) with a fair, a food truck, a children’s area and much more at Lagoon.

From other points in the lagoon it is also possible to see the tree. It remains in Lagoa until January 6, lit from Sunday to Thursday, from 7 p.m. to midnight, and Fridays and Saturdays, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Árvore da Lagoa is back after a 5-year hiatus — Photo: Alexandre Cassiano / Agência O Globo

Who lights the Lagoa tree?

Whoever presses the button to illuminate the structure is always an important personality in Rio de Janeiro, who also plays an important role in social action. That first day, the one who pressed the button was the president of Petrobras, Magda Chambriard.

— Since I took over as president of Petrobras, in 2024, I have dreamed of this tree. This year we managed to do it with incredible quality. The tree was not enough, but it also had to be offered to the inhabitants, to all of Brazil, with celebrations throughout the month of December. And like any good party, there’s music, food and drinks, Magda said.

The inauguration of the Lagoa tree took place with fireworks — Photo: Alexandre Cassiano / Agência O Globo

Backstage partner and one of the event organizers, Roberta Kelab says:

— We are bringing back to Rio a symbol of Christmas, but one that has already crossed borders. The tree was assembled in record time: it took 40 days for a process that would have taken three months. This happened, I usually say, through a union of hearts involved in this achievement.

The tree remains in Lagoa until January 6, lit from Sunday to Thursday, from 7 p.m. to midnight, and Fridays and Saturdays, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. In the two surrounding areas, Lagoon and Parque do Cantagalo, Christmas programming will take place throughout the month.

Fireworks at the inauguration of the Lagoa tree — Photo: Alexandre Cassiano / Agência O Globo

In Lagoon, a fair will be set up with fashion, decoration, crafts, well-being and food trucks, as well as presentations by Diogo Nogueira (Sunday) and Grupo Focus (the 13th).

On the other side, in Cantagalo, children can visit Santa’s House, with free photos on Saturdays and Sundays, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., until the 28th — with special hours on the 24th and 25th.