Cartago, City of Christmas 2026

Cartago will kick off its Christmas season on Saturday, November 14, with the lighting ceremony at Plaza Mayor, Las Ruinas and the Municipal Palace. The free program will include concerts, folk performances, comedy, traditional cimarrona music, masquerades and activities for the whole family.

The opening day will begin at 12:30 p.m. with music and cultural performances. The official lighting ceremony will take place at 6:00 p.m., followed by a cimarrona band with traditional masquerade characters and a concert by Gaviota.

Highlights

• November 28: The “Cartago, City of Christmas” parade, from María Auxiliadora to Plaza Mayor.
• December 5, 12, 13 and 19: Concerts featuring rock, folk and dance music, comedy, and artists such as Pimienta Negra, Contraforma and Grupo Marfil.
• December 15 to January 6, 2027: The traditional Living Nativity Scene at the Santiago Apóstol Unfinished Church, open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• November and December: Activities across the canton’s 11 districts, including street parades, dance groups, fantasy characters and Christmas concerts.
• Municipal Amphitheater: Children’s shows, theater, dance performances and concerts, including performances by the National Band of Cartago.
• December 17: A hot chocolate gathering at the Cartago Municipal Museum.

All activities organized by the Municipality of Cartago are free of charge, although some performances at the Amphitheater require advance reservations.