During two months, Gramado, in Rio Grande do Sul, plunges wholeheartedly into the holiday spirit.
The top attractions in Christmas of Light (Nov.12, 2008-Jan.11, 2009), or Natal Luz, are either free or affordable (click on ticket icon on each page listed for prices). Kids 3 years old and up do pay full price (seniors pay half).
Select your favorite paid attractions and enjoy the freebies, such as the Tree Lighting Show, while exploring the evergreen appeal of this fantastic destination in southern Brazil.
Tickets can be bought at the Central Ticket Office (Bilheteria Central).
1. The Fantastic Christmas Factory
A child who's taken by an angel to Santa Claus' factory is the theme of the Fantastic Christmas Factory, a musical in five acts in which cookies, candy canes and toys come to life. More than 40 people are cast in the production, which has drawn more than 100,000 spectators in two years.
The show takes place at Carrieri, on the route to Gramado's Black Lake (Lago Negro), which will be clearly signaled.
Go to the Fantastic Christmas Factory page for photos, a video, the seating chart (Mapa de Lugares) and schedule (Programação).
Duration: 50 minutes. Arrive 30 minutes prior to start of show.
2. Grand Christmas Parade
One of the top favorite events for people of all ages in Natal Luz, the Grand Christmas Parade features skating angels, a nativity scene, puppets, snow queens, Christmas trees and other characters who follow Santa Claus and his sleigh.
The parade follows Gramado's Avenida das Hortênsias, or the Hydrangea Road, always starting at 9:30p. More than 200 people participate in the event, which is a model of volunteer involvement on the part of Gramado locals.
View photos, a video, the schedule and the seating chart on the Grand Christmas Parade page.
Duration: 45 minutes. Arrive 30 minutes prior to start of parade.
3. Nativitaten
Pirotecnics, dancing waters, fire and music create a stunning display in Nativitaten, held at Lake Joaquina Rita Bier. Lyric singers lead the show, a journeys through the history of mankind which includes the creation of the world, darkness and salvation, with the birth of Jesus.
Due to its intensity, Nativitaten is not recommended for children under ten.
The show starts at 9:30p and it gets chilly around the lake, so bring a jacket.
For a video, photos, a schedule and seating chart, view the Nativitaten page.
Duration: 50 minutes. Arrive at least 30 minutes in advance.
4. Singing Tree
Rua Coberta, a charming covered street with shops and restaurants, becomes a haven of holiday cheer during Christmas of Light, when carolers bring a towering Christmas tree to life.
On the Singing Tree page, view photos and the schedule (Programação).
Duration: 45 minutes. Arrive 20 minutes prior to presentation.
5. Gaucho Christmas
The Gaucho Christmas (Natal Gaúcho) brings to Rua Coberta the traditional music of the Rio Grande do Sul pampas in a celebration of the season's joys.
See photos of Brazil's cowboys and the event schedule on the Gaucho Christmas page.
Duration: 60 minutes.
6. Tree Lighting Show
Every evening at 9pm, the 8-meter tall Christmas tree at the intersection of Rótula Borges and Hydrangea Road is lit simultaneously with all the other lights in Natal Luz, to a light and music show.
7. Santa Claus Meeting
Even if you don't attend this event at the Christmas Village, you may need to prepare your child for stumbling upon an excess of Santa Clauses, explaining that none of them is the real Santa, but only men who like to dress like him because they enjoy Christmas so much.
The meeting is a "jolly skill workshop" which draws people from all over Brazil.
8. Advent Windows
Gramado and Rio Grande do Sul have many German traditions and the Advent Windows event at the beautiful São Pedro Church helps keep them alive, to the sound of singing and instrumental music.
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes. Arrive at least 30 minutes in advance.
9. Tannenbaumfest
Gramado business owners pull out all the stops for Tannenbaumfest. Each participating business decorates a Christmas tree on Avenida Borges de Medeiros, Gramado's main avenue, in an event that has a lead soldier band making spirits bright.
In 2008, the one-time only event will take place on November 29 at 6pm. A contest for the most beautiful tree will award the winner with two airline tickets to New York City.
10. Puppet Theatre and Noel's Ark
Since 2007, the Puppet Theatre has charmed kids at the Christmas Village with stories led by a friendly dog named Abelardo. Because the show is in Portuguese only, its appeal may be restricted to a younger child (who's not afraid of puppets). Play it by ear and stop by while visiting the Christmas village - the show only lasts 10 minutes.
An elaborate production with much singing and dancing, Noel's Ark features puppets, again led by Abelardo, and large electronic characters.
Also in Portuguese, the show tells the story of animals who put together a musical presentation for Christmas of Light. Characters such as a tenor duck and singing hillbilly chickens may appeal to kids who are unfazed by the incomprehensible words.
11. Christmas Village
Christmas food and crafts, a merry-go-round, craft workshops, a steam engine and canopy walking are some of the attractions at the Christmas Village. Santa Claus visits every evening, 6p-7:30p.
In 2008, the Village will host the launching of a special souvenir: the book Natal Luz de Gramado – Uma Visão de Edison Vara, with photos by the talented photographer whose images were used in this Christmas of Light Photo Gallery. The author will be at the Christmas Village for a book signing on Nov. 13 at 5pm.
12. Christmas of Light Tour
Every day for the duration of Christmas of Light 2008, a dindinho, or a bus that looks like a street car, will take a Tour of Natal Luz.
The vehicle leaves from downtown Gramado (in front of the Central Christmas of Light ticket office) and passes places that have Christmas of Light attractions and decorations, such as the São Pedro Church, Rua Coberta, Avenida Borges de Medeiros, the Christmas Float Pavillion, the Hydrangea Avenue, Lake Joaquina Rita Bier, Carriérie and Communications Square.
Price: R$15.
Hours: Mon-Thur 2p and 5p; Fri-Sun 11a, 1p, 3p and 5p.
