Doni Clemons
If you really want to get into the season, head to Christmas Fest Rio. For some it might be a slice of homestyle Christmas, for others a Christmas overload. The production is spread throughout the city. There is a life-size Nativity scene constructed by local plastics artists located near the entrance of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. A nice stop before visiting the world’s largest floating Christmas tree also located in the Lagoa. Brazilian artists were also commissioned to construct different versions of Old Saint Nicholas (Bom Velhinho), 22 sculptures in total line Avenida das Americas in Barra da Tijuca. If you’re there, try to find the one painted Carioca style with a blue suit instead of red. The Christmas village is customarily located in Jardim de Alah, this year however, if you want a photo with Santa (Papai Noel) you will have to make a trek to Duque de Caxias (because of construction). A plus side is that the visit with Santa is still free.
