Every year the Colonial town of Villa de Leyva, just a few hours from Bogotá, Colombia, pulls out all the stops for Christmas. The highlight is the traditional Noche de las Velitas (Night of the Little Candles) which celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This has evolved through the years into three nights of fireworks set off right from the town’s enormous central plaza. Rival crews compete to be the best of the fest and the event marks the start of the holiday season. Locals and travelers gather in the plaza and on nearby patios fortified with bottles of Old Parr Whiskey or aguardiente and cups of hot chocolate or (better yet) boozy canelazo, a beloved holiday hot toddy. See the surprisingly serious displays for yourself in our videos, below.

The Christmas fireworks in Villa de Leyva, Colombia are an annual highlight of the holiday season.
See the Noche de las Velitas Christmas fireworks display in Villa de Leyva, Colombia for yourself in our videos, below.
Here’s more about travel in Colombia
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