As the sun sets over the Andean highlands, a historic landmark transforms into a luminous wonderland. The Puente de Boyaca, famously known as the “Altar of the Patria,” where patriots fought the Battle of Boyaca for freedom in 1819, has officially unveiled its 2025 Christmas display, drawing thousands of spectators to the site where Colombia’s independence was sealed over two centuries ago. Colombia’s Puente de Boyaca 2025 Christmas lights are indeed a sea of light at Colombia’s “Altar of the Homeland.”
This year’s theme, orchestrated by the Government of Boyaca under the campaign “Tu mejor regalo es vivirla en Boyacá” (Your best gift is to live it in Boyaca), blends deep historical reverence with a vibrant celebration of the region’s rural identity.
A symphony of 2.8 million LED lights
The 2025 display is one of the most ambitious in the department’s history. Spanning the vast grounds surrounding the iconic stone bridge, the illumination features over 2.8 million low-consumption LED lights and nearly 800 large-scale figures.
While past years have focused on general holiday motifs, the 2025 installation is a heartfelt tribute to the campesino (peasant) culture. Visitors are greeted by towering light sculptures of traditional Boyacense farmers, complete with their signature ruanas and hats, celebrating the department’s role as the agricultural heart of Colombia.
Key attractions and new features
Beyond the bridge itself, several key monuments within the park have been integrated into the light show:
The Von Miller monument: This massive structure is draped in cascading curtains of white and blue lights, creating a “frozen waterfall” effect.
The Christmas forest: A new addition for 2025, this section features illuminated native flora and fauna, including oversized frailejones — the iconic plants of the Andean páramo.
The interactive tunnel: A 50-meter-long tunnel of light that changes color in synchronization with traditional Colombian carols (villancicos).
“The Puente de Boyaca is more than a historical site; in December, it becomes the soul of Colombia,” said Governor Carlos Amaya during the inauguration, which featured a headline performance by Latin Grammy winner Andres Cepeda.
Planning your visit: What you need to know
The 2025 lighting season officially began on Nov. 30 and will remain open to the public until the Feast of the Epiphany (Bridge of Kings) in January 2026.
To ensure a smooth experience, local authorities have implemented new logistics to handle the seasonal influx of tourists:
Entrance is free (The site is open to all visitors). If you go by car, parking costs 20,000 pesos, and you can stay for as long as you wish.
Visiting hours: Sun–Thu: 4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. | Fri–Sat: 4:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
Parking: Two designated satellite lots with shuttle services.
Weather: Cold (Temperatures often drop to 8°C/46°F); heavy coats are essential.
Beyond the Bridge: The 2025 Route Puente de Boyaca serves as the gateway to the “Ruta Navideña” (Christmas Route). For those looking to see more, the nearby towns of Corrales (the “Town of Light”), Nobsa (famous for its moving nativity scene), and Tibasosa are also fully decorated, offering a complete immersion into the magic of Boyacá.
For travelers coming from Bogota, the 110-kilometer journey takes approximately two hours. While weekends offer a festive, carnival-like atmosphere with local food stalls selling arepas boyacenses and hot chocolate, mid-week visits are recommended for those seeking to capture the perfect, unobstructed long-exposure photograph of the bridge.
The 2025 Christmas at Puente de Boyaca isn’t just a display of electricity; it is a glowing testament to Colombian resilience, history, and the enduring warmth of its people.