Duque de Caxias debuts free Christmas celebration with music and parades

Duque de Caxias launches its first official Christmas program, offering free cultural activities including orchestral performances, parades, festive decorations, and storytelling across the city. The project is presented by the Government of Rio de Janeiro State and the Department of Culture and Creative Economy under the State Cultural Incentive Law, produced by Graviola Produções with support from the City Hall and JB FM. Sponsors include Light, Naturgy, Enel, and Coca-Cola.

Illuminated Orchestra

The Illuminated Orchestra will feature free concerts from December 6 to 21 at the Raul Cortez Theater and Praça do Pacificador. Highlights include performances by the Viva Xerém Orchestra (Zeca Pagodinho Institute), the Brazilian Institute of Music and Education Orchestra, the Raul de Barros Symphony and Popular Orchestra, and artists such as Arlindinho, Dudu Nobre, Bom Gosto, and Cacique de Ramos.

Christmas Parade

The Christmas Parade will bring holiday joy to the streets starting December 6 with four stops and the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus. From December 16 to 19, audiences can enjoy the Folias de Reis Parade with groups such as Flor da Primavera, Charola de São Sebastião, Estrela do Oriente, and Reisado Filho da Flor along downtown’s main streets. The city will also be adorned with a festive setup featuring a 15-meter Christmas tree, illuminated landmarks such as the Raul Cortez Theater and Leonel Brizola Library, a nativity scene, and Santa’s House.

“This pioneering project offers the community a free cultural experience with concerts and parades, while celebrating local talent and boosting the city’s cultural identity,” says Marjory Rocha, project coordinator.

Service – Duque de Caxias Christmas 2025

Illuminated Orchestra Sponsors: Light, Naturgy, Coca-Cola Support: City Hall and JB FM Location: Raul Cortez Theater and Praça do Pacificador Free admission December 6: 4 p.m. – Illuminated Orchestra | 8 p.m. – Renan Oliveira December 7: 3 p.m. – Baile Zen | 8 p.m. – Grupo Sereno December 12: 8 p.m. – Pagodinho Bom December 13: 12 p.m. – BIEM Orchestra | 2 p.m. – Cacique de Ramos | 8 p.m. – Arlindinho December 14: 2 p.m. – Rock Show | 6 p.m. – João Gabriel December 15: 4 p.m. – Zeca Pagodinho Institute Orchestra December 19: 8 p.m. – Bom Gosto December 20: 12 p.m. – Trítony with Daniel Marinho and Júlia Joia | 2 p.m. – Toda Forma de Amor | 8 p.m. – Dudu Nobre December 21: 3:30 p.m. – Samba do Xoxo | 8 p.m. – Gamadinho Christmas Parade Sponsors: Enel and Coca-Cola Support: City Hall and JB FM December 6: Circus Parade + Santa’s Arrival (4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) December 16–19: Folias de Reis – Downtown Duque de Caxias (Rua José de Alvarenga and Av. Nilo Peçanha) Photo: Divulgação