Natal do Bem drives creative economy in Goiás

Brazil’s largest public Christmas festival, Natal do Bem creates over a thousand jobs and spotlights Goiás artists.

Featuring 300 performances and more than 1,000 workers, Natal do Bem 2025, organized by the Government of Goiás and OVG, has turned the Oscar Niemeyer Cultural Center into a hub for creative economy and job generation this festive season.

As the largest Christmas event in Brazil, the festival emphasizes local artistic talent. Its public call requires the majority of performers to be residents of Goiás, ensuring that cultural funds remain in the state and contribute to sustaining families who live from art.

Over a thousand workers involved

According to the Government of Goiás, more than 1,000 professionals work directly at the event. Teams include reception staff, monitors, security personnel, firefighters, and cleaning crews, operating in shifts to ensure a safe and welcoming experience for all visitors.

The logistics also involve drivers operating free bus lines and teams managing 12,000 parking spots. On Mondays, the space closes for preventive maintenance to guarantee safety and efficiency until January 4, 2026.

“Everyone working at Natal do Bem plays an essential role. What the audience sees is the result of a collective effort driven by faith and compassion,” said Gracinha Caiado, honorary president of OVG and coordinator of Goiás Social.

Structure and attractions

Held at the Oscar Niemeyer Cultural Center, Natal do Bem offers a full range of holiday attractions—Santa Claus, a nativity scene, snowfall effects, a 40-meter tree, a magical forest, carousel, train ride, and a Ferris wheel—distributed across four themed spaces: Stable, Letter Workshop, Afternoon Tea, and Magic Night.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 6 PM to 11 PM, with free parking, the event expects 1.8 million visitors, surpassing the 1.5 million from last year’s record edition.

The Gastronomic Village has been expanded to 27 food stalls, each offering a social dish for R$ 12, reinforcing the event’s focus on accessibility and community inclusion.