After five years, Rio’s Christmas Tree is back at its original stage, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, with an inauguration set for 6 December and a season that combines tradition, sustainability and family-friendly programming.
Recognised as one of Brazil’s main Christmas symbols, the Árvore do Rio once again takes its place as a hallmark of the city’s festive season.
The project is produced by Backstage and Dream Factory and presented by Brazil’s Ministry of Culture and Petrobras, through the Rouanet Law.
It is an official initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Federal Government of Brazil.
“Since 1996, when the first Tree was set up at the Lagoa, it has become the main Christmas image for the entire country,” says Nelson Drucker, Backstage partner, responsible for the structure since the first edition 29 years ago.
He highlights the Tree’s economic impact, with a strong increase in tourism numbers throughout December and across multiple related sectors.
Renewable-content fuel and a focus on sustainability
This year, Rio’s Tree brings a key sustainability innovation.
All lighting will be powered by a generator running on Diesel R, a Petrobras fuel that includes 10% renewable content in addition to the mandatory 15% biodiesel blend.
Diesel R uses renewable feedstock such as vegetable oils and animal fats.
In its renewable portion, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60%.
The use of Diesel R underscores the project’s commitment to a fair energy transition and a more sustainable future.
“Seeing Rio’s Tree lit by energy generated from a fuel with a renewable share, developed with in-house technology, is a great source of pride for Petrobras,” says company president Magda Chambriard.
She notes that the sponsorship reflects Petrobras’ bond with Rio, its home city, and its commitment to innovation and solutions that promote sustainability while benefiting society.
How Rio’s Tree will look in 2025
The 2025 edition features a creative concept by Orleans de Sá, with classic Christmas motifs easily recognised by people of all ages and backgrounds.
The aim is for visitors to see their own Christmas memories and feelings reflected in the Tree.
A special constellation, with each star representing a Brazilian state, will shine every night in homage to the country and its unity.
Standing 60 metres tall, the Tree has been designed to blend harmoniously with the Lagoa landscape, in dialogue with the greenery, the city and its people.
More than 20 kilometres of LED and Neon Flex strips will be installed for the lighting design.
Light beams connecting the Tree to Christ the Redeemer
This year, Rio’s Tree introduces an unprecedented feature: light beams will connect it to the Christ the Redeemer statue, transforming the Lagoa’s skyline.
The visual effect symbolises a symbolic embrace of Brazil’s Christmas celebrations.
For 30 days, a physical button installed at Lagoon will be pressed daily at 6:50 p.m.
Representatives from different groups and regions of the country will be invited to trigger this daily ritual.
“This gesture celebrates the strength of this Rio tradition and the collective nature of the festivity,” explains Duda Magalhães, CEO of Dream Factory.
