Paraguay becomes a festive stage in December, offering exhibitions, concerts, fairs, and community events. From handcrafted nativity scenes to multicultural markets, each week brings a new way to celebrate Christmas 2025 in Asunción. Families, artists, students, and visitors gather to honour tradition and creativity. If you are planning your December agenda, these activities are perfect starting points.
Started on 3 December, the historic centre of Asunción witnessed an unforgettable evening as President Santiago Peña and First Lady Leticia Ocampos presided over the Great Lighting of the Paraguayan Christmas Tree.
Classical music and festive concerts
18 December
The National Symphony Orchestra (OSN – Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional) will present its final concert of the International Season 2025, titled “Duality: From Destiny to Hope”. The concert takes place at the Municipal Theatre (Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane) at 20:00, with free admission.
The programme features Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, “On Destiny”, alongside Christmas carols and seasonal works by national and international composers. Highlights include Carol of the Bells, A Christmas Festival, Adeste Fideles, O Holy Night, and Silent Night. Paraguayan works such as Navidad del Paraguay and Dos Trocitos de Madera add a local identity to the evening. Guest artists include conductor Heinz Fast, the Schola Cantorum Choir, soprano Carolina López, and tenor Marcos Villalba.
19 December
– The Christmas Serenade “Gloria del Paraguay” (Glory of Paraguay) will take place at the Catedral Metropolitana de la Santísima Asunción at 20:00. The event features guest soloists Gloria Criscione and soprano Rosa Virgili, violinist Marcelo Jiménez, and conductor Oscar Barreto, leading the National Police Symphony Orchestra. Entry is free, with attendees encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations.
– On 19 and 20 December, the Gran Feria de Sinergia (Great Synergy Fair) at Espacio Cultural Staudt transforms art into the perfect holiday gift. From 15:00 to 20:00, visitors can explore original works in oil, acrylic, graphite, and collage, alongside small-format pieces, prints, key rings, magnets, and specially designed objects. The fair celebrates national artistic production and highlights women artists, including Norma Annicchiarico, Carla Ascarza, Osvaldina Servián and Gloria Valle, offering a unique opportunity to support their creativity. Admission is free.
Family shows, fairs, and creative workshops
20 December
– Families can enjoy the musical “Hijo de Dios, Niño Mío” (Son of God, My Child) at the San José School Theatre at 19:00. Supported by the General Directorate of Culture and Tourism of the Municipality of Asunción, the show invites audiences to reflect on faith, emotion, and family unity. Tickets cost Gs. 60,000, with free entry for children under five. More information at +595 975 986972.
– The Alliance Française of Asunción will host its Christmas Fair from 10:00 to 19:00. The event brings together artisans, entrepreneurs, and food vendors offering Christmas gifts, decorative items, and Paraguayan gastronomy. Entry is free, and the fair is open to the general public.
– A Christmas Origami Workshop will be held at El Granel Asu, led by artist Laura Bozzano. The activity offers a hands-on, creative alternative for those looking to make festive decorations. Registration is required on the Laura Bozzano form link.
– On 20 and 21 December, visitors to the Christmas Fair organised by Pizzeria Guggiari can enjoy a free guided tour of the Bosque de los Artistas (Forest of the Artists), the home of Hermann Guggiari, the family’s grandfather. The tour goes from 16:00 a 00:00, and it offers a unique opportunity to explore this artistic space and learn more about Guggiari’s legacy while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Music, solidarity, and cultural celebrations
21 December
– The National Higher Institute of Music of Paraguay (ISNAMU) presents “Concerto di Natale” (Christmas Concert) at the Catedral Metropolitana de la Santísima Asunción at 19:00. Organised in collaboration with the Italian Embassy and the Cathedral, the concert celebrates Christmas through music, tradition, and cultural exchange.
– In the city of San Bernardino, 50 kilometres from Asunción, a Christmas Fair will take place at Plaza General Bernardino Caballero. From 08:00 to 14:00, visitors can enjoy music, festive stalls, and family-friendly activities in an open-air setting.
Previous Christmas activities
11 December
– 11 December, the Instituto Guimarães Rosa Asunción (Guimarães Rosa Institute) invites the public to a special Christmas concert. Singer Nina Castro and guests will perform at the Tom Jobim Theatre, located at the Embassy of Brazil. The concert supports patients and blood donors of the Instituto de Previsión Social – IPS (Social Security Institute). Entry is by donation of a pan dulce (panettone).
– From 11 and 12 December, the German Club (Club Deportivo Alemán – DTA) hosts its Christmas Market. From 16:00 to 22:00, creative workshops and festive stands will be open to the general public.
December in Asunción blends faith, art, solidarity, and creativity. Whether attending a concert, exploring a market, or admiring handcrafted nativity scenes, the spirit of Christmas can be felt across the city.
6 December
– The ICPA – Instituto Cultural Paraguayo Alemán (Paraguayan-German Cultural Institute) / Goethe-Zentrum hosts a Christmas Market from 15:00 to 20:00. Visitors will find handicrafts, jewellery, ceramics, food, and natural products. The ICPA-GZ Choir will also perform live. Entry is free, making it ideal for families.
– That same evening, MuCi – Museo de Ciencias (Science Museum) presents the workshop “Qué lindo tu pesebre” (How Beautiful Your Nativity Scene Is). Led by Marcos Esquivel from the IPA, participants use timbo wood and engraving techniques. All materials are provided, and the workshop begins at 18:00. Tickets can be bought on the MuCI website and cost Gs. 80,000 (approximately US$12).
5 december
– 5 December, the collective exhibition “Pesebres Artesanales Tradicionales del Paraguay” (Traditional Handcrafted Nativity Scenes of Paraguay) opens at El Cabildo (The Cabildo Cultural Centre). Organised by the Centro Cultural de la República El Cabildo (Cultural Centre of the Republic, El Cabildo) and the Instituto Paraguayo de Artesanía – IPA (Paraguayan Institute of Handicrafts), the opening starts at 16:00.
The exhibition showcases ceramics, wood carvings, and delicate ysypo (material used for the creation of baskets and furniture) fibres. Each piece reflects deep-rooted tradition and modern creativity. Admission is free.
– From 5 to 7 December, the Teatro Latino presents the play “Navidad sin Plata Yvyguy” (Christmas Without Hidden Silver). The tickets can be bought on Ticketea and go from Gs. 65,000 (approximately US$9.5). The show offers a festive and local perspective on Christmas storytelling. A cultural option for those who enjoy theatre with a Paraguayan touch.
