december in rio de janeiro revolves around the upcoming christmas and new year's eve celebrations - events of major proportions attracting visitors from brazil and the world.

throughout december, there are specific christmas shows and celebrations everywhere in rio,  plenty of lights and ornaments liven up the city and very the crowded shopping malls.

in december the atmosphere in rio is extremely festive, and in addition to an much increased nightlife, carnival rehearsals start to become more frequent, and a variety of musical and cultural events are held in lapa and santa teresa nearly every night of the week.