the festival conducts tours and voting for the most popular and impressive nativity scene, and the winner is crowned at the end of the christmas season.

Furthermore, the Festival de Noéis, is an exposition of a variety of sculptures representing santa claus, and set along Avenida das Américas in the district of barra da tijuca, from the shopping mall downtown to the Cidade das Artes (city of arts), a building home to many cultural and musical events throughout the year.

in the days just before the holiday, while preparing for the arrival of family and the celebrations of the season, many will take a night off to watch the parada iluminada (illuminated parade).

the illuminated parade is a yearly spectacle and show featuring six enormous parade cars, seven tripods and 350 ballet dancers decorated in finery by local designer andré paes, as well as spectacular lighting effects from brazil-based german designer peter gasper.