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Christmas arrived at Casa de Campo on Dec. 6 as Altos de Chavón hosted its traditional Christmas Lights Lighting Ceremony in Plaza Chavón. Residents, homeowners and guests gathered for an evening shaped by music, faith and the long-awaited moment when the plaza illuminated to mark the start of the holiday season.

The ceremony began at 7 p.m. and felt more like a neighborhood gathering than a formal program. Families arrived early. Friends paused to catch up. Children edged closer to the front. By the time night settled in, Plaza Chavón had taken on the easy warmth of a shared living room.

A Familiar Night, Renewed Each Year

The evening opened with a theatrical recreation of the Living Nativity presented by Fundación MIR. The performance brought the crowd to a quiet pause, shifting attention away from decorations and toward the story that anchors the season. It was a calm and reflective start, one that has become a defining part of the ceremony year after year.

Father José Nicolás Tejera del Castillo, parish priest of San Estanislao Church in Altos de Chavón, then offered a blessing for the Christmas tree and everyone in attendance, creating a reflective pause before the celebration continued.

When the Lights Came On

Remarks from Andrés Pichardo Rosenberg, president of Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, and Juan Velázquez, vice president of Costasur Dominicana, followed. Both thanked the community for coming together and spoke about the importance of preserving traditions that connect neighbors across generations.

Their words led naturally into the moment everyone had been waiting for.

As the countdown, led by community member Gabriela Reginato, ended, the Christmas decorations across Plaza Chavón lit up, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd. The historic square transformed instantly, glowing under strands of light that framed the stone buildings and open plaza.

It is a moment many attendees look forward to each year. Not because it surprises, but because the message is clear: Christmas has arrived.

After the lighting, the evening continued with a live concert by the Batuta Orchestra. Music filled the plaza as guests lingered, took photos and settled into the night under the newly lit decorations. The orchestra’s performance echoed past editions of the ceremony, where youth-led ensembles have long helped set the tone for the season.

A Season Officially Begins

As in previous years, the event serves as the official kickoff to a full slate of seasonal programming across the property, from concerts and workshops to family-centered activities. While the details evolve, the intention remains steady: create a shared experience that brings the community together.

For those who return each year, the ceremony offers a simple reassurance. Traditions still matter. Familiar places still bring people together. And throughout the season, Plaza Chavón continues to serve as the heart of Casa de Campo’s Christmas celebrations.

*Photos by Limbert Diaz