Brazilian actor and comedian Renato Aragão (also known as Didi) reacts after switching on the lights at the São Paulo Brazil Temple Visitors' Center on Dec. 6, 2024. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The annual Vilazinha de Belem (Bethlehem Village, or Little Town of Bethlehem) has returned to the grounds next to the São Paulo Brazil Temple visitors’ center.
The theme is “Follow the Star,” and the outdoor village celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with a festival of lights and music, bringing to life the magic of Christmas.
The free event opened on Dec. 6 with members of the Church’s Brazil Area presidency and beloved Brazilian actor and comedian Renato Aragão (also known as Didi) helping switch on the almost 500,000 lights. Aragão is a household name in Brazil.
The public can walk through the grounds and see the indoor Nativities from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays through Jan. 5, 2025. The lights are on every night beginning at 6 p.m., and missionaries and storytellers and guides are there to share more. Concerts are at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.
A Bethlehem Village is on display at the grounds at the São Paulo Temple and visitors' center with the theme "Follow the Star" on Dec. 6, 2024. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Senior couple missionaries Elder James Welch and Sister Deanne Welch, originally from Palo Alto, California, were called on a mission to help augment the event this year.
Sister Welch located more than 75 different Nativities from around the world, lent by local members, missionaries and friends of the Church.
Elder Welch is a professional organist and helped organize 45 concerts with local members, wards, stakes, families, missionaries, soloists and other groups.
See more photos of the grounds, Nativities and activities below.
A Christmas tree is displayed on the grounds of the São Paulo Temple and visitors' center on Dec. 6, 2024. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
A Bethlehem Village is set up on the grounds of the São Paulo Temple and visitors' center on Dec. 6, 2024. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
A stable and Nativity scene are a part of the Bethlehem Village on the grounds of the São Paulo Temple and visitors' center on Dec. 6, 2024. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Lighted trees and stars are a part of the Bethlehem Village and Christmas lights on the grounds of the São Paulo Temple and visitors' center on Dec. 6, 2024. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Lights and stars line a pathway on the grounds of the São Paulo Temple and visitors' center on Dec. 6, 2024. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Brazilian actor and comedian Renato Aragão (also known as Didi) turns on the lights at the São Paulo Brazil Temple Visitors' Center on Dec. 6, 2024. Members of the Church's Brazil Area presidency are behind him. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Crowds walk through the Bethlehem Village and Christmas lights at the São Paulo Brazil Temple Visitors' Center on Dec. 9, 2024. | Elder James Welch
An orchestra prepares to play at the Bethlehem Village on the grounds of the São Paulo Brazil Temple Visitors' Center on Dec. 8, 2024. | Elder James Welch
A choir prepares to sing at the Bethlehem Village on the grounds of the São Paulo Brazil Temple Visitors' Center the weekend of Dec. 7-8, 2024. | Elder James Welch
Nativities are on display inside the São Paulo Brazil Temple Visitors' Center the weekend from Dec. 6, 2024, through Jan. 6, 2024. | Elder James Welch
Nativities are on display inside the São Paulo Brazil Temple Visitors' Center the weekend from Dec. 6, 2024, through Jan. 6, 2024. | Elder James Welch
