Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro is open every day all year around. The cable car ticket office is open every day from 8 a.m. until 7:50 p.m. However, it has special opening hours on Christmas.
On December 24 the ticket office is open from 8 until 11:50 a.m. On December 25 the opening hours are as usual, — 8 a.m. to 7:50 p.m.; at least it has been like that the last years. No matter what day of the year, you can remain on the summit of Sugar Loaf or Urca Hill for one hour after the ticket office closing time.
Beware that although Christmas is on December 25, in Rio de Janeiro (as well as all around Brazil) restaurants and tourists attractions are open on that day. However, it is in the end of the afternoon of December 24 and in its evening that restaurants, bars and attractions in general are closed.
In the night of December 24 all locals are united with their families at their places. In other words, it is hard to find a restaurant open. Rio de Janeiro is deserted as everybody is in. If you are in Rio that night, book in advance a table at one of the few restaurants that are open (for example, Porcão), or have a late lunch, and skip dinner (usually restaurants close at 6 p.m. on December 24).
View photos and learn more on how to visit Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.