6 de December, 2023
The Christmas season in Portugal is one of the most magical times of the year, featuring abundant events from north to south. As lights sparkle, streets come to life with dazzling decorations, and the scents of spices and traditional cakes fill the air. Christmas markets in Portugal are a true delight, exuding a distinctly Portuguese glow. The warmth of its people reflects in every shop and product. Sweets are crafted with dedication, following age-old recipes, and served with a smile. Souvenirs are enduring and often sustainable, thanks to local craftsmanship using unique materials from the country, such as cork and recyclable fibers.
Apart from artisanal and exclusive products, these Christmas markets immerse us in the enchantment of the season. Twinkling lights, bells, Santa’s house, and an array of playful activities abound. Some fairs offer musical attractions, carousels, Ferris wheels, train rides, workshops, and games for the little ones. It’s a world where there’s a little bit of everything, making the Christmas experience unforgettable for everyone.
Below, discover the major festive events and Christmas markets in Portugal! Find out where to locate them and explore what each has to offer.
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This charming garden brings together regional exhibitors offering a variety of goods, from handicrafts to jewelry, handmade toys, clothing, and food products. There are also workshops and shows featuring theater, dance, music, circus acts, and exhibitions. Additionally, the fair is adorned with 14 Christmas trees painted by various urban artists, adding extra charm to the space. There’s also a Parisian Carousel installed on-site. Across the street, at Largo de Amor de Perdição, there’s a huge ice-skating rink.
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday, from 2 PM to 7 PM. Fridays and holiday eves, from 2 PM to 8 PM. Saturdays: 10 AM to 8 PM. Sundays: 10 AM to 7 PM. December 1st and 8th: 10 AM to 8 PM.
At the space occupied by the Serralves Foundation and Museum, there’s also a Christmas Market where you can find organic gourmet products, Christmas items, decorative objects, toys, personal accessories, family workshops, street food, and more.
Only from December 1st to 3rd, on the first weekend of December, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but with attractions for all ages.
Also in the Historic Center, Praça da Batalha hosts the “Joy Market”, with the presence of various local producers and artisans. In charming wooden huts, a variety of local products await your discovery: from jewelry and clothing to toys, handicrafts, nativity scenes, and regional delights. Additionally, to delight the younger ones, Santa Claus himself will be at Praça da Batalha to greet children and take pictures with them.
The market will be open to the public from December 1st to 30th: from Sunday to Thursday, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Fridays and Saturdays, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
On Avenida das Tílias, in the Gardens of Palácio de Cristal, the Christmas Design Market takes place. There are booths with all kinds of handmade products, from jewelry to nativity scenes, and a variety of dining options: sweets, crepes, wines, hot chocolate, food trucks, and more. Music fills the market. From acapella to instrumental performances, from popular to classical music, there’s a wide range to enjoy. The market also offers a schedule of workshops (paid).
From December 1st to 23rd, free admission.
The space, located in front of the iconic Torre dos Clérigos, temporarily hosts the Artesanatus Fair, featuring handcrafted works by local artisans! Be sure to visit the stalls with homemade sweets. The highlight is the large ice-skating rink.
From December 14th to 22nd.
Known for hosting various events throughout the year, the cultural space of the World Of Wine couldn’t miss the Christmas celebrations. From November 25th to January 7th, WOW promises to be a must-visit spot for kids and adults. Here, you’ll find a 13-meter Christmas tree, a carousel, Santa Claus, trampolines, inflatables, and much more.
At Ateneu Comercial do Porto (Rua de Passos Manuel). This year, the event will feature 30 carefully selected Portuguese designers and artisans. The event will offer a wide variety of products, from jewelry, interior design, paintings, wellness products, illustrations, personalized baskets, and items for children. This Christmas market also promises other surprises, including various musical moments.
It takes place from December 17th to 23rd, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The classic Bolhão market, recently renovated, will have, for the first time, a Christmas Fair to celebrate the flavors of traditional Portuguese products for the holiday season.
Note: it will be held on December 14th, 15th, and 16th.
In Praça Basílio Teles, near the municipal library, the charming stalls of the traditional Matosinhos Christmas Market are set up on red carpets. With the participation of over 80 artisans this year, the event offers a variety of products and crafts: from books, fashion, and jewelry to cheeses, sausages, chocolates, and much more.
Portugal’s largest Christmas event takes place in Santa Maria da Feira, just 30 minutes from Porto. Perlim is a theme park offering an immersive experience filled with activities and shows for the entire family. With magical settings, impeccable decorations, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Perlim is an unmissable destination during the Christmas season. From theatrical shows to interactive activities, the event provides a dive into the magic of this festive time, ensuring unforgettable moments for both children and adults. From November 25th to December 30th, with individual and family tickets starting at 6.50€ (free admission only for children under 2 years old).
The city of Águeda turns into an enchanted setting during the Christmas season with the event ‘Águeda é Natal,’ running until January 8th, offering various attractions for all ages. Two major highlights are the Largest and Smallest Santa Claus in the World: the first, an imposing structure about 21 meters tall, illuminated by over 250,000 LEDs, located at Largo 1.º de Maio. The second is a nano-structure by artist Willard Wigan, available for viewing at the Águeda Tourist Office. Parque de Alta Vila turns into an enchanted park with special lighting. At the Christmas Market, visitors will find gastronomic delights, a craft fair, carousels, and other amusements. Don’t miss (and photograph) the Xmas Sky, a street covered with illuminated umbrellas.
The market is open until January 7th. Tuesday to Friday: from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2:30 pm to 8 pm. Saturdays and Sundays: from 10 am to 8 pm. Another highlight is the Historic Vouga Train, connecting Aveiro and Macinhata do Vouga, with music and a stop in Águeda. Market open to the public and train trip with prices ranging from 22€ to 37€.
For the second consecutive year, the Braga City Council organizes its Christmas market, taking place at Praça de Conde Agrolongo. Its proposal aims to promote and showcase artisans, book artists, and local producers, while also featuring typical flavors of the holiday season.
From December 1st to 24th, free admission.
Wonderland Lisboa is back at Parque Eduardo VII, offering a variety of attractions for this festive season. An ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel crafted from artisanal products, recreational activities, character parades (Christmas parade), typical gastronomy, and much more!
From November 30th to January 1st, 2024, with free admission.
This market is an unmissable annual tradition in Lisbon, with over a decade of history. This year, it occurs in two major editions. From November 30th to December 3rd, from 11 am to 10 pm. And from December 7th to 10th, from 11 am to 10 pm. Daily tickets cost 2€, with a 1€ discount voucher applicable to purchases over 10€. Children up to 10 years old, accompanied by an adult, have free entry.
The enchanting Rossio Christmas Market returns to Praça Dom Pedro V, offering fun for the whole family, including traditional stalls with crafts and typical seasonal food.
One of the highly anticipated attractions is the Christmas Windows exhibition organized by the Hospital das Bonecas. However, the main highlight of the market is the Christmas Train, which travels through the main streets of Baixa until December 23rd. Train rides are free, and interested individuals can board between 3 pm and 10 pm.
It operates from November 17th to December 23rd and is open to the public.
The ‘Christmas at the Enchanted Palace’ returns to the Marquês de Pombal Palace, one of the most emblematic monuments in Oeiras, where characteristic decorations of this season transform the place. This year’s theme is the ‘World of Toys‘, featuring a varied cultural program highlighting local gastronomy, commerce, and the revitalization of the Marquês de Pombal Palace.
On December 8th, 9th, and 10th, with free admission.
In the heart of the medieval walled town of Óbidos, an hour away from Lisbon, one of Portugal’s most interesting Christmas fairs takes place: Óbidos Christmas Village. This year’s theme is ‘School of Wizards’, offering a packed program filled with magical potions, spectacular shows brimming with sparkle, flying broomsticks, fantastic creatures, mazes, radical activities on ice, snowmen, herbology recipes, and very entertaining wizards. There will also be no shortage of handmade products, typical foods, and even Santa’s house, all decorated in a medieval style.
From November 30th to December 31st, with paid individual or family tickets, ranging from 6€ to 46€. Local residents enter for free.
Sintra’s Christmas Kingdom returns for another season of great fun and, of course, plenty of Christmas shopping. The Parque da Liberdade and the Terreiro Rainha D. Amélia will be the main stages for this edition, featuring rides on the Christmas train, a circus, videomapping shows, and other entertainment, including the traditional Christmas Market near the National Palace of Sintra.
Schedule: December 1st to 30th, with free admission (donation of food, pet food, or blankets is recommended).
Author:
Silvia Resende
