A Guide to Christmas in Portugal
Merry Christmas! Feliz Natal!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With mild winter weather, beautiful Christmas trees and light displays, Christmas villages, and holiday markets—get ready to delight in the Portuguese Christmas traditions around the country.
We love learning about Portuguese culture and Christmas is one of our fave holidays, so let’s dig in!
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Christmas Traditions in Portugal
Consoada
Traditional Portuguese Christmas Eve Bacalhau Dinner
Traditional Portuguese Christmas activities include a large family gathering and dinner and local wine on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve dinner usually consists of fish and is followed by attending midnight mass.
Families typically return home from church to place baby Jesus in the family cribs or nativity scenes (presépios) and then open presents together.
Christmas Day consists of another family gathering to relax, eat Bolo Rei, or King Cake, and prepare a traditional Portuguese Christmas dinner, usually roast meat like lamb or goat, but sometimes even turkey.
Portugal is famous for having “1001 codfish recipes.” Find out what else Portugal is famous for.
Lisbon
Praça do Comércio Christmas Tree
Visiting Portugal at Christmas & New Year
Christmas is a wonderful time to visit Portugal. The mild December weather makes it easy to enjoy the festivities day or night, and off-season pricing makes staying in one of Lisbon’s unique boutique hotels more affordable than visiting in summer.
People come out in droves to participate in Christmas villages and events throughout the country. New Year’s Eve hosts lots of events around the country, though one of the most popular is a fireworks show on the island of Madeira.
Christmas Lights and Decorations in Portugal
Shortly after Halloween, you'll start to see Christmas decorations pop up and most cities light their displays in mid-November 30th. In the U.S., we obviously wait (mostly 😂) until after Thanksgiving 🦃 to fully embrace the Christmas spirit, but in Portugal and Europe, it seems that once November rolls around, all bets are off.
I have to say...I approve!
Portuguese Family Christmas
As the main religion in Portugal is Catholocism, most Portuguese families take the Christmas season very seriously. Multi-generational family gatherings are common and you won't find many Portuguese out and about on Christmas Day except maybe to walk off all the Port wine.
Expat Christmas Dilemmas
Probably the biggest dilemma expats deal with around Christmas is figuring out the best way for friends and family to send gifts. Portugal can tax non-EU packages quite heftily, so that Barbie Granny sent to your daughter could end up costing a lot more than it's worth!
The best way to deal with this is to have your friends and family shop from EU stores or an Amazon store in Europe, such as Germany, Spain, or Italy. This way they avoid sending you a gift for which you ultimately end up paying to receive.
Eating Out for Christmas in Portugal
You won't find too many places open on Christmas. Likely, your local Chinese restaurant, or maybe a few places on Uber Eats. Hotel restaurants may be your best bet if you are looking for a traditional sit-down lunch or dinner. Best to research and reserve ahead at a place you know will be open. The Fork is a great place to search for reservations.
What to Drink at Christmas?
You'll find mulled wine for sale at most Christmas festivities. Warm red wine with fresh sliced oranges and cinnamon, known as glühwein in Germany and other parts of Europe. This hot spiced wine is the perfect way to stay warm under the lights of the Christmas tree.
Bolo Rei (King Cake)
Portuguese Christmas Cake
Known as Bolo Rei, this cake is round with a whole in the middle and decorated with candied fruit to look like a Christmas wreath. Personally, the cake part is quite nice but I could do without the toppings. 🤷🏼♀️
I much prefer the Bolo Rainha which is more of a sweet bread consistency without the candied fruit on top.
Weather in Portugal During Christmas
The Algarve will be the warmest bet during December in Portugal, with temperatures ranging from lows in the high 40s and highs in the low 70s.
Temperatures drop as you head further north to Lisbon and even further north to Porto or Braga, but overall the weather is quite mild.
The further north you go you can expect a little more rain, while the interior regions tend to be drier. Coastal areas can feel a bit colder due to the moisture in the air and dampness that results from that.
Serra da Estrela in Winter
Where to have a White Christmas in Portugal
You'll be hard-pressed to find a lot of snow in Portugal, even in the dead of winter. But, your best chance to do a little snow tubing or skiing in Portugal is in the mountains up north.
Serra da Estrela is almost guaranteed to have snow during the winter and is a beautiful place to visit for Christmas.
Peneda-Gerês National Park in the north of Portugal is another great place to visit during December if you are in search of snow.
Its breathtaking beauty will not disappoint, snow or no snow, which makes it another great option for Christmas visits.
Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Portugal
Lisbon and Porto are gorgeous always, but especially so when they're lit up with Christmas lights and buzzing with the yuletide. Cascais, just a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon also knows how to celebrate the holiday season surrounded by sandy beaches and fun festivities.
Tomar was particularly festive when we visited in November which makes me think it would be a nice day trip or weekend adventure. As well as many other smaller towns, surely.
Óbidos, while fun for the day, wouldn't be my favorite place to stay for a trip. It's worth a visit regardless, especially at Christmastime.
Christmas Events in Portugal
Best Christmas Markets & Festivals in the Lisbon Area
Wonderland Lisboa
The 6th edition of Wonderland Lisboa is in full swing, and it's the largest market to celebrate Christmas in Lisbon. Aside from the attractions, it's completely free to visit! The market runs from the end of November until January 1st.
There are plenty of activities for children, such as a merry-go-round, creative workshops, and the Santa Claus Village. The Ferris wheel and ice rink are fun for all ages.
What a wonderful place to enjoy another month of Christmas and family festivities! Lines for the activities can get quite long, especially in the evening. Go early to take advantage of everything the market has to offer.
Wonderland Lisboa is a magical place to buy Christmas presents. You'll discover handicrafts, sweets, and many regional products.
There is also no shortage of options at the food trucks. It's the coziest place in Lisbon to grab something to eat and enjoy a Glühwein during the colder days.
The market is decorated with tons of lights, and the giant Christmas tree in the center of the market steals the show.
Don't forget to bring your camera as there are plenty of photo opportunities in this sparkling area. You can visit Wonderland Lisboa in the city's heart at Parque Eduardo VII.
Contributed by Marga, Discover Portugal
One of the best ways to see the Christmas lights of Lisbon:
Private Tuk Tuk Tour
Cascais Christmas Village
The Cascais Christmas Village is back this year with the crowds to prove how much the town missed it last year! The village has overtaken the popular Parque Marechal Carmona and offers a splendid variety of activities for children and adults alike.
Entry costs 8-9€ depending on age (children under 2 are free), but most activities inside are included.
Visit Pai Natal (Santa) to share your wishlist and snap a pic, ride the adorably small Ferris wheel perfect for the littlest of revelers, take a turn on the ice if you’re into skating, or grab some churros and a mulled wine in the snack tent.
In addition to the Christmas village, the historic center of town is done up quite festively.
If you feel up for it before or after visiting the village, head downtown to ride the towering Ferris wheel over Cascais Bay and snap some pics of large light displays of gifts, snowglobes, and reindeer.
Contributed by Allison, Renovating Life
Christmas in Porto
Christmas tree in front of the city hall of Porto
Porto is a fantastic place to spend Christmas and one of the best places in Portugal to feel wintery. You’re going to have temperatures as low as freezing although there are still plenty of sunny days where you can sit outside and enjoy the city.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Porto, including visiting the famous Luis I bridge or going on a river cruise to take in the lights.
Of course, no trip to Porto is complete without sipping on some delicious port wine for which the city is known. Especially during winter, this is the perfect way to warm up as you stroll through the Christmas markets and look at the beautiful decorations.
A variety of Porto wine cellars spread across the city, especially on the opposite river bank in the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood. Try World of Wines for a festive Christmas market, tree, and plenty of events for families.
If you’re looking to visit some smaller villages in the Douro Valley, consider a guided Douro Valley tour!
Contributed by Victoria, Guide Your Travel
Christmas in the Algarve
Lagos
Christmas Village in Lagos
Every year from December 1st, the city of Lagos in the south of Portugal turns into a city of lights! There are beautifully lit artworks at every roundabout and most of the palm trees twinkle.
To top it off, there’s a Christmas Market on Plaza Infante Dom Henrique. This is the square on the Av. dos Descobrimentos and the beautiful Igreja de Santa Maria, two of the best places to visit in Lagos.
What is there to see at the Christmas Market? There are many stalls where you can buy local arts and crafts. In addition, there are some delicious Portuguese snacks and mulled wine.
There are also some fun things to do for kids. In the middle of the square, there’s a little train for the youngest, and right next to it is Santa’s house! Make sure to check it out, he might even be home.
Next to the church, there’s a skating rank. You can rent skates at the spot and then skate between the palm trees. The whole square is beautifully lit, giving it a perfect Christmas vibe.
Contributed by Jacoba, Op reis met Co
Albufeira
If you are spending winter in Portugal and need somewhere to spend Christmas you have to check out the beautiful town of Albufeira!
There is so much to do here all year long, but it is extra special in the winter. You can follow the twinkling lights and the cobblestone-lined streets down the main square known as the Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco. This is where you will run right into Santa relaxing in his house, with all of his helpers dancing around. You can bring your letters to Santa here or just stop by for a quick chat.
Here you will find a big outdoor ice skating rink, Santa's house, and a Christmas market selling yummy festive snacks, and homemade goods you can purchase as Christmas gifts, or keep as a souvenir. On special nights there are live music performances from the local schools, and if you get lucky you may even run into the fire blowers.
The festivities start December 3 and carry on until January 6. It does not matter when you are coming you will find the town square lit on the weekdays from 5 to 9 pm and on the weekends it starts early at 10 am and carries on through the night. You are going to love spending Christmas in Albufeira!
Contributed by Abbey, Trips On Abbey Road
Christmas Events in Other Parts of Portugal
Óbidos
Óbidos Christmas Lights
Óbidos is a beautiful and historic town located in the west of Portugal, close to the Atlantic beaches of the Silver Coast and between the major cities of Lisbon and Porto.
A settlement since Roman times, the town really came to prominence during medieval times, with the reconstruction and expansion of the castle and town walls. Óbidos church even played host to a Royal wedding back in 1441.
The quaint flower-lined cobbled streets have seen Óbidos referred to as the most romantic town in all of Portugal.
A local specialty to try when visiting is the local sour cherry liqueur, Ginjinha, or simply Ginja, traditionally served in chocolate shot glasses that make for a delicious treat.
A special effort is also made for the festive period, with beautiful shop displays and the battlements of the entire surrounding town wall decorated in Christmas lights.
There are various events that are organized around Christmas. One not to be missed is the Christmas lights switch-on that takes place around the middle of November each year. Expect music and entertainment, light shows, fairground rides, ice skating, and gifts for children, most provided free of charge after the entry fee to the festival behind the castle!
Contributed by Rachel, Children of Wanderlust
Funchal, Madeira
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Funchal, Madeira
Christmas is a wonderful time to visit Madeira. Besides the warm temperatures, the city of Funchal goes all out for Christmas.
The entire month of December there are plenty of things happening in Funchal, starting on the 1st of the month, when the Christmas lights are turned on in Funchal.
You may think that because the island is a tropical destination, it won’t have many Christmas celebrations, but that is not the case. The Christmas markets in Funchal are charming and a great place to enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Here you can sample the local Madeiran food, taste tropical fruits, as well as buy handmade presents. The typical Christmas cake on the island is the Madeira Bolo de Mel made from sugar cane honey and preserved for weeks before being eaten.
On the 23rd of December, the locals gather at the local market for late-night shopping, as well as a carol concert. The celebrations continue until late in the evening.
If you stay longer in Funchal, don’t miss the incredible New Year’s Eve fireworks display, one of the most spectacular in the world.
Contributed by Joana, The World In My Pocket
Aveiro
A traditional moliceiro boat of the Ria de Aveiro
Aveiro is one of those cities that takes the Christmas season very seriously, so it is the perfect place to go if you want to get in the festive mood.
Every year, Aveiro’s streets are illuminated with Christmas lights, this year including a Ferris wheel and the tallest Christmas tree in Portugal. The holiday season kicked off on December 1st with a music and light show.
During the entire month of December, the city hosts events aimed at families with theatre plays of traditional Christmas acts, local music presentations, and much more.
It is a period of immersion in Aveiro’s culture and traditions and a great opportunity for visitors to learn more about the city.
At the Aveiro Station, every weekend in December, there will be a tasting of “ovo mole”, the most typical Aveiro dessert.
Experiment further with local cuisine by checking out the restaurants participating in the “Aveiro, Sabores com Tradição” event. From December 1st to January 10th, these restaurants create a special menu that highlights local products and recipes.
When it comes to food, Portugal has a long-lasting tradition of seafood dishes, including the famous codfish. Take a day trip to Costa Nova, the fishermen's village next to Aveiro, if you want to get a taste of truly fresh and local seafood dishes.
Contributed by Fernanda, Mauka Travels
Salinas de Rio Maior
Salinas de Rio Maior at Christmas
One of the most underrated places to have a lovely Christmas experience in Portugal is Salinas de Rio Maior. The salt pans are the only ones in the inland of Portugal producing enough salt to sell.
It is a tourist attraction in itself, yet one of the lesser-known day trips from Lisbon that you can take by car. Especially around Christmas when all the little wooden stalls selling natural salt turn into a little Christmas village perfect for buying Christmas gifts from your trip.
For the kids, it is possible to take pictures with Santa on his sleigh, and the restaurants there serve lovely heartwarming food.
Every year, a nativity scene made of salt from the salt pans is exhibited in Salinas de Rio Maior which is quite unique. Spending a couple of hours there is enough but truly worth it to get into the holiday spirit.
Contributed by Linn, Brainy Backpackers
Águeda
Águeda Christmas Umbrella Street
Luís de Camões
Typically known for its colorful umbrella street, Águeda goes all out for Christmas, including displaying the largest Santa Claus in the world! The 21-meter tall Santa even has its own Guinness World Record.
This town also boasts the smallest Santa, only visible with a microscope. For the Christmas season, the umbrella street is transformed into a twinkly delight with hundreds of white and gold sparkling umbrellas suspended overhead.
With many other light displays, markets, and events to attend, don’t miss this festive town in the center of Portugal.
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