Popular Places for Christmas Celebration in Portugal

Best Portuguese Destinations for Christmas Category: Festivals Posted Date: 15th November 2022

Now that Christmas is approaching, Portugal is also gearing up for the festival season. Similar to other parts of the world, Christmas is a grand celebration in Portugal. Magnificent Christmas decorations, delectable Portuguese food, and unique traditions add to the magical moments. On Christmas Eve, Portuguese people enjoy Christmas dinner or Consoada with their family. The meal includes dishes like Bacalhau- a salted codfish served with boiled eggs, potatoes, and veggies, along with dessert recipes like Bolo Rei, Bolo Rainha, filhoses, and rabanadas.

Portugal gets all decked up for the festival with stunning Christmas markets and glittering streets and buildings. If you are in search of unique gifts, explore the best Christmas markets in the country such as Wonderland Parque Eduardo VII Market, Christmas Campo Pequeño Market, Natalis Christmas Fair, and Vila Vita Christmas Market.

But where to celebrate the ‘Big Day’? Below are the top destinations for celebrating Christmas in Portugal.

Lisbon

Lisbon

If you like to celebrate this special time of the year in mild weather, Lisbon is the perfect destination for you. The entire city is beautifully draped in Christmas lights and decorations. Historically and culturally rich Lisbon leaves no stone unturned to make the festival a grand affair. In fact, most Christmas markets in Portugal are located in Lisbon.

Wonderland Lisboa is the largest Christmas market in Lisbon as well as the country. The city has many other large and small Christmas markets perfect for Christmas shopping.

Here you can buy artisan products, traditional Christmas goodies, and unique gifts (including jewelry, toys, and clothes). These markets also give you an opportunity to enjoy a Ferris wheel ride and skating. And if you want to see the tallest Christmas tree in Europe, Lisbon is the place to be. Every year, it’s erected in Lisbon’s Terreiro do Paço or the Praça do Comércio. In the past, the tree even reached a height of 76m.

Porto

Porto

Like other Portuguese cities, the festive time brings happiness and hope in Porto as well. Decorated with colorful lights, a huge Christmas tree is displayed near the Câmara Municipal atop Avenida dos Aliados. In fact, it’s the most happening area during the season. Buildings, squares, Baroque churches, streets, gardens, and Christmas markets glitter with countless lights and Christmas decorations. To enjoy ice skating, you can reach  Praça Dom João I or Praça de Mouzinho de Albuquerque.

Numerous candlelight concerts are also organized across the city. Apart from this, you can shop at the best Christmas markets in Porto- including the Urban Market at Praça da Liberdade, Ateneu Comercial do Porto, Matosinhos Christmas Market, and the Handicraft and Trade Fair of Porto. So, engage in retail therapy, attend a concert, enjoy great food, and drink port wine to make the most of your festive time in Porto.  

Óbidos

Óbidos

Óbidos is just a one-hour drive from Lisbon. This means if you are in Lisbon, you can easily plan a day trip to Óbidos to enjoy Christmas celebrations in the town. Obidos’ Christmas Village is a perfect destination for spending some memorable moments with your family. The Christmas village is set up near the Castle of Òbidos. Whether you want to gorge on yummy Christmas treats, buy gifts for your loved ones, enjoy ice skating or attend traditional events, this walled hilltop town won’t disappoint you. 

Major highlights of Óbidos Christmas Village or Óbidos Vila Natal are Christmas trees, Toy Factory, Santa Claus’ house, and its magical ambiance. This place will surely remind you of your childhood days. The Christmas village has everything to make the little ones happier in these happy times. From fun rides to skating and magicians to Christmas workshops, there is a myriad of things for them to do and explore.

Algarve

Algarve

If you want to visit an inexpensive yet great destination for Christmas celebrations in Portugal, head out to Algarve. This region is not just family-friendly, there is no dearth of options to enjoy Christmas to the fullest. Several Christmas carol concerts are held during the holiday season along with shows such as Christmas ballet. When it comes to Christmas food, people in Algrave like to eat octopus in addition to other foods such as the rooster, cabbages, boiled potatoes, and different types of desserts- including ‘azevias’, which is one of their favorites.

The birth of Jesus is re-created in the nativity scenes, involving many actors and craftsmen. It’s certainly an exciting sight, especially for kids. A Christmas special kayak tour to the beautiful caves of Algarve is also organized. Apart from this, you can visit Vale de Lobo Christmas market to taste sweet and savory Christmas treats as well as buy presents for your loved ones.

Madeira

Madeira

Now that the festival of lights, dreams, and hopes is approaching, Madeira is also preparing for Christmas celebrations. The festivities add to the charm of Madeira island and leave you asking for more. Amazing nativity scenes, glowing Christmas lights, and busy Funchal streets like Avenida do Mar, Rua Fernão de Ornelas, Avenida Arriaga, and Rua do Aljube easily get you into festive mode. Traditional Christmas treats in Madeira include Madeira honey cake, Madeira “Carne Vinha D’Alhos”, Madeira sweets, and liqueurs such as ‘tintantum’.

The Municipal Garden of Funchal is a must-see spot during Christmas. With cute little houses, a long Christmas train, and more exciting stuff, it’s a perfect place for kids. Other major highlights of Christmas in Madeira include Christmas markets, music concerts, and Midnight Mass or “Missa do Galo”.

When there are so many Portuguese destinations for Christmas celebrations, what’s stopping you? Book a car rental in Portugal with PortugalRentalCars and spend your December exploring the best of the country during the festival.

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