Christmas in Portugal is synonymous with illuminated streets, enchanting music and markets that invite you to celebrate. From north to south, the country transforms itself to welcome this magical time with events full of charm, culture and typical flavors. Come and discover 7 Christmas markets that promise to make your Christmas even more special! These markets are spread across different regions of Portugal, covering the North (Porto, Braga, Guimarães), the Center (Óbidos) and the South (Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra).
1. Wonderland Lisbon
Where: Parque Eduardo VII, Lisbon
When: November 29 to January 5
Opening hours: Every day from 12pm to 10pm (weekends until 11pm)
Highlights: Ferris wheel, ice rink, Santa Claus's house and stalls selling handmade gifts.
How to get there: Metro (Blue Line - Marquês de Pombal Station).
Wonderland Lisboa 2024 is a magical event that transforms Parque Eduardo VII into a true fairy tale! From November 29th to January 5th, visitors can enjoy a Ferris wheel with panoramic views of Lisbon, an ice rink, Santa Claus’ village and a Christmas tree decorated with lights. In addition, there are food trucks, candy vans, a Christmas market with crafts and fashion, and various activities for all ages. Admission is free, making this event accessible to everyone and perfect for creating unforgettable memories with family and friends.
2. Porto Christmas Market
Where: Avenida dos Aliados, Porto
When: November 29 to December 29
Time: 10am to 10pm
Highlights: Typical cuisine, live music and magical lights.
How to get there: Metro (Yellow Line - Aliados Station).
The Porto Christmas Market is free to enter and is located on Avenida dos Aliados. It is one of the city’s most iconic attractions during the festive season. This Christmas market is famous for its stunning decorations, which transform the avenue into a true Christmas wonderland. With a wide variety of stalls, visitors can find everything from handmade gifts to delicious sweets and typical holiday drinks. In addition, the market also features street shows, activities for children and a huge illuminated Christmas tree, providing a magical experience for all ages. It is an event that celebrates the tradition and spirit of Christmas, bringing together people from all over to share moments of joy and festivity.
In addition to the Christmas Market, Porto has other Christmas markets, such as:
Porto Arts & Crafts Christmas Market, on Avenida D. Afonso Henriques
Porto 2024 Christmas Market in Batalha Square
Porto Belo Market, in Carlos Alberto Square
Serralves Christmas Market, in Serra Alves Park
Sol Market, in Gomes Teixeira Square
Alegria Market, in Passeio Alegre garden
Porto also has other Christmas attractions, such as:
Christmas lights on Avenida dos Aliados, Rua Santa Catarina and Praça da Batalha
Christmas tree on Avenida dos Aliados
Nativity scenes
Fado shows
Clérigos Church
Ice skating
3. Óbidos Vila Natal
Where: Vila de Óbidos
When: December 6 to January 6
Opening hours: 11am to 8pm (weekends until 10pm)
Highlights: Christmas train, shows and ice rink.
How to get there: By train or bus from Lisbon.
Óbidos Christmas Village 2024 is an initiative that transforms the historic village of Óbidos into a true Christmas wonderland, with festive decorations, craft markets, live shows and activities for all ages. During the month of December, the town is illuminated with colorful lights and decorated with garlands and ornaments, creating a magical and welcoming atmosphere. The celebration attracts visitors from all over the world, providing a unique and unforgettable end-of-year holiday experience.
4. Braga Christmas Market
Where: Avenida Central, Braga
When: December 1st to 24th
Time: 10am to 10pm
Highlights: Live nativity scene and local crafts.
How to get there: Trains or buses from Porto.
Admission: Free
Braga’s Christmas Market, located on Avenida Central, is one of the city’s most anticipated attractions during the festive season. This Christmas market, which runs from December 1st to 24th, 2024, offers a wide variety of stalls selling artisanal products, traditional holiday cuisine, and Christmas decorations. In addition, the market features street shows, activities for children, and a huge illuminated Christmas tree, providing a magical and festive experience for all ages. Admission is free, making this event accessible to everyone and the perfect place to create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
5. Guimarães Christmas Market
Location: Avenida Central, Guimarães
Opening hours: All December
Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Highlights: Festive decorations, Craft stalls, Typical end-of-year cuisine, Activities for children, Street shows, Ice skating rink, Huge illuminated Christmas tree, etc.
How to get there: Accessible by car, bus and train; parking available
Admission: Free
The Guimarães Christmas Market 2024 promises to transform the city into a true Christmas paradise during the month of December. Located on Avenida Central, the market will be open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, offering a magical experience with its festive decorations, craft stalls, typical end-of-year cuisine and activities for all ages. One of the highlights is the huge illuminated Christmas tree, which serves as the centerpiece of the event. Admission is free, making this event accessible to everyone who wants to celebrate the Christmas spirit in a welcoming and cheerful environment.
6. Cascais Christmas Market
Where: Parque Marechal Carmona, Cascais
When: November 23 to January 5
Opening hours: 10am to 8pm
Highlights: Carousels and traditional sweets.
How to get there: Trains (Cascais Line).
Admission: Free
The Cascais Christmas Market 2024, which runs from November 23 to January 5, promises to transform Cascais Bay and the Visconde da Luz Garden into a magical setting. With over 50 brands offering traditional sweets, special liqueurs, hot drinks and unique gifts, the market is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season. What’s more, unmissable attractions such as the Ferris wheel, carousels and dazzling Christmas lights guarantee unforgettable moments for family and friends. Entry is free, allowing everyone to enjoy the gastronomic delights and festive atmosphere.
7. Sintra Christmas Market
Where: Parque da Liberdade, Sintra
When: 1 to 30 December
Time: 10am to 7pm
Highlights: Children's shows and crafts.
How to get there: Trains from Lisbon.
The Sintra Christmas Market, held in the enchanting Parque da Liberdade, is a magical celebration that transports visitors to a real Christmas kingdom. With free entry, the event offers a rich and varied programme, bringing together crafts, gastronomy, music and activities for all ages, such as creative workshops and entertainment. Children can live out their fantasy by visiting Santa Claus’s House, while adults enjoy the welcoming atmosphere typical of the festive season. The market is open daily from 11am to 7pm, with extended opening hours until 8pm on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays, inviting everyone to enjoy the historic charm of Sintra combined with the Christmas spirit.
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