Christmas is easily my favorite time of the year. I love everything about it from the movies, music, decorations, lights, just everything. So naturally now that I live in Lisbon I have to find holiday related things to do in my new home. Here’s my list of activities you can’t miss during Christmas in Lisbon.
This will be my second time around in Portugal during the holidays, but my first time experiencing Christmas in Lisbon. I’ve already noticed that lights are a big deal around here and I’m so excited about that.
While you’re enjoying everything Christmas in Lisbon, get professional photos done in Alfama to make your trip even more memorable.
Last year I did have a chance to visit a couple Christmas markets and see some lights, but this year I plan to do and see it all. This post will be updated as I continue to experience more of the holidays in my new city. Stay tuned for the updates.
Bookmark this page to have a joyous Christmas in Lisbon!
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Christmas Markets in Lisbon
What is Christmas without Christmas markets, am I right? These may not be like the ones you think of when you picture Germany or France, but if you prefer slightly warmer weather than these are you!
Entering the majority of the markets is free, but of course you’ll need to pay for drinks, food, rides, etc.
If you’re looking for a Christmas walking tour, check out this one with history and food tastings!
Rossio Christmas Market
Located in a rather central spot is the Rossio Christmas Market in Rossio Square. Here you’ll find a market, Santa, lights, and even a holiday train! All are free to view and the train is free to ride as long as you wait your turn in line.
The market opened on November 15th through December 22nd so you still have plenty of time to enjoy it!
Natal do Grande Arraial do Lumiar
Lumiar’s Great Christmas Festival is a bit outside of the typical tourist circuit, but its traditional presence will make it worth it! I plan to make it out to this market this year so I’ll report back!
To get here you’ll need to take the green line to Telheiras, the last stop, and it’ll be right outside the metro. It’s located in the Jardim Caldeira Cabral and free to enter and wander.
The market is open from December 6th to the 29th.
Alvalade Christmas Market
The Alvalade Christmas Market is also a bit outside of Lisbon’s downtown, but is definitely family focused and free! It’s located on the Avenida da Igreja near Campo Grande.
This year is the market’s 9th edition and will be open from 10am to 8pm. Learn about each day’s activities here.
The market is open from December 6th to the 17th.
Wonderland Lisboa
The biggest Christmas market and event of Lisbon is definitely the Wonderland Lisboa. It’s located right above the Marques Pombal Square in Parque Eduardo VII.
Here you can enjoy lots of perfect photo spots, shops to try local and foreign foods as well as buy gifts, and rides for the little ones! Entering the park and wandering around is free.
The market opens November 29 and will be until January 5th.
Campo Pequeno Christmas Market
Find the perfect gift for your loved one at the Campo Pequeno Christmas Market. A transformed bull ring into a mall is the location of this market. There is an entrance fee of 2 euros.
The market is open from November 28th to December 1st from 11am to 9pm and December 5th to the 8th from 11am to 9pm.
Christmas Lights
Christmas lights are my absolutely favorite as I really feel they add joy to the holidays. I’ll be adding more to this list as I visit more along with photos so you can know what you’re in for.
Get a private Tuk-Tuk tour to view all the Christmas lights!
Please note that these areas tend to get very crowded. I have yet to find a time that doesn’t have as many people but I’m guessing it may be around 11pm-1am.
I’ll report back once I’ve had a chance to go around this time. This is especially for those of us who love capturing photos without others in the pictures or videos.
- White Christmas Castle and Lisbon sign at Praça de Luís de Camões
- Tree lights along Avenida da Liberdade
- Santa Claus at Praça D. Pedro IV (Rossio Square)
- Christmas light arches and light show at Rua do Carmo
- Armazéns do Chiado facade and light/music show at Rua Garret
- Galeria Fidelidade Arte facade at Largo do Chiado
- View of São Jorge Castle and Christmas market from Praça da Figueira
Christmas Concerts in Lisbon
If Christmas concerts are more your thing, then you won’t want to miss these happening around Lisbon. All mentioned here have free entry but they are limited to how many tickets you can get per person. Each concert will only be for one night only so plan accordingly.
- Coro de Camara Lisboa Cantat
- Location: Church of Santo Condestavel
- Nov 30 at 9pm
- Free entry (max 2 tickets per person)
- Nova Era Vocal Ensemble & Orquestra 1755
- Location: Church of Nossa Senhora das Mercês
- Dec 6 at 9pm
- Free entry (max 2 tickets per person)
- Lyvro da Ilha da Mactan: Iberian Christmas Music of the 15th and 16th Centuries – Sete Lagrimas
- Location: Church of São João de Deus
- Dec 13 at 9pm
- Free entry (max 2 tickets per person)
- Lucky Christmas – The Lucky Duckies
- Location: Cineteatro Capitolio
- Dec 14 at 9:30pm
- Free entry (max 2 tickets per person)
Near Lisbon
Lisbon isn’t the only city with Christmas Markets. There are a few cities nearby with their own that are worth a visit. I also plan to check some of these out and will let you know my thoughts.
In the meantime, here are the details in case you want to visit before I get a chance to.
Cascais Christmas Village
A festive holiday wonderland for kids, featuring festive characters including Santa, attractions, and an ice skating rink.
- Parque Marechal Carmona, Cascais
- Nov 30 – Jan 2
- 14 euros
Winter Market Stylista
An outdoor market featuring over 100 local brands, mostly created and manufactured in Portugal. A great opportunity to shop for all your holiday gifts and outfits.
- Location: Espaco FIARTIL, Estoril
- Nov 30 – Dec 1
- 3,22 euros, buy here
Sintra Christmas Market
Reino do Natal
- Dec 1 – Dec 30
- Free
- Sintra – various locations
Obidos Vila Natal
One of Portugal’s biggest Christmas events transforms the medieval city into a Christmas market village with lights, an ice rink, and Christmas markets
- Parque Cinegético de Óbidos
- Dec 6 – Jan 6
- 10 euros
I hope this list has you inspired and excited for Christmas in Lisbon as it has me! Let me know which you end up going to in the comments!
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