Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Portugal in 2024

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, steaming hot Gluhwein and twinkling lights are all a glow. If you find yourself in Portugal in December, you’re in for a real treat.

The Christmas markets in Portugal are still a relatively new tradition but that doesn’t make them any less charming.

Consider them the hidden gem of European Christmas markets. Here, you won’t find massive crowds or hoards of tourists instead, they are authentic, cozy and festive.

In this article, I’ll share the markets I got to visit that are in or near Lisbon and Porto.

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Christmas Markets in Lisbon

Does Lisbon have Christmas markets? Do they ever! I’ve included the best of that I visited.

1. Wonderland Lisboa

Wonderland Lisboa is the biggest Christmas market in Portugal. In its 9th year, this popular Lisbon Christmas market is a must-visit as it has it all!

A Ferris wheel, a skating rink, a Santa’s village, and so much more. Festive Christmas music is piped through speakers throughout the park. Of all the Christmas markets Lisbon has to offer, this is the most family-friendly.

Bring your appetite as there are endless options to tempt you with everything from crepes to pork sandwiches. Expect long lines for the food trucks and market stalls offering food and drink as they are the most popular reason to come here.

2. Rossio Christmas Market

In the Baixa city centre, you can visit Rossio Mercado de Natal. A tall Christmas tree takes centre stage on a lively square, along with Nikolaus Santa’s house.

Tiny wooden huts selling homemade artisan gifts like jewellery and knits but the biggest draw is for the sweet treats.

This is a market to grab a hot chocolate, warm sangria or mulled port wine and slowly wander sampling some of the tasty dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, and pastries like Pastel de Nata (creamy custard tarts).

And, a fun thing to do at this Christmas market in Lisbon is to take a ride on the free Christmas train at Rossio Square around the Baixa neighbourhood streets!

3. Campo Pequeno Christmas Market

The Campo Pequeno Christmas market is a shoppers’ delight! And it might be worth visiting twice.

The original market offers locally made artisan items perfect for gifts or souvenirs to bring home. To be followed by the gourmet market where you can sample wines, cheeses, jams and smoked meats.

Set in the beautiful gardens overlooking city views of Porto, you’ll find this large Christmas market and Christmas-related activities being held.

Entertainment is what this market promises, and it delivers! From live music in front of the Super Bock Arena, a Snow Tent or Tenda da Neve for kid-friendly entertainment, and a Crystal Tent or Tenda de Cristal housing workshops for kids are just some of the entertainment you’ll find here.

As well, you’ll find a small market filled with crafts and gift-giving items.

2. Porto Christmas Market (Batalha)

A year-round market showcases seasonal crafts and gifts at Christmas time including specialties like jams, honey, port, and dried fruits. This market is in an ideal location, to the nearby Sao Bento train station. So if you are visiting Porto in the winter and want to visit a market be sure to add this to your list!

3. Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Porto

A Portugal Christmas market isn’t the same without seeing the lights. Christmas lighting will be on from the last day of November until the day after Kings Day, which is celebrated on January 6th. Just like Lisbon, Porto will be using low-consumption LED technology and running on reduced hours.

• Notable streets like Avenida dos Aliados, Rua das Flores

✨Infuse visiting a Christmas Market in the ideal Porto itinerary✨

The Christmas market in Coimbra has traditional wooden huts filled with vendors selling crafts and food specialty items like cheeses, dried fruit and jams.

The Coimbra Christmas market may be smaller in scale than other cities, but it’s a city worth visiting beyond the market.

✨Infuse visiting a Christmas Market in the ideal Coimbra itinerary✨

The Christmas Market in Obidos, promises to be the most magical place in Portugal with this year’s theme called “brightness”. The brightness of the Christmas lights is bound to get you in the holiday spirit.

Throughout the entire village of Obidos, there are Christmassy events and activities taking place mostly catering to families. Everything from a Santa Claus chalet to an ice skating rink to a Christmas train.

Just like any Christmas market in Portugal, you’ll find a nativity scene.

Christmas Market in Sintra

The Sintra Reino de Natal or Christmas Wonderland promises something magical. An entire park is decorated and fairies, goblins and Santa make an appearance.

Activities, concerts and crafting workshops make this a fun event for all ages. Next to the National Palace of Sintra is where you’ll find a small number of stalls featuring food and crafts.

✨Combine visiting the Sintra Christmas market with seeing the sought-after Pena Palace and Quinta de le Regaleria.✨

Christmas Market in Cascais

✨Infuse visiting a Christmas Market in the ideal Cascais itinerary✨

Final Thoughts

With warmer temperatures and smaller scales, visiting a Christmas Market in Portugal is a fun thing to add to your holiday itinerary.

Feliz Natal!

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