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 top thing to do will be to visit the fun and festive Christmas Markets in Portugal!
You’re bound to get into a festive holiday spirit when visiting Portugal at Christmas, or Natal. Between Porto and Lisbon and nearby towns, you’ll find some fun, festive Christmas Markets to visit.
Yes, that’s right, so no need to ask does Portugal have Christmas markets? Because yes they do, and some of the most charming.
Every year I plan a holiday in late November into early December just so I can experience the best Christmas markets in Europe. And, Portugal made that list! While my home base was in Porto and then Lisbon, I visited a new one every day during my 2-week trip and am eager to share my experience with you.
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About Portugal Christmas Markets
Regarding European Christmas Markets, Portugal might not be the first country that comes to mind.
They aren’t even mentioned in any list of the Best European Christmas Markets. Originating in Germany in the late Middle Ages, Christmas Markets are now a staple in many European cities, with Germany and Austria being the biggest ones. And, London and Paris Christmas markets are just as equally as popular.
Christmas Markets in Portugal are still a relatively new tradition. Consider them the hidden gem of European Christmas markets. Here, you won’t find massive crowds or hoards of tourists instead, they are authentic, fun and festive. It’s just one more reason to travel to Portugal!
Christmas Markets in Lisbon
Wonderland Lisboa
Does Lisbon have Christmas markets? Do they ever!
Wonderland Lisboa is the biggest Christmas market in Portugal. In its 8th 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.
- 📆 November 30, 2023 to January 1, 2024
- 📍Parque Eduardo VII Park | Metro: Praca Marques de Pombai or Parque
- 💶 Free
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!
- 📆 November 18 to December 21, 2023
- 📍 Square | Metro: Rossio
- 💶 Free
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. It’s like your very own charcuterie picnic.
- 📆November 29 to December 3, 2022 (original market, note: this Lisbon Christmas market 2023 date is unconfirmed), plus December 6 to 10, 2023 (gourmet market)
- 📍Campo Pequeno | Metro: Camp Pequeno
- 💶 €2
Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Lisbon
The capital city is making big efforts to conserve energy. LED Christmas lights in Lisbon will be on between December 6, 2023, to January 6, 2024, with reduced hours every night.
The best locations in Lisbon for Christmas lights:
- Praça do Comércio – Lisbon’s biggest square downtown features a 30 m Christmas tree
- Stroll along Rua Augustine, Rua dos Fanqueiros
- Wander through the streets near the shopping centre of Armazéns do Chiado and Praça Luís de Camões
- Walk along Av. da Liberdade leading you to Wonderland Lisboa Christmas market
Best Christmas Store in Lisbon
Nickolaus is located on Rua do Carmo, 87 in the Baixa neighbourhood and is the best specialty store for all things Christmas.
The store is stocked with tree ornaments, snow globes, stockings, tableware, and soft toy reindeer, elves and Santas.
I was disappointed that no Christmas markets in Portugal sell tree ornaments or Christmas decorations (we travellers love to collect and bring them home). But this is the store to find something Christmassy to bring home for your tree.
Things to Do in Lisbon
Even though I’ve been to Lisbon twice, I’m still discovering new things to see, do and places to eat. Sprinkle in visiting the Christmas markets along with some of the best attractions and you’ll discover why I love this city. Here is a bit of inspiration for you.
- Lisbon Neighborhoods: Explore diverse Lisbon neighbourhoods, from historic Alfama to lively Bairro Alto.
- Jeronimos Monastery: Discover the UNESCO-listed Jeronimos Monastery, a stunning example of Manueline architecture in Belem.
- 4-Day Lisbon Itinerary: Plan your 4-day Lisbon adventure, including Alfama, Belem, Parque das Nações, and a day trip to Sintra or Cascais.
- 1-Day Lisbon Itinerary: Maximize your day in Lisbon with visits to Belem, Baixa, and an evening of Fado music and cuisine.
- Day Trips from Lisbon: Explore 15 incredible day trips from Lisbon, including Sintra, Cascais, Evora, and scenic wine regions.
- Recommended Place to Stay: Baixa House: Stay in comfort at Baixa House, a stylish lodging in Lisbon’s historic Baixa district, close to major attractions and dining options.
Christmas Markets in Porto
Porto Christmas Market (Palácio de Natal or Christmas Palace)
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 market stalls filled with crafts and gift-giving items.
- 📆 December 1 to December 23, 2023
- 📍Jardins do Palácio de Cristal | Bus stop: Hosp. St. António
- 💶 Free
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!
- 📆 November 30 to December 1, 2023
- 📍Praça da Batalha | Near Sao Bento Train Station
- 💶 Free
Porto Christmas Village
A large indoor Christmas market, perfect for those rainy days in Portugal caters to families with a toy factory, ice rink and arcade games.
- 📆 December 8, 2023 to January 8, 2024
- 📍Alfândega do Porto Convention Cente | Metro: Alfandega
- 💶 Free
Christmas Market at WOW (World of Wine)
WOW hosts a wide range of Christmas-related events between December 1 to December 31, 2023.
A 3-day Christmas Market is being kicked off with a Christmas tree lighting at 7:30 pm on December 1. It’s a tiny market, but the lights and city view of Porto make it worthwhile.
- 📆 December 1 to December 4, 2023
- 📍Rua do Choupelo 39, in Vila Nova de Gaia | Metro: General Torres
- 💶 Free
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
If you happen to be visiting a Porto Christmas market 2023, be sure to visit Penela, a nearby city have holds the largest animated nativity scene in Portugal. A whopping 150 wooden figures can be admired from 8 December 2023 to 8 January 2024.
Things to Do in Porto
I fell in love with the city of Porto! It is the perfect size of city to spend a long weekend and don’t get me started on the views! Here is a bit of inspiration for you as you plan your trip to Porto for Christmas.
- Is Porto Worth Visiting: Discover 17 reasons why Porto is worth visiting, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.
- What is Porto Famous For: Learn what makes Porto famous, including its world-renowned port wine, picturesque riverfront, and historic Ribeira district.
- How Many Days to Spend in Porto: Find out how many days to spend in Porto based on your interests, whether it’s 1 day or a quick weekend getaway or a more leisurely exploration.
- 3 Days in Porto: Plan a memorable 3-day trip to Porto, exploring its historic districts, riverside attractions, and culinary delights.
- Best Wine Tours in Porto: Explore the 15 best wine tours in Porto, offering opportunities to taste the region’s famous port wines and explore its vineyards and cellars.
- Day Trip to Douro Valley: Not to be missed is to take a full day trip to Douro Valley to witness the scenic landscape of the vineyards and taste the Port wine.
Christmas Market in Coimbra
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.
- 📆 December 3 to December 23, 2023
- 📍 Praca d Comercio
- 💶 free
Read more about Coimbra
- Is Coimbra Worth Visiting: Discover the charms of Coimbra and why it’s worth a visit, from its historic university to its captivating architecture and culture.
- 1 Day Coimbra Itinerary: Make the most of your day in Coimbra with a well-planned itinerary, including visits to the university, historic sites, and local eateries.
Christmas Market in Obidos
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.
- 📆 November 30 to December 31, 2023
- 📍Town centre
- 💶€10 for adults and €8 for kids
Christmas Wonderland in Sintra
The Sintra Reino de Natal or Christmas Wonderland promises something magical. An entire park is decorated and fairies, goblins and Santa makes 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.
Why not combine visiting the Sintra Christmas market with seeing the sought-after Pena Palace, Quinta de le Regaleria.
- 📆December 1, 2023, to January 6, 2024
- 📍Liberty Park, or Parque da Liberdade
- 💶 Free
Things to Do in Sintra
Sintra is absolutely a must-visit. And, every time I go to Portugal I make a point of seeing a little bit more of it each and every time. Here is a bit of further reading for you to plan your trip there too!
- How to Get to Pena Palace: Learn how to get to and explore the iconic Pena Palace in Sintra from Lisbon.
- How to Get to Quinta da Regaleira: Discover the easiest ways to reach the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira estate in Sintra, known for its mystical gardens and architecture.
- 7 Best Sintra Tours from Lisbon: Explore the top guided tours that will take you from Lisbon to Sintra, showcasing the region’s most magnificent attractions.
Christmas Village in Cascais
The Cascais Christmas Village is a favourite of many, even with all the Christmas-related activities in Lisbon, many celebrate here, only 30 minutes from Lisbon.
This year’s theme “Magic Garden” features a skating rink, Santa Claus House, a Christmas train and an Enchanted Forest with real reindeer are among the reasons this Christmas event is loved by families.
The Christmas market stalls, provide great shopping with vendors featuring Portuguese pottery, rugs, knits and jewellery. Oh yes, you can bet there were a few purchases made at this one.
This was one of the best Christmas markets in Portugal. Not to mention how much I fell in love with this coastal town! Learn how to plan your trip with these 15 amazing things to do in Cascais.
- 📆 November 30, 2023 to January 1, 2024
- 📍Marechal Carmona Park
- 💶 €9 for adults and €8 for kids | Christmas Market stalls = free
Christmas Food Specialities in Portugal
As far as Christmas food goes, Portugal has so many wonderful specialties to choose from. In fact, the Christmas Market Portugal is all about the food. But, you can find some of these treats in the local grocery stores and bakeries (sometimes at a cheaper price).
- Bacalhau – Portugal’s most famous dish is smoked cod, often served with cabbage and boiled potatoes
- Rabanadas and sonhos – Deep-fried desserts are often shaped into different sizes and shapes, some even look like French toast
- Bolo Rei or Bolo Rainha – these two Christmas cakes are the Portuguese equivalent of Germany’s Stollen. They are brioche-like cakes topped with dried fruits (Bolo Rei) or nuts (Bolo Rainha) and are often shaped into a wreath.
As a Holidaymaker
Christmas Markets Portugal might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this country, but it doesn’t make them any less magical.
With warmer temperatures and smaller scales, they are fun things to add to your holiday itinerary.
Visit one and I promise you will really feel the joy and community spirit. Between Porto and Lisbon and nearby towns of Sintra, Cascais, Coimbra and Obidos you’ll find some fun, festive Christmas Markets in Portugal to visit in 2023.
Feliz Natal!
