Lisbon at Christmas
Lisbon is a beautiful city to visit year-round, but at Christmas, it transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lights, traditional markets, and charming traditions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler to Portugal’s capital, Christmas in Lisbon will fill you with warmth and holiday cheer. Here’s a guide to the top 10 Magical Things to Do in Lisbon at Christmas.
10 Magical Things to Do in Lisbon at Christmas
1. Marvel at the Christmas Lights in Baixa and Avenida da Liberdade
One of the most magical aspects of Lisbon at Christmas is its dazzling lights. The entire downtown area, especially the streets of Baixa and Avenida da Liberdade, come alive with festive illuminations. Take a stroll down the grand avenue to see intricate light designs hanging from the trees, buildings, and lampposts. Rossio Square is another highlight, often featuring a large Christmas tree adorned with glowing lights that serve as the perfect photo backdrop.
Pro Tip: Take an evening walk to capture the best photos of Lisbon’s Christmas lights when the city is aglow but not too crowded.
2. Visit the Wonderland Lisboa Christmas Market
Lisbon’s biggest Christmas market, Wonderland Lisboa, takes place at Eduardo VII Park. This festive event is not only for shopping but for experiencing all the joys of Christmas with family-friendly activities. There’s an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and tons of entertainment for both kids and adults.
The market also features local artisan stalls selling traditional Portuguese products, crafts, and delicious food items. Sip on mulled wine or hot chocolate while enjoying the joyful atmosphere of live performances and Christmas music.
Don’t Miss: The Christmas Village inside the market, where kids can visit Santa Claus and write letters to him.
3. Ride Lisbon’s Christmas Tram
Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams are a must-do for any tourist, but during the holiday season, there’s a special twist. The “Natal Eléctrico” is a Christmas-themed tram that runs around the city, decked out in festive decorations and playing holiday music. It’s a unique and fun way to see the city’s Christmas lights and decorations from a vintage perspective.
Hop on this tram for a cozy, scenic ride through Lisbon’s best-lit neighborhoods, including Baixa and Alfama. It’s an activity that’ll get you in the Christmas spirit while also taking in the city’s charm.
4. Explore Traditional Christmas Markets
In addition to Wonderland Lisboa, there are many smaller Christmas markets scattered around the city, each offering a unique experience. Some of the most popular include the Campo Pequeno Christmas Market, known for its focus on handcrafted goods.
At these markets, you’ll find a variety of unique gifts like traditional Portuguese ceramics, handmade jewelry, artisanal soaps, and local delicacies. They’re the perfect spots to buy gifts for loved ones or pick up souvenirs.
Local Tip: Don’t forget to try “filhós,” a traditional Portuguese Christmas treat made of fried dough covered in sugar and cinnamon.
5. Admire the Nativity Scenes
Portugal has a long-standing tradition of creating elaborate nativity scenes, or “Presépios,” which can be found in churches and public spaces throughout Lisbon. One of the most impressive nativity scenes is at the Estrela Basilica, where hundreds of intricately detailed figurines depict the story of Christmas.
6. Experience Fado Christmas Concerts
No trip to Lisbon is complete without experiencing Fado, the melancholic yet beautiful traditional Portuguese music. During Christmas, many Fado houses and churches host special Fado concerts that blend this soulful music with holiday themes. The haunting melodies, often accompanied by candlelight and Christmas decorations, create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Head to a Fado house in Alfama or Mouraria, or catch a concert in one of Lisbon’s beautiful churches, such as São Roque Church or Sé Cathedral, for a truly immersive cultural experience.
7. Indulge in Traditional Portuguese Christmas Food
One of the best things about Christmas in Lisbon is the food! Portuguese Christmas cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and rooted in tradition. The star of the Christmas Eve dinner (Consoada) is usually “Bacalhau com Todos” (salted cod with vegetables), followed by “Rabanadas” (Portuguese-style French toast), and a variety of Christmas cakes and desserts.
Lisbon’s bakeries are especially delightful at this time of year, offering treats like Bolo Rei (King Cake), a ring-shaped cake filled with dried fruit and nuts, and Sonhos (literally “dreams”), a type of fluffy fried dough sprinkled with sugar.
Pro Tip: Visit a local pasteleria, like Confeitaria Nacional or Pastéis de Belém, to sample these Christmas delicacies.
8. Go Ice Skating
Lisbon may not be a city known for snow, but you can still embrace the winter spirit by going ice skating. Some of Lisbon’s shopping centres usually host a temporary ice rink during the holiday season. Also, the ice rink at Wonderland Lisboa is also a great choice, with sessions available throughout the day and evening.
9. Attend Midnight Mass (Missa do Galo)
For those looking to experience a more spiritual side of Christmas in Lisbon, attending Midnight Mass, known as “Missa do Galo,” is a cherished tradition. Many of the city’s churches hold beautiful services on Christmas Eve, including Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), the Church of São Domingos, and the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém.
These masses are a great way to witness the deeply-rooted Catholic traditions in Portugal and to see some of Lisbon’s most stunning religious landmarks illuminated for the holiday.
10. Take a Day Trip to Sintra’s Christmas Kingdom
While Lisbon is full of holiday charm, a short trip to Sintra is well worth your time during Christmas. Sintra, already known for its fairy-tale castles and magical forests, takes on an even more enchanting atmosphere during the holiday season. The town transforms into a “Christmas Kingdom,” with festive markets, performances, and a Santa Claus house.
While there, visit the stunning Palácio Nacional de Sintra, which is often beautifully decorated for the holidays, and wander through the cobbled streets filled with twinkling lights.
Final Thoughts
Christmas in Lisbon is a time of warmth, light, and tradition, even without the snow many might associate with the season. From bustling markets to cozy Fado concerts, the city offers a wide variety of activities that celebrate both the secular and religious sides of the holiday. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine at a market, riding the Christmas tram, or enjoying traditional Portuguese Christmas food, you’re sure to leave Lisbon with unforgettable memories.
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