Best Christmas Markets and Events in Portugal for 2024
Get into the spirit!
During the Christmas season, Portugal transforms into a festive wonderland offering charming Christmas markets and events that blend local traditions with holiday cheer. Even if you’re in a ‘Bah humbug’ mood, here are some of the most magical markets and events to explore to get you into the holiday spirit:
Rossio Square Christmas Market – Lisbon
Dates: November 15 – December 22, 2024
Highlights: This iconic market in the heart of Lisbon offers Christmas decorations, traditional Portuguese foods, and a Christmas train that weaves through the Baixa-Chiado area. Explore 70 little wooden houses containing an assortment of crafts, gifts, and drinks.
More Info: Lisbon Christmas Events
Campo Pequeno Christmas Market – Lisbon
Dates: November 28 – December 8, 2024
Highlights: Located in a historic arena, this market features over 100 stalls with handmade crafts, gourmet treats, and unique gifts. Visitors can also enjoy local delicacies like artisanal cheeses and wines. Entry is €2.
More Info: Campo Pequeno Official Site
Cascais Christmas Village – Cascais
Dates: November 23, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Highlights: Cascais transforms Marechal Carmona Park into a magical village with reindeer, an ice rink, a Santa Claus House, and train rides. Perfect for families, it offers enchanted forest walks, face painting, and live shows. Ticket purchases required.
More Info: Cascais Christmas Village
Also, in Cascais, along the waterfront across from Hotel Baia, there is a Christmas Market with little booths offering crafts, gifts, food and drinks. There’s also a merry-go-round and Ferris wheel.
Óbidos Christmas Village and Christmas Market
Dates: December 6, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Highlights: This year, Óbidos Vila Natal takes inspiration from "the magic of fairy and elf kingdoms," inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a world of enchantment and wonder.
In this magical setting, you can explore the Hairstylists’ Village and the Fairies’ Studio, where you can transform your look, delve into the mysteries of snow formation, and step into new dimensions through the Enchanted Portal. You can also join in creating a unique keepsake for the Christmas tree, adding a touch of creativity to your visit to this festive Christmas market.
Some events require ticket purchases.
More Info: Óbidos Christmas Village
Natal Perlim – Santa Maria da Feira (a city and a municipality in Aveiro District in Portugal, 23 km from central Porto)
Dates: November 23, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Highlights: A farm-themed market filled with Christmas magic, this destination combines playful attractions for children, live performances, and festive workshops. It’s an imaginative escape for all ages. Tickets available for purchase.
More Info: Perlim Festival
Crystal Palace Christmas Market – Porto
Dates: November 30 – December 23, 2024
Highlights: Set in Porto’s stunning Crystal Palace Gardens, this market features handmade crafts, festive foods, and entertainment such as concerts and storytelling. Families can enjoy the Snow Tent and craft workshops.
There are other, smaller Christmas markets and holiday events throughout Porto that you won’t want to miss.
More Info: Porto Christmas Events
Cabeça Christmas Village
Dates: December 7, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Highlights: In the Serra da Estrela region, this eco-friendly market is entirely decorated with natural materials and features locally made crafts. It’s a unique, sustainable festive experience. Paul and I visited this charming village last year and it was one of the highlights of our holiday trip to the center of Portugal.
More Info: Christmas in Cabeça
Braga Christmas Market – Braga
Dates: Likely early December to late December (TBD)
Highlights: Braga’s historic squares turn into a winter wonderland with artisan stalls, festive illuminations, and a giant bolo rei celebration. The market often includes a Christmas parade and the São Silvestre race.
More Info: Braga Events
No matter where you live or travel in Portugal during the Christmas season, you’re sure to find a little holiday spirit! If you have a favorite Christmas Market or event in Portugal, leave me a comment and tell me about it!
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Obrigada!
Carol.
Obidos is on my list this year. I’m really enjoying our town’s Christmas festivities. It’s been quite magical for our family.
Thank you for this. Agueda’s display is wonderful as well with the largest Santa I have seen in addition to the beautiful umbrella street.