Photo Call: Christmas in Portugal And Around the World

Final days to submit your photo for our community holiday video.

Photo collage by Paul Wilcox.

Dear Readers,

Every December, Portugal lights up with a warmth and sparkle that is uniquely its own, from dazzling city squares to small-town nativity scenes and festive markets that glow long after sunset. It’s become one of my favorite times of the year living in Portugal.

This year, I’d love to share that beauty through your eyes celebrating Christmas in Portugal and around the world.

I’m excited to announce a special community project:

Christmas in Portugal — And Around the World

A photo-only holiday video created from images shared by Our Portugal Journey readers, followers, and friends.

Thanks to everyone who has already submitted photos - this project is getting exciting but there’s always room for more!

Whether you live in Portugal, have visited during the holiday season, have visited somewhere else during the holidays, or are celebrating Christmas somewhere else in the world, I invite you to contribute a favorite photograph that captures the spirit of the season where you are.

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How to Participate:

Photos of:

• Christmas lights or illuminated streets

• Nativity scenes, or church displays

• Holiday markets, concerts, trees, or festive village squares

• Seasonal decorations that capture the holiday feeling

• Festive city scenes

• Iconic holiday displays

• Light Installations

• Architectural or cultural Christmas highlights from your location

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Submission Guidelines

To keep the project consistent and respectful of privacy:

• Photos only (no videos or AI-enhanced images)

• JPG format preferred

• Vertical or horizontal images welcome

• If you can’t decide on one photo, submit two or three

• Avoid close-up photos of identifiable people (especially children)

• Scenic, architectural, or public holiday displays are ideal

• You must own the rights to the photo

When submitting, please include:

• Your first name

• The country you currently reside in

• If you’re a Substack creator, social media creator or have a blog on another platform, feel free to include the name/handle of your publication

• The city/town + country where the photo was taken

• A short caption (optional but helpful)

Email your photo to: hello@ourportugaljourney.com

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Those photos that are selected will be compiled into a festive community video and will be published on Our Portugal Journey, YouTube, and social media in mid-December.

You are also welcome to share the finished video with your family, friends and subscribers.

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A Note on Privacy

Please avoid close-ups of identifiable people, especially children. Scenic or public-space shots are perfect.

By submitting, you confirm that you own the rights to your image and grant permission for it to appear (with credit) in Our Portugal Journey’s 2025 Christmas video and related posts.

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Deadline to Submit:

Extended to Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Email your photo to: hello@ourportugaljourney.com

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Why This Project Matters to Me

The heart of Our Portugal Journey has always been connection - between readers and me and Paul, sharing insights, travel and expat stories, images, everyday discoveries, and a sense of place. This project brings those stories together visually, creating a warm, shared experience of the holiday season both here in Portugal and around the world.

I can’t wait to see what you share.

Feliz Natal e Boas Festas!
Carol

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