Christmas in Lisbon: Best Things to Do, See, and Eat in the Festive Season

Christmas in Lisbon (Natal em Lisboa) is a meaningful and magical season of delightful festivities, delicious foods, and deep traditions of faith and family.

The Christmas season in Portugal may be less well-known than in other European countries famed for snowy winter wonderlands like Germany and Austria. As well as historic traditions like the Viennese Christmas markets.

So, this makes the Portuguese capital a comparatively hidden gem in the holiday season.

Yet what Lisbon may lack in snow-covered streets and après-ski ambiance, Portugal’s capital more than makes up in rich history, local culture, and authentic community.

Notably, the capital city seems to radiate an upbeat energy and hopeful mood – in other words, Christmas spirit and Christmas cheer.

Above all, the Portuguese Christmas traditions resonate with ancient meaning and present-day relevance.

Let’s discover the best things to do, the perfect places to see Christmas lights, and the different ways to experience local culture for a memorable and meaningful Christmas in Lisbon, Portugal.

Additionally, we’ll uncover helpful travel tips to visit the main attractions and some fun “festive facts” about Lisbon at Christmas.

You’ll also find a custom interactive map for the following Lisbon destinations and locations. As well as firsthand observations and candid recommendations from our meaningful travel experiences.

Ready? Let’s go!

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Christmas in Lisbon: Wonderland Lisboa

More than a Christmas market (Mercado de Natal), Wonderland Lisboa is both the city’s and the nation’s premier Christmas event.

Launched in recent years, this holiday festival has rapidly become a cherished tradition.

The location atop Edward VII Park (Parque Eduardo VII) encompasses an urban panorama from Marquise of Pombal Square (Praça do Marquês de Pombal) down Liberty Avenue (Avenida da Liberdade) to the mighty Tagus River (Tejo).

As you approach Wonderland Lisboa, the familiar sound of Christmas carols wafts through the air.

The soundtrack plays both Christmas songs like “White Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas is You;” and Christmas hymns such as “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night.”

With free admission, you stroll right in through the cute entrance gates and into wholesome holiday fun for the whole family.

Wonderland Lisboa Highlights

Two spectacular sights command the scene at Wonderland Lisboa: Firstly, the giant Ferris wheel. Twenty-four enclosed cabins offer 360-degree panoramic views from 98 feet (30 m) high.

Secondly, the giant Christmas tree (Ávore de Natal). This tree is one of Lisbon’s largest Christmas trees, standing approximately 62 feet (19 m) tall.

Wonderland Lisboa offers something for all ages. It’s a popular place for everyone:  Friends, couples, and the whole family. Young people and the young at heart.

An electric train on wheels around the park is a nice way for everyone to get an overview of the fair’s abundant activities.

Wonderland Lisboa for Kids

The Play Village (Aldeia da Brincadeira) and Enchanted Forest (Floresta Encantada) engage children with fun activities like a merry-go-round carousel. A miniature Ferris wheel and other rides cater specifically to toddlers.

Older kids will thrill to jump high on the trampoline, complete with bungee cords and safety harnesses.

Wonderland Lisbon’s Christmas Village (Vila de Natal) includes Santa Claus, known here as Father Christmas (Pai Natal).

In his flowing white beard and red suit trimmed in faux white fur, Pai Natal and his elves await in his red house (Casa do Pai Natal) to hear Christmas wishes.

Wonderland Lisboa Must-Dos

Make sure to take your perfect selfie shot on the midway platform. Several photo ops are specially designed and decorated to capture sweet scenes and frame keepsake photographs.

Imagine yourself ice skating outdoors in Lisbon, under the sun by day and the stars by night. Then make your imagination become reality on Wonderland Lisbon ecological ice rink.

The facility provides rental skates in adult and children sizes, as well as stay-upright skating aids.

This specially treated artificial surface requires no water and no refrigeration. As a result, there’s no spinning or jumping like on real ice.

Still, outdoor skating at Wonderland Lisboa is a fun experience in one of the most instagrammable places in Lisbon.

Wonderland Lisboa Christmas Market

Flanking each side of the fair, decorated stalls sell a wide array of traditional handicrafts and regional products.

Food trucks satisfy the savory palette and sweet tooth alike. Beverage stations pour hot chocolate, mulled wine, sangria, and the omnipresent cherry liqueur, Ginja (Ginjinha).

In sum, Wonderland Lisbon is the perfect place to enjoy wholesome holiday fun for the whole family.

Address: Wonderland Lisboa | Parque Eduardo VII | 1070-051 Lisbon Portugal

Wonderland Lisboa Dates

The Wonderland Lisboa Christmas Fair opens daily in the months of December and early January, weather permitting.

For Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025, the Wonderland Lisboa schedule runs from November 29th, 2024 to January 5th, 2025.

Hours and some services are limited on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Tips for Visiting Wonderland Lisboa

Attendance is strong because Wonderland Lisbon is one of the major attractions and biggest Christmas events – not only in Lisbon but also in Portugal.

So, for fewer crowds, generally, the best time to visit Wonderland Lisboa is at the opening hour. But of course, nighttime is the best time for the glittering light show.

Admission is free for everyone, locals and tourists alike, to partake in the holiday fun.

The best things to bring are Christmas cheer and euros for purchases. Although many vendors certainly do take credit cards.

Wear warm layers and comfortable shoes for the cobbled Portuguese pavement (calçada portuguesa).

Where to stay for Wonderland Lisboa? Well, the 5-star hotels from global luxury hotel brands have a convenient location for this holiday hot spot.

The Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon and the InterContinental Lisbon, for example, are a short walk away from Parque Eduardo VII and Wonderland Lisboa.

Check the current availability and best rates for your stay.

Christmas in Lisbon: Festive Fact

Century after century of steadfast Portuguese faith and stalwart Catholic customs make Christmas in Portugal a religious celebration for all to enjoy.

Ancient tradition holds, for instance, that the Holy Child brings Christmas gifts to little children. Nowadays, of course, the job is often assigned to Father Christmas (Pai Natal)

In essence, Christmas in Lisbon and Portugal remains firmly focused on two things: firstly, the birth of Jesus Christ. Secondly, the importance of family.

The omnipresent Nativity scene (Presépio) reflects these two essentials.

Keep an eye out, and you may notice Presépios everywhere, not only in churches and churchyards but also in unexpected places.

Please feel free to use the customary salutation, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year (Feliz Natal e Feliz Ano Novo).

Or, if you wish, the alternative greeting is Happy Holidays (Boas Festas).

Chrismas Markets in Lisbon: Rossio Christmas Market

King Pedro IV Square (Praça de Dom Pedro IV), better known as the Rossio, hosts the main Christmas market (Mercado de Natal) in Lisbon Downtown (Baixa Chiado).

Charming wooden market stalls, glimmering lights, and a glittering tree bring Christmas magic to the Rossio, among the most important public squares 

Live music, special performances, hand-crafted gifts, and gastronomy reflect authentic heritage with modern-day accents in recent years.

A long line of eager children and proud parents anticipate their ride on the Christmas Train. This brightly decorated electric train-on-wheels drives around Baixa.

Make sure to wave as the train passes by!

Address: Rossio Christmas Market (Mercado de Natal) | Praça do Rossio | 1100-200 Lisbon Portugal

Rossio Christmas Market Dates

The Rossio Square Christmas Market is actually an Advent market leading up to Christmas. Usually, Rossio opens its iconic market in mid to late November and closes before Christmas Day, when Advent has concluded.

For Christmas 2024, the Rossio Christmas Market opens on November 15th, 2024, and closes on December 22nd, 2024.

Tips for Visiting Rossio Christmas Market

With free admission, everyone will enjoy the festive atmosphere and live entertainment.

Take time to browse and shop the charming market stalls selling wonderful gifts and classic toys.

And to breathe in the authentic ambiance of this local and traditional Advent market.

Christmas Markets in Lisbon: Campo Pequeno Christmas Market

Once a bullfighting arena, Sagres Campo Pequeno now hosts special events, concerts, expositions, and exhibitions in this lofty 19th-century space.

It’s a unique setting for this unique Lisbon Christmas Market with a mission: “To celebrate Christmas, to wrap love.” (“Celebrar o Natal, embrulhar o amor.”)

Campo Pequeno Christmas Market purposefully gathers over 100 artists, artisans, and craftspeople under its distinctive domed roof.

Thus it’s one of the most popular Christmas markets to find truly one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts available nowhere else. 

Address: Campo Pequeno Christmas Market | Sagres Campo Pequeno, Avenida Antonio Serpa 22 | 1050-027 Lisbon Portugal

Campo Pequeno Christmas Market Dates

This annual event opens only on one or two weekends, usually late November and early December.

For Christmas 2024, the first weekend dates for Campo Pequeno Christmas Market are November 28th to December 1st, 2024.

The second weekend of the Campo Pequeno Christmas Market runs from December 5th to December 8th, 2024.

Tips for Visiting Campo Pequeno Christmas Market

There’s a small admission fee for adults and children aged 10 and older. Children under 10 are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

In the same way that shoppers seek artisanal craftsmanship and unique gifts here, foodies flock to the Campo Pequeno food stalls for Portuguese dishes with innovative flair.

Christmas in Lisbon: Cascais

Cascais is a chic resort town on the Atlantic Coast, the Lisbon Region known as the “Portuguese Riviera.”

Nestled under the ancient citadel (Cidadela de Cascais), the elegant historic center transforms in winter months with the quaint Cascais Christmas Market (Mercado de Natal) and Cascais Christmas Village (Cascais Vila Natal).

The ambiance overall evokes Lisboa’s winter wonderland. But on a scale appropriate to Cascais’ intimate environment.

Firstly, the reason for the season isn’t forgotten. A life-size Nativity scene (Nascimento de Jesus) graces the bustling downtown.

Twinkling lights shine throughout the town and beside the blue Cascais Bay (Baía de Cascais).

The ambiance overall evokes Lisboa’s winter wonderland but on a scale appropriate to Cascais’ intimate environment.

Gleaming chandeliers and palm trees along Viscount Luz Street (Rua Visconde Luz) lead revelers straightaway to the festive atmosphere.

Wherever you go in Cascais, like in Greater Lisbon, Christmas carols and happy chatter fill the air. 

Cascais Christmas Market

On the waterfront, a significantly sizable white Ferris wheel with enclosed cabins rises above the main square, Praça 5 de Outubro. This sparkling structure irresistibly draws your eyes to the Cascais Christmas Market (Mercado de Natal).

The large Christmas tree, big enough to walk through, and other Christmas decorations, make great photo ops against Cascais’ beautiful backdrop.

A lovely little merry-go-round beckons young people to ride. More than 40 wooden market stalls sell tasty treats, regional products, and special gifts.

Christmas carols and happy conversations fill the air. Friends take selfies, couples hold hands, and the whole family has fun together.

Address: Cascais Christmas Market (Mercado de Natal) | Praça 5 de Outubro | 2750-642 Cascais Portugal

Cascais Christmas Village

Then just a short walk away, Marechal Carmona Park (Parque Marechal Carmona) contains the vibrant Cascais Christmas Village (Vila Natal).

Besides the miniature Ferris wheel and classic carousel, lots of fun activities abound, such as face painting, tree climbing, and live entertainment.

An ecological ice skating rink, with skates and stand-up aids provided, and an ice ramp for sliding enhance the outdoor adventures.

Pia Natal, the Portuguese Santa Claus, and his jovial elves meet and greet children.

There’s an Enchanted Forest with real live reindeer, a Roman Arena, Nazarene Village, donkey rides, and more to explore.

Address: Cascais Christmas Village (Vila Natal) | Parque Marechal Carmona, Avenida da República | 2750-642 Cascais Portugal

Cascais Christmas Market and Christmas Village Dates

Both the Cascais Christmas Market and the Cascais Christmas Village are open at the end of November, and close in early January.

For Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025, the schedule is as follows:

The Cascais Christmas Market opens on November 23rd, 2024, and closes on January 5th, 2025.

The Cascais Christmas Village opens on November 23rd, 2024, and closes on January 2nd, 2025.

Tips for Visiting Cascais Christmas Market and Christmas Village

Admission is free for everyone at the Cascais Christmas Market.

The Cascais Christmas Village offers free admission to children under 2 years.

Otherwise, Cascais Christmas Village admission varies in price from children ages 3 and up to teens and adults. Discounted ticket bundles are available for the whole family.

Purchase your entry tickets in person at the Vila Natal entrance gate in Marechal Carmona Park.

Travel Tips for Visiting Cascais at Christmas

Cascais is a short drive, or better yet, a quick train ride from Lisbon.

As a standard baseline, the driving distance between Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) and Cascais Christmas Village is about 23 miles (37.5 km).

In good weather and ideal traffic conditions, the drive time is approximately 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, parking in historic Cascais is a challenge.

Fortunately, the train ride is only 35 to 40 minutes between Baixa and Cascais. Furthermore, trains run frequently between the two destinations.

So public transport by train is a simple and easy way to visit Cascais for the day. During the holiday season, of course, and any season.

However, the very best way to experience Cascais Christmas time and its Christmas lights display is with an overnight stay.

The 5-star luxury InterContinental Cascais-Estoril delivers a superb central location on the sea, steps from the train station for a quick ride to Cascais or Estoril. Both Cascais and Estoril are one stop away in either direction from the hotel.

The guest rooms are sophisticated and serene, with a subtle palette. Some rooms feature balconies with ocean and pool views. Not to mention, the bountiful breakfast buffet features local ingredients and national delicacies.

The InterContinental Cascais-Estoril quality, luxury, and service are worthy of the 5-star hotel rating and rave reviews.

We, in truth, so thoroughly enjoyed Cascais – particularly our stay at the InterContinental Cascais-Estoril Hotel – that we re-arranged our entire travel itinerary to remain longer.

Check the available dates and best prices for your stay.

Lisbon Christmas Trees, Christmas Lights, and Christmas Decorations

The main squares and streets of Lisbon inspire awe with majestic Christmas trees, magical Christmas lights, and marvelous Christmas decorations.

At this time of year, particularly on December 21st, when the Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year, the festive lights and holiday decor uplift the spirit with hope and glory.

Nowhere is more dazzling than Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio), scenically situated between the mighty Tagus River and the monumental Rua Augusta Arch (Arco da Rua Augusta).

Commerce Square

The city of Lisbon’s largest public square, Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio), commands a vast and vibrant space of symmetry and splendor.

Formerly the Royal Palace of Ribeira until the destructive earthquake of 1755, Commerce Square is still fondly known as Palace Yard (Terreiro do Paço).

Commerce Square now includes the city’s best restaurants. As well as the oldest cafe in Lisbon, Martinho da Arcada, opened in 1782.

Praça do Comércio is one of the most picturesque Lisbon photo spots. Particularly at Christmastime. when Commerce Square hosts the official national Christmas tree.

Lisbon Christmas Tree

Soaring in splendor about 246 feet high (75 m), the Lisbon Christmas Tree is undeniably the largest and tallest Christmas tree in Portugal.

At different times, it’s been named the tallest Christmas tree in Europe; and competed against the largest Christmas trees in the world.

The Lisbon Christmas Tree is so impressive that Forbes names it in the Top 20 Spectacular Christmas Trees Around the World.

From his statuesque bronze perch in the center of Praca do Comercio, Portuguese King Joseph I (Dom José I) surveys this foremost destination for Christmas in Lisbon.

Christmas in Lisbon: Festive Fact

The Lisbon Christmas Tree varies in astonishing height each year. Surprisingly, however, it’s not presently listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The reigning Guinness World Records holders are:

• Colombo, Sri Lanka, for the largest artificial Christmas tree since 2016
• Seattle, Washington, United States, for the tallest cut Christmas tree since 1950

Nevertheless, the Lisbon Christmas Tree is, without doubt, one giant Christmas tree.

Rua Augusta

From Commerce Square through the Rua Augusta Arch, the city of Lisbon is all aglow with bright enchantment and awash in beautiful lights.

As you wander the cobblestone streets, embrace a sense of childlike wonder:

Here on Rua Augusta and also throughout the historic neighborhoods of Baixa Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Alfama. And indeed, across all of Lisboa and Greater Lisbon.

Innumerable angels, stars, bows, hearts, and other designs illuminate Rua Augusta and adjacent avenues with resplendent delight.

Christmas lights and decorations add super sparkle to major boulevards, city streets, parks, and squares.

Building facades and lavish window displays also sparkle and shine aplenty:

From world-famous landmarks to luxury designer shops lining the Avenue of Liberty (Avenida da Liberdade). From unique boutiques and specialty stores to shopping malls.

Chiado

Speaking of shopping centres: The glamourous Armazens do Chiado Shopping Centre is a top spot for its shops, a blend of global and local brands, as well as eateries and art exhibitions.

And especially during the Christmas holidays, this landmark building is a prime place for premier holiday lights.

Every evening beginning December 1st, Armazens do Chiado lights up its elegant exterior with a choreographed sound and light show.

Every 30 minutes from about 7 pm until 10 pm, you can listen to the musical prelude and then enjoy the illumination.

Address: Armazéns do Chiado Shopping Centre | Rua do Carmo 2 | 1200-094 Lisbon Portugal

Luis de Camoes Square

Among the most important of Lisbon’s main squares, Luis de Camoes Square (Praça Luís de Camões, also known as Largo de Camões) commemorates Portugal’s greatest poet.

Accordingly, its Christmas lights and Christmas decorations dazzle and delight with sparkle, sparkle, and more sparkle:

Light-entwined trees lead to and surround the square. A light-studded ground sign declares LISBOA in no uncertain terms. Even the kiosk (quiosque) is bedecked with festive lights.

The light-bejeweled centerpiece is a giant walk-through sphere shaped like an ornament.

Inside the spectacular sphere, benches run along the edge. Outside, the shimmering exterior showcases messages of goodwill against this glistening backdrop.

The lighting designs change colors and hues throughout the festive season, like an ever-changing photo op.

The holiday season is the one time of year that Camoes’ memorial statue and calcada portuguesa aren’t the main focus.

Tips to Visit Lisbon Christmas Trees, Lights, and Decorations

Yes, the streets of Lisbon are surely pretty on a December day. However, they transcend to sparkling beauty at night.

So whether you want to see all the Christmas lights and holiday decorations across Lisbon or just join the merry jubilees, then consider a tour with a professional local guide.

When your guided tour includes ground transportation – such as the nimble tuk-tuks – then your experience becomes an engaging, informative, and timely way to see, learn, and do more.

Discover the best Christmas lights tour options and activities.

Additionally, to enjoy Christmas lights and decorations around the clock, a perfect place to stay is Praça Luis de Camões.

Right on Luis de Camoes Square, Chiado Camões Apartments  Lisbon Best Apartments overlook all the action and the 28 tram below.

The upscale apartments feel like home due to the fully equipped kitchen, living and dining areas, a separate bedroom, and a marble bathroom.

Heating and air conditioning make the apartments comfortable for summer and winter vacations.

Moreover, the aparthotel provides additional benefits such as soundproofing, housekeeping, hotel-style amenities, and a modern elevator.

We booked the One-Bedroom Apartment with a picture-perfect plaza view. Despite the lively Christmas festivities below, we slept soundly in the serene bedroom.

Check the available dates and best prices for your stay.

Christmas in Lisbon: Christmas Concerts

Free Christmas Music

The Christmas season calls for traditional Christmas music. Churches present sacred music programs, of course, as part of their worship ministry.

One particular professional ensemble presents an exceptional Christmas concert of traditional Christmas music. On a strictly limited engagement. Entirely for free.

In early December, the Saint Carlos National Theatre Choir (Coro do Teatro Nacional de Sāo Carlos) performs a free Christmas concert approximately one hour long.

Maestro Titular Giampaolo Vessella, pianist Kodo Yamagishi, and the ensemble wear full formal attire.

Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited to standing room only in the admittedly small foyer.

At this time of publication, it’s unknown if this free Christmas concert will be offered in 2024.

However, the 2023 performance dates were December 5th, December 6th, and December 7th. The performance times were 11 am and 3 pm.

So, if you happen to be in the Lisbon historic center during the first week of December, maybe meander over to the landmark theatre.

In essence, this surprisingly free Christmas concert is exquisite – we literally had tears in our eyes.

Address: Saint Carlos National Theatre Choir | Teatro Nacional de Sāo Carlos Foyer, Rua Serpa Pinto 9 | 1200-442 Lisbon Portugal

Classical Christmas Concerts

The Portuguese Symphony Orchestra (Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa) and the National Ballet of Portugal (Companhia Nacional de Bailado) present classical and contemporary performing arts.

Additionally, the Saint Carlos National Theatre Choir (Teatro Nacional de São Carlos) and the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra together perform a magnificent Christmas concert of classical music.

This annual cultural event sells out for its performance on one night only. The venue is the Main Auditorium (Grande Auditório) at the Cultural Center of Belem (Centro Cultural de Belém or CCB).

In 2024, the Christmas Concert (Concerto de Natal) is at 5 pm on December 22nd, 2024.

The 2024 Christmas concert program presents moving and meaningful Baroque music by Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Friedrich Handel.

Few things in life are guaranteed, but two things surely are guaranteed about Christmas in Lisbon:

This classical Christmas concert will sell out. And the Messiah Hallelujah chorus will receive a standing ovation!

Purchase available tickets in person at the CCB Box Office in Belem.

Address: Christmas Concert (Concerto de Natal) | Grande Auditório do Centro Cultural de Belém, Praça do Império | 1449-003 Lisbon Portugal

Christmas in Lisbon: Christmas Traditions

Midnight Mass, the Rooster Mass

The Portuguese people frame Christmas and New Year celebrations around faith and family in this markedly Roman Catholic country.

Even with the introduction of secular aspects, as mentioned above, the principal meaning of Jesus’ birth and the family’s importance endure in Christmas traditions.

The authentic traditions appear throughout the Christmas season and Christmastide ending on January 6th, Epiphany Day (Dia da Epifania do Senhor)

One church service when every pew is full is Midnight Mass or the Rooster’s Mass (Missa da Galo), as it’s known in Portugal.

The title references the only time roosters have ever crowed at midnight, instead of dawn, on the night that Baby Jesus was born.

Service begins before midnight on Christmas Eve and welcomes the first joyful hour of Christmas Day.

In some church courtyards, the custom remains to build a bonfire, where worshippers meet and wish one another Merry Christmas (Feliz Natal).

Before Midnight Mass or afterward, families exchange their Christmas gifts

Christmas in Lisbon: Christmas Tastes and Treats

Portuguese traditions of gastronomy and hospitality create Christmas meals that are abundant not only with robust flavors and hearty servings but also with divine delicacies and delicate nuances.

Let’s sample below some of these traditional Portuguese dishes, a legendary culinary legacy.

Later when you visit Lisbon for the Christmas holidays, consider a food tour or hands-on cooking class or baking class in order to sample the delicious legends.

Discover the best tour options and hands-on activities for foodies.

Lisbon at Christmas: Traditional Sweets

Beginning with breakfast, and for that matter, dessert, traditional sweets tempt everyone’s sweet tooth.

Rabanadas or Golden Slices (Fatias Dourados) are French toast with a Portuguese twist.

With a crispy fried exterior and a creamy custard interior, a stale baguette suddenly becomes a Christmas dessert. Bread that’s one or two days old gives more consistency and cohesion in preparation.

Lightly infused with cinnamon, soaked in milk and sugar, then finished with a little Portuguese wine, either Tinto or Port, the not-quite French toast Rabanada is a sweet sensation.

Additional traditional treats address the breakfast-or-dessert conundrum.

For instance: Portugal’s world-famous egg custard tarts (Pastéis de Nata).

Deep-fried balls (Sonhos Fritos), dipped in cinnamon and sugar, may look rather like Rabanadas; however, these fritters are prepared with fresh bread.

Lastly, rice pudding (Arroz Duce) is made with egg yolks for a thick creamy texture and then topped with cinnamon.

Lisbon at Christmas: Traditional Dishes

Next, let’s move on to Christmas Eve and Christmas dinners. For these important gatherings, traditional dishes remain the rule for chefs in the top hotels and best restaurants, as well as cooks at home.

The star of Christmas Eve is the national dish of codfish; indeed, codfish with everything (Bacalhau com Todos).

Primarily the classic entree preparation is a simple salted and boiled filet (Bacalhau da Consoada). The bacalhau is drizzled with olive oil and accompanied by boiled potatoes and cabbages.

The following day, any codfish leftovers from Christmas Eve (Roupa Velha) are refreshed and served again at Christmas lunch.

For Christmas dinner, meats take center stage; for example: roasted turkey (Peru), marinated goat (Cabrito), or lamb (Borrego).

Finally, the king cake (Bolo Rei) and queen cake (Bolo Rainha) reign supreme. 

Round like a Christmas wreath, the king cake is stuffed with dried fruits and nuts and then crowned with candied fruits.

The queen cake features a similar round shape and fully loaded interior as bolo rei. Delicate almonds instead of candied fruit then crown the bolo rainha.

Fine Portuguese wine and liqueurs and a beautifully set table finish the family feast.

Christmas in Lisbon: Festive Fact

In 1829, Confeitaria Nacional opened in Fig Tree Square (Praça da Figueira), the beautiful square adjacent to Rossio.

Here, Balthazar Roiz Castanheira, baker to the King of Portugal, introduced the first king cake (Bolo Rei) to Lisbon and then to all of Portugal.

Two centuries later, Confeitaria Nacional is still going strong in its original location. Still owned by the Castanheiro family. Still baking copious quantities year round of these popular cakes and other posh pastries.

With immediate proximity to the best places, Confeitaria Nacional is a great place to pop in for a pastry and coffee. Assuming, that is, you don’t mind waiting in line.

Address: Confeitaria Nacional | Praça da Figueira 18B | 1100-241 Lisbon Portugal

Instead of waiting in line at Confeitaria Nacional, here’s an alternative that also puts you in immediate proximity to Rossio and Praca da Figeura:

Consider staying a few steps away at the Castanheiro family’s luxury boutique hotel, Casa Bathazar.

Casa Balthazar is a beautiful hidden gem, peaceful despite the lively surroundings in the city’s heart.

The chic guest rooms and suites are airy, modern, and surprisingly spacious. Some have balconies with city vistas. All guests have access to the garden courtyard and petite heated swimming pool.

The small hotel spa offers a whirlpool, sauna, and Turkish bath. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

Breakfast incorporates renowned items from Confeitaria Nacional, of course – freshly made and delivered straight to your plate.

Check the current availability and best prices for your stay.

Christmas in Lisbon: New Year Celebrations

New Year’s Eve in Lisbon

Lisbon welcomes the year’s end and inaugurates the new year in grand and glorious style.

Huge crowds gather in Commerce Square for the annual free New Year’s Eve celebration and midnight fireworks light show.

Can’t make it to the heart of the city? No problem, because the fireworks extravaganza lights up the sky over the Tagus and above the city.

Address: Praça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paço) | 1100-148 Lisboa

Prefer a VIP viewing, dancing, and a Champagne toast at a New Year’s Eve party? Consider a fireworks cruise from the stunning perspective of a floating party on the Tagus River.

Make it a splash with the best New Year’s Eve celebrations!

New Year Concerts in Lisbon

As the nation’s capital and cultural center, Lisbon offers numerous entertainment options during the festive season and Christmastide.

One particularly is a local favorite: the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra (Orquestra Metropolitana de Lisboa).

Inspired by long-standing Viennese New Year traditions, the Metropolitan’s New Year music program focuses on Johann Strauss the Younger, the Waltz King who composed The Blue Danube.

The Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra performs its popular concerts in different venues throughout Greater Lisbon.

The 2025 New Year Concert season encompasses :

• New Year’s Day on January 1st, 2025, in the Main Auditorium at the Cultural Center of Belem
• Twelfth Night /  Epiphany Eve Concert on January 4th, 2025, at the Luisa Todi Municipal Forum in Setabul

Tickets to all concerts are available in person at the venue box offices.

Belém Address: Cultural Center of Belem Box Office | Grande Auditório do Centro Cultural de Belém, Praça do Império | 1149-003 Lisbon Portugal
Setabul Address: Luisa Todi Municipal Forum Box Oiffice | Luísa Todi Fórum Municipal, Avenida Luísa Todi 61-67 | 2900-459 Setúbal Portugal

Lisbon at Christmas: Transportation and Travel Tips

Lisbon Public Transportation

Lisbon’s extensive public transportation system includes the:

• Lisbon Metro subway and Carris bus system.
• Modern trams like the new 15 tram between Praca da Figueira and Belem.
• Historic trams such as the iconic 28 tram on its circular city route.
• Cable railways, i.e., the Gloria funicular Elevador da Glória, Bica, and Lavra lift up to Bairro Alto.

Public transport is the best way to get around Lisbon, at Christmas time and any time.

The Lisbon Card puts the whole Lisbon public transportation network at our fingertips – and your fingertips, too.

In short, the Lisbon Card is a great way to explore Lisbon and enjoy additional benefits – easily, efficiently, and affordably.

The Lisbon Card

The Lisbon Card provides unlimited free rides on all public transport citywide and within the Greater Lisbon Metropolitan area.

Additionally, the Lisbon Card includes unlimited free rides on trains between Cais do Sodre and Cascais; and trains between Gare do Oriente, Rossio, and Sintra railway stations.

But wait, there’s more! The Lisbon Card also provides free admission to the most famous attractions; for instance:

• Santa Justa Elevator (Ascensor de Santa Justa).
• UNESCO World Heritage Site Tower of Belem (Torre de Belém) and Jeronimos Monastery (Monasterio de los Jerónimos).
• Museums galore.

All this unlimited public transportation, free admissions, and shopping discounts. All for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours from the time of your card activation.

When you purchase your Lisbon Card online, it’s valid for a year from the date of purchase.

Weather in Lisbon in December

Lisbon is known for its Mediterranean climate and correspondingly mild winter months of sunshine coupled with rain.

The month of December tends to be the rainiest, with November a close second. January is the coldest month.

During the day, Lisbon’s average temperatures in December are 59 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 16 degrees Celsius). At night, the average temperatures in December are 46 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (8 to 10 degrees Celsius).

Weather in recent years, however, has certainly become less predictable. So the best plan is to be prepared.

What to Wear in Lisbon in December

The top Lisbon packing tips for your December trip start with warm layered clothing to put on and take off as temperatures dictate.

Cashmere sweaters or merino sweaters, for instance, combine cozy warmth and classic style for men and women.

Also, cashmere sweaters are versatile clothes. Go casual and pair the sweater with jeans during the day. Later, dress up the sweater with skirts or pants for festive evenings.

A winter jacket or warm coat is useful outerwear, especially in fog and rain. But sometimes the Lisbon December days are sunny and nice enough for a denim jacket or light jacket.

Stylish Lisboetas select oversized plush scarves to wrap cozily and drape nonchalantly around the neck and shoulders.

Along with your chic scarf, you’ll want to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and perhaps a hat.

What else to wear in Lisbon in December? Sturdy shoes, sneakers, or boots are the best choice in Portugual winter months.

The cobblestone streets get quite slippery in the rain. And the uneven pavement obviously can wreak havoc on ladies’ high heels in all weather.

Lastly, you’ll want to include a sturdy retractable travel umbrella on your Lisbon packing list.

Christmas in Lisbon: In Conclusion

As the saying goes, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. And the Portuguese capital is a wonderful place to celebrate the moments, the memories, and the meaning of this season.

Treasured Portuguese traditions, beautiful lights, brilliant decorations, and the Portuguese people envelop you in Christmas cheer.

Whether it’s your first time in Lisbon or trips subsequently, you’ll find something special to explore, experience, and inspire your Christmas spirit.

Because there’s something special to discover everywhere.

So, yes, do come visit Lisboa in the Christmas season. Even without the snowy white Christmas of other European countries, Portugal is a genuine gem of the Christmas holidays.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (Feliz Natal e Feliz Ano Novo) to you and yours!

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Christmas in Lisbon: Map

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