Christmas in Lisbon - Christmas vacation in the capital of Portugal
Welcome to the shining city of Lisbon, a city where the holiday season brings with it a symphony of lights, joy and warmth in the cool Atlantic breeze. Imagine strolling through the cobbled streets of the city, with every corner heralding the joy of the holiday with the tunes of Portuguese carols floating in the air and decorations and lights adorning the historic buildings. Christmas in Lisbon is a mosaic of cultural richness, a tapestry of tradition and a spark of contemporary celebration.
While many cities around Europe and the whole world offer colorful Christmas celebrations, the city of Lisbon offers something unique. There, in the place where the scent of the pine mingles with the sea breeze and the twinkling lights are reflected from the Tehu River, one can truly find peace and magic, those that turn even the cold winter day into a warm and delightful experience.
So if you're coming to the city of Lisbon during the Christmas season and looking for a way to explore Portugal's colorful holiday season, you've come to the right place. In the guide in front of you we will make sure that you will be able to navigate safely between the markets, events, traditions and pleasures that the Lisboa Christmas season offers. Let's get started:
Christmas - what are all the celebrations about?
Christmas, celebrated every year on December 24-25 all over the Christian world and beyond, is actually a cultural and religious holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Messiah, the central figure in the Christian world. Although it has its origins in the Christian faith, Christmas transcends religious boundaries and has become over the years a global celebration that embodies peace, goodwill and pure joy.
Although it retains its meaning as a holy day in which the birth of Christ is remembered, Christmas has evolved over the years and become a spiritual and cultural holiday, with countless traditions and customs added to it over the years - from exchanging gifts through decorating Christmas trees to festive and luxurious meals.
Christmas is a time for family and friends to gather and dine together, express gratitude and engage in the spirit of family and friends. Although each country has different ways of celebrating the holiday, Christmas is united by themes of love, joy and the celebration of life.
A historical touch - the local Christmas story
Christmas celebrations in the city of Lisbon, like most of Portugal, are deeply rooted in the country's rich religious and cultural history. The celebrations reflect a combination of Catholic tradition, local customs and influences from Portugal's history as a maritime nation that was once an influential world empire.
Christmas in Portugal has always been primarily a religious holiday, centered on the celebration of the birth of Jesus Messiah. Lisbon, being the capital city and historical center, has a long tradition of religious ceremonies and masses that mark the festive occasion. Every year for hundreds of years, a midnight mass, known as the "Misa do Gallo" (Rooster Mass), has been held in the city every Christmas Eve, a major event that marks the news of the birth of Jesus. This tradition developed already in the Middle Ages, and it continues to this day in the countless churches and cathedrals that grace the magical city. During the Age of Discovery, from the 15th century onwards, explorers and traders who arrived in Portugal brought with them customs and cultural influences from Africa, Asia and America, influences that seeped into the cultural fabric of Portugal, and also found their way into Christmas celebrations.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Christmas began to develop as a cultural holiday and not just as a religious celebration, when street decorations, public Christmas trees and lighting began to illuminate the streets of the city and the entire country.
Today, the historical and religious significance of Christmas remains, but it is also a time of universal celebration, when the city is decorated with lights and decorations. The combination of old customs, such as the traditional "Consoada" feast eaten on Christmas Eve after midnight mass, alongside new customs such as the Christmas and Santa Claus markets, reflect the city of Lisbon - a city that respects its past while embracing the present and looking to the future.
Throughout its history, the city of Lisbon has seen many changes in the way Christmas is celebrated, but the core of warmth, family and community has always remained at the center of the celebrations.
Christmas in Lisbon - a symphony of colors and worlds
Every year, the last autumn leaves fall, the trees remain bare, the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, a cool breeze carries with it a spirit of change and hope, whispering over the ancient alleys and over the magnificent squares of the city the tidings of Christmas.
It begins with a sparkle, a single light, like a star plucked from the sky and carefully placed on the head of a towering pine in Rossio Square. Then, like in fairy tales, countless more brightly colored lights burst forth, decorating the boulevards and dancing on the ancient buildings. With each passing day, the city becomes more and more colorful, enveloped in a symphony of colors and decorations, jewels shining under the winter moonlight.
And the air is also full of interest and color, as the smell of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts drifts along the historic center of the city. The sounds of traditional songs are heard from the central squares, a melodic reminder of the upcoming celebrations.
And in the historic Alfama neighborhood, the narrow streets come alive with the laughter of children and the chatter of excited shoppers. Artisans from all over the country come with their craft to the Christmas markets, offering lovingly designed treasures - azulejos painted with Christmas scenes, delicate cork and ceramic decorations and scarves in the colors of the Portuguese flag.
Welcome to the city of Lisbon at Christmas, a time of color and interest, a time of fun and excitement. From the magnificence of the Belem district, where the great Jeronimos Monastery stands as the guardian of history, to the modern Parque de Nassau where lights dance along the waterfront, the spirit of Christmas extends to every corner of the city, filling the streets and alleys with love and passion.
Dates you need to know - what is open and what is closed? Making order in the mess
Christmas vacation in the city of Lisbon is a wonderful experience, but nevertheless it should be taken into account that the holidays bring with them limited operating hours and the closure of selected sites. Here is a guide that will help you navigate through the holidays safely:
December 1 - the beginning of the holiday season
The festive lights and decorations begin to twinkle in the streets of Lisbon as it (unofficially) marks the beginning of the Christmas season. On this day shops and businesses are open as usual.
December 8 - national holiday, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
On this religious holiday, families start decorating their home Christmas trees. Christmas markets usually offer extended opening hours and special performances and events.
What's open: Christmas markets, most restaurants and shops, most attractions.
What is closed: banks, government offices and certain services.
December 24 – Christmas Eve (Consoada)
The festive eve, the day when families and friends meet for the traditional Christmas meal before midnight mass.
The vast majority of businesses open in the morning and close in the early afternoon - shops, cafes, sites and attractions, government offices. Public transportation also operates in a reduced holiday format from the afternoon.
As for restaurants, while some restaurants close at lunchtime, many offer festive Christmas dinners in the evening, with special edition menus. Reservations must be made in advance for those restaurants.
December 25 – Christmas
Celebrated with the family, and most commercial activity stops. It's a quiet day around Lisbon.
What's open: Very few sites. Some hotels may offer holiday lunches and activities. Public transportation operates in a reduced format on a holiday, similar to Sunday's operating hours.
What is closed: almost everything - shops, markets, restaurants and tourist attractions.
December 31 - New Year's Eve
A lively evening in the city of Lisbon with fireworks and celebrations. Most businesses will close early for the festivities.
What's open: shops and markets during the day; Restaurants and bars open in the evening, especially those that hold special events (usually a reservation is required). In the evening, public transportation is increased to ensure that all revelers and revelers return safely.
Closed: early closing of shops and services.
January 1 - Civil New Year
What's open: a limited number of restaurants and cafes; Some may open with special brunch services or lunch with festive menus.
Closed: shops, markets and most restaurants. Tourist attractions are often closed or open for limited hours. Public transportation operates on a limited schedule.
January 6 – Dia de Reis (Day of the Three Kings)
The official end of the Christmas season. A day when families gather to take down Christmas decorations, the last day for school, university and workplace holidays.
What's open: Most shops and attractions will return to their normal business hours by this date.
Closed: Some businesses may take this day as a holiday, so it is recommended to check the specific opening hours of the sites you want to visit.
For visitors to Lisbon during the Christmas season, it is essential to plan ahead, especially around the key holiday dates. Restaurants often require reservations during the holiday season, and while public transportation is available, schedules may be limited during the holidays themselves. Always check the opening hours of specific attractions you want to visit during this period to ensure a smooth and trouble-free experience.
Weather in Lisbon during the Christmas season
Let's start from the end - not so bad! If you are afraid of the European cold that will cloud your holiday vacation, you have come to the right place, as the Christmas season in Lisbon offers a mild climate compared to many other European cities, with cool weather that reflects the city's Mediterranean characteristics.
In December, the average temperature in Lisbon ranges from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius, when the days are considered more comfortable and the evenings are quite cool. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean helps moderate the temperature, preventing extreme cold, but can cause a cool breeze from time to time.
However, December is considered one of the wettest months in Lisbon, so although you may experience many sunny days, you should prepare for serious rain. It is advisable to have a waterproof jacket or an umbrella handy. The rain can come in the form of light showers and occasionally heavy rain.
With an average of about 5 hours of sunshine per day in December, Lisbon's daylight is significantly shorter than in the summer months, but this is still enough to explore the city in natural light. The sun tends to set early in the evening, giving way to the city's Christmas lights.
How to dress?
The solution is to dress in layers, one that you can adapt to the changing temperatures throughout the day. Warm clothing such as sweaters and jackets is essential, especially for wandering the Christmas markets and decorated streets in the evening. It is also recommended to have comfortable and rain-proof walking shoes. Regarding thermal clothing, opinions differ, as most travelers do not need thermal clothing, but those who suffer from a cold will find it easier on the cool evening and morning hours.
Overall, the Christmas season in Lisbon is quite pleasant and the mild temperatures provide a comfortable holiday experience, one that allows visitors to enjoy outdoor festivities such as Christmas markets and New Year's celebrations without the bitter cold that freezes many other European capitals.
What do you do during Christmas in Lisbon?
Christmas markets
Lisbon's Christmas markets are the highlight of the holiday for most visitors to the city. The markets bring the spirit of the festive season to life in the form of lights, decorations and countless stalls of local art, handicrafts, souvenirs, decorations and culinary delights. Here are the markets you shouldn't miss:
Mercado de Natal do Campo Pequeno
Held in the famous old bullring Campo Pequeno, this market offers a wide variety of stalls that focus on Portuguese arts and traditional handicrafts. You will find stalls of charming decorations, lovely gifts and culinary delights, with the atmosphere inside warm and comforting and smells of Christmas treats filling the air.
Where located: Campo Pequeno bullring complex.
Opening dates and hours as of 2023:
November 30 - 17:00-22:00
1 לדצמבר- 11:00-22:00
2 לדצמבר- 17:00-22:00
December 3 and December 4- 11:00-22:00
7 לדצמבר- 17:00-22:00
8 לדצמבר- 11:00-22:00
9 לדצמבר- 11:00-22:00
December 10 and December 11- 11:00-22:00
Rossio Christmas Market
Located in one of Lisbon's main squares, Rossio Square, this market is the perfect place to soak up the festive atmosphere. The square is beautifully lit, and the market stalls offer a variety of traditional Portuguese Christmas decorations, sweets and colorful gifts.
Where located: Rossio Square - Praça do Rossio
Dates (as of 2023): November 18 – December 21, 2023
שעות פתיחה:
10:00 to 21:30 - Sunday to Thursday + holidays
10:00 to 22:30 - Friday, Saturday
Obidos Christmas village
A short drive from Lisbon will bring you to the magical town of Óbidos, which holds one of the most magical Christmas events in the country every year. The entire medieval village is transformed into a Christmas-themed kingdom, with lively markets, an ice rink and a house decorated in the style of Santa Claus. Although it is not a market in Lisbon itself, it is a popular destination for those who want to go on a day trip in the spirit of Christmas.
Location: Óbidos, about an hour's drive from the city of Lisbon. You can reach it by convenient public transportation.
Dates: November 30 until December 31, 2023.
The Winter Kingdom of Lisbon (Wonderland Lisbon)
Christmas markets are a wonderful thing, but if you've ever dreamed of stepping into a fairytale book, one that feels like taking a trip to Santa Claus's kingdom, Lisbon's Winter Kingdom invites you to do just that. This is a Christmas event that takes place for the seventh year (as of 2023) in Parque Eduardo VII (Parque Eduardo VII), a beautiful and wide public space in Lisbon that comes alive in the spirit of Christmas. The central location offers a panoramic view of the city, adding a dramatic touch to the festive lights and decorations.
Attractions
The market includes a wide variety of attractions for all ages:
Ferris Wheel: which offers amazing views of the city decorated with Christmas lights.
Ice skating rink: A winter classic where visitors can skate to festive music.
Christmas market: Over 60 stalls and booths that sell a variety of traditional handicrafts, Christmas gifts, festive foods and classic sweets.
'Santa's Grotto': A magical experience for children, a colorful and designed kingdom where the little ones can meet Santa Claus himself.
live shows: Music events and live performances often take the event stage, providing entertainment and fun for visitors.
Important Information
Dates: 1.12-1.1
Location: The winter kingdom of Lisbon is located in the park - Parque Eduardo VII in the center of the city.
Entrance: Entrance to the park and the Christmas market is free, but the attractions inside Wonderland such as the giant wheel and ice skating of course charge a fee.
The decorated and illuminated city
During the Christmas season, Lisbon is lit up with festive decorations and amazing displays that create a magical atmosphere throughout the city. In the evening, when darkness falls on the city, Lisbon comes alive in a symphony of lights and colors, and you should not miss it. Here are some of the main places to see in the illuminated and decorated city:
Avenida da Liberdade
This magnificent boulevard, the equivalent of the Parisian Champs-Elysées, is decorated with lights and decorations that illuminate the prestigious shops and boutiques. A walk down this boulevard gives a sense of Lisbon's holiday spirit in its most fashionable surroundings.
Rossio Square
One of Lisbon's main squares, Rossio Square becomes a festive wonderland. The square and the surrounding streets are decorated and decorated with traditional Christmas motifs, where the city's central market also takes place.
Terreiro do Paço
Also known as Praça do Comércio, this historic riverside square hosts the city's largest Christmas tree and is a hub of festive activities. The surrounding buildings are brightly lit, complementing the majestic views of the Tagus River.
Castelo de São Jorge
The historic castle and magical Alfama district are full of historic decorations, all against the backdrop of panoramic views from the castle that offer a unique perspective on the Christmas lights that adorn the city streets.
Belém
The Belem cultural district, home to the Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower, presents festive lights and decorations during the Christmas season that complement its spectacular monuments and museums.
Winning tip: ride the city's tram line number 28 to gain a spectacular view of the decorated city.
The culinary delights of Lisbon's Christmas
The Christmas season in Lisbon, as in the rest of Portugal, is characterized by tables laden with special dishes that have been perfected and built over generations. Food plays a central role in Portuguese celebrations, and the Christmas period showcases the country's rich culinary traditions. Here are some of the special Christmas foods you must try when visiting the city:
Bacalhau da Consoada
On Christmas Eve, known as "consoada", it is traditional to eat becalhau (cod fish), which is often boiled and served with potatoes, cabbage and hard-boiled eggs, all covered with a generous amount of olive oil. This dish is a staple of the Portuguese Christmas dinner, reflecting the country's long-standing relationship with the sea.
Where to find it: Almost every traditional Portuguese restaurant in Lisbon will be serving Bacalhau da Consoada on Christmas Eve.
Bolo Rei and Bolo Rainha (Bolo Rei, Bolo Rainha)
Bolo Rey, or "King Cake", is a central dessert during the Christmas season. This sweet and round bread is filled with nuts and dried fruits and topped with a glaze of sugar and other fruits and nuts, reminiscent of a king's crown. The bolo reina, or "queen's cake", served without the candied fruit, satisfies those who prefer only nuts.
Where to find: Widely available in bakeries around Lisbon during the Christmas season. Pastelaria Versailles and Confeitaria Nacional are two well-known bakeries where these cakes are particularly popular. Christmas markets like Wonderland Lisboa also have stalls selling these festive treats.
Rabanadas
Ravanados are slices of bread soaked in milk or wine, coated in egg and fried in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon, somewhat reminiscent of French toast.
Where to find it: Rabenads are a common find in bakeries and Christmas markets, often served as dessert in restaurants during the holidays. Look for them in the traditional cafes of Lisbon, where they are enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of port wine.
Filhós and Sonhos (Filhós, Sonhos)
Filhos are thin, fried dough pastries, stretched until they are almost transparent, covered in sugar and cinnamon. Sonhos (which means "dreams") are light and airy fried dough balls, also dusted with sugar and cinnamon. Both are incredibly addictive, we warned in advance..
Where to find: These sweet pastries are a popular ingredient in Christmas markets and you can also find them in most traditional bakeries, such as Manteigaria Silva.
Peru de Natal
A traditional dish of stuffed roasted turkey, served with vegetables and rice. A very popular dish at Christmas time.
Where to find it: On Christmas Day, many restaurants offer a special menu that includes the Peru de Natal dish. It is recommended to reserve a place in advance for such meals!
Licor Beirão and Ginja
For dessert, or just to get drunk and enjoy yourself, it is customary to enjoy a glass of Licor Beirão or Ginja, sweet Portuguese liqueurs that aid digestion and end the meal nicely.
Where to find: The traditional Portuguese liqueurs are available in most bars and restaurants, but for a real local experience visit A Ginginha, a small bar on Largo de São Domingos that serves excellent ginha.
So as an enthusiastic local once told us, "Lisbon during the Christmas season is like a family meal when suddenly some distant uncle appears to lift the mood". The city of Lisbon puts on its most festive and glittering clothes during this period, offering a mesmerizing and exciting journey, not to mention the addictive pastries and delightful dishes that can be found in every corner of the city during this period. So if you want to go on a journey even more delightful than sweet porto wine, buy plane tickets now and go discover the city of Lisbon during the Christmas period.
