Christmas tree in Comércio Square, downtown Lisbon.
Although most people visit Lisbon for the sunshine and beaches in the spring and summer months, the city is also a good choice in late December for a bit of Christmas joy, as it’s never as cold as most other European capitals. The smokey scent of roasted chestnuts fill the streets, the main squares turn into markets and the streets dress up in dazzling lights. Here is everything you need to know about Christmas in Lisbon.
Christmas Decorations in Lisbon
The holiday decorations in Lisbon go up at the end of October and the lights are switched on in November. The most festive areas are the Baixa and Chiado districts, with the main squares (Praça do Comércio, Rossio and Praça Luís de Camões) and pedestrian streets (Rua Augusta and Rua do Carmo) featuring the more magical displays.
Traditionally, the first decorations to be inaugurated are those of the Armazéns do Chiado shopping mall, whose façade is usually completely covered with sparkling lights. On Praça Luís de Camões you find the most photo-ops, often with a display spelling “Lisboa” and large installations that in the past have included a gigantic ball, a Santa Claus and a castle.
The Christmas Tree in Lisbon
The Christmas tree is traditionally set up on the northeastern end of Comércio Square, and there have been years when it was said to be the tallest in Europe, reaching over 30 meters (about 100ft) in height. It’s usually possible to walk inside it for the best photo opportunities. On the night when the lights are switched on, there are usually fireworks and concerts by some of Portugal’s top musical acts.
To see it from a different perspective – from the river – take a cruise that departs from just feet away.
Christmas Markets in Lisbon
Rossio Christmas Market
From mid-November to Christmas eve, Rossio Square turns into the main Christmas market in town. Here you can savor local and international delicacies, and just might find the perfect gift, such as handmade crafts. For the postcard holiday photos, there’s Santa Claus’ house. The adjoining square, Praça da Figueira, also usually hosts a food market for several days at Christmas time.
Wonderland Lisboa
A big Ferris wheel welcomes families to the Wonderland Lisboa fair on Parque Eduardo VII throughout the month of December until the first days of January. Kids love the carnival rides and the ice skating rink, while parents enjoy a warm drink or a meal from one of the many food stalls. Admission is free.
Campo Pequeno Christmas Market
An alternative market is often held at the Campo Pequeno arena, offering festive foods and crafts that make great gifts. This one does charge admission, and usually takes place for two weekends in late November and early December, for early Christmas shopping.
Bairro Alto Christmas Market
Similar to the markets in Rossio and Praça da Figueira, this market offers food stalls and opportunities to buy local gifts, but also something extra – one of the best views over the city, as it takes place at the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint.
Christmas Train
Santa Claus himself operates this electric train accompanied by his elves, taking you around downtown, past the main Christmas decorations. It’s free and runs from mid-November to Christmas, starting in the afternoon. As you can imagine, queues tend to be long, so you’ll need a bit of patience. It usually departs from Rossio Square, by the landmark Café Nicola.
Óbidos Christmas Village
The biggest Christmas attraction in the Lisbon region is the enchanting Óbidos Christmas Village, about one hour north of the city. The beautiful medieval town of Óbidos takes you back in time and into the magical Christmas spirit with activities for all ages around its narrow streets and especially by the castle (admission is charged for the castle activities).
Cascais Christmas Village
Looking for a Christmas holiday by the sea? Get on the train and head to Cascais, just 40 minutes from Lisbon. Its central park (Parque Marechal Carmona) becomes the Christmas Village from late November to early January, with Santa Claus, reindeer, and elves walking around a small ice skating rink and family-friendly activities. Elsewhere in town you’ll find a large Ferris wheel and a promenade for seaside walks.
Christmas Shows, Concerts and Nativity Scenes
The classic Christmas shows, such as The Nutcracker and Frozen, can also be seen in Lisbon on most years, usually at Sagres Campo Pequeno and Teatro Tivoli BBVA (click on the links for this year’s dates and ticket information).
For Christian concerts, check out those happening throughout the month at São Roque Church and the National Pantheon. For nativity scenes, visit Basilica da Estrela (look for the sign pointing to “Presépio” inside the church), the cathedral, the National Tile Museum, and Igreja do Loreto in Chiado.
Christmas Cake
You’ll find a ring-shaped Bolo Rei (literally “King Cake”) at every Portuguese table at Christmas time. Topped with dried fruits and nuts, and with raisins and nuts inside, it originated in Lisbon, at the Confeitaria Nacional pastry shop. Although it’s sold at every supermarket and major pastry shop around the holidays, it’s at Confeitaria Nacional that many still choose to buy theirs. Traditionally, it includes a fava bean inside, and when the cake is shared at the Christmas table, whoever gets the fava bean in their slice, must buy another cake.
Christmas Shopping in Lisbon
Shopping malls such as Amoreiras, Armazéns do Chiado and Colombo, offer discounts and attractive displays to draw locals, but the best shopping experiences are downtown, letting the Christmas lights guide you towards the main shopping streets. You’ll find everything from luxury brands down Avenida da Liberdade, to more affordable shops around Chiado and Baixa.
Christmas Weather in Lisbon
Don’t expect a white Christmas in Lisbon – temperatures never reach the freezing point, so it never snows, and a mild Christmas day with sunny skies is not unusual. High temperatures reach between 12 and 18 degrees celsius (54 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit).
Holiday Hours in Lisbon
Almost all businesses close on December 25th in Lisbon, and many close earlier on the 24th. December 26th is a regular working day. The restaurants that you’ll find open on Christmas day are those connected to hotels. The same applies to New Year’s Eve (special hours) and New Year’s Day (most businesses closed except for a few restaurants). Public transportation is available even on Christmas day, but runs on reduced schedules. Monuments and museums are open on December 24th and 31st, but closed on December 25th and January 1st. An attraction that’s open on both Christmas and New Year’s Day is the Oceanarium. Always open and always free are the city’s viewpoints.
New Year’s Eve in Lisbon
Will you be staying in Lisbon to welcome the new year? The main celebrations, with live music and a major fireworks show at midnight, takes place in Praça do Comércio. The top of the sloping park Parque Eduardo VII is also a popular spot to be at midnight to watch the fireworks over the Tagus. Another vantage point for the fireworks show is the viewpoint São Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto.
