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Welcome to the ultimate guide for celebrating Christmas 2024 in Lisbon! Known for its vibrant culture and rich history, Lisbon transforms into a magical wonderland during the holiday season. From dazzling light displays and festive markets to historic landmarks and cozy cafes, the city offers a plethora of activities to make your Christmas unforgettable. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this guide will help you discover the best activities and things to do in Lisbon, ensuring a memorable holiday experience filled with joy and cheer.
Christmas Markets in Lisbon
Christmas markets in Lisbon are not just markets. They offer a blend of endless shopping and free entertainment. Get ready to buy goods at Christmas-special prices, skate at rinks, spend time with Santa Claus, find handmade products from local craftsmen, and admire sparkling Christmas trees.
Here are some of the most popular Christmas markets in Lisbon:
Wonderland Lisboa: Find on Map
Rossio Square: Find on Map
Campo Pequeno: Find on Map
Ateneu Comercial De Lisboa: Find on Map
Explore Historic Landmarks
Immerse yourself in Lisbon's rich heritage by visiting its most renowned landmarks during the festive season. Sites like São Jorge Castle and Belém Tower offer a window into Portugal's illustrious history while also providing picturesque settings for Christmas celebrations.
Here are some historic landmarks to visit during Christmas in Lisbon:
São Jorge Castle: Explore here
Belém Tower: Explore here
Lisbon Oceanarium: Explore here
Jerónimos Monastery: Explore here
Earthquake Museum: Explore here
The Tallest Christmas Tree in Europe
Lisbon proudly showcases an extraordinary Christmas tree that captures the hearts of both residents and visitors—the tallest Christmas tree in Europe. Standing majestically at 76 meters, this impressive tree graces the iconic Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio), transforming it into a captivating winter wonderland that draws crowds from all over to admire its grandeur.
Some other Christmas trees to see in Lisbon:
The Christmas trees along Avenida da Liberdade: Find on Map
Christmas tree at Rossio Square: Find on Map
Decorated Christmas trees at Lisbon Baixa: Find on Map
Visit a Church at Midnight
In Portugal, where the majority of the population is Roman Catholic, Christmas traditions are celebrated with great fervor in Lisbon. One of the most significant traditions is attending Midnight Mass, also known as Missa do Galo. This special service is held at midnight and is a cherished part of the Christmas festivities. Visiting the churches during this time allows you to witness Lisbon's unique and heartfelt celebration of the holiday.
Go to these famous churches in Lisbon:
Lisbon Cathedral: Read here
Church of São Roque: Read here
Carmo Convent: Find on Map
Church of Santa Engrácia: Find on Map
Praça do Comércio and Rossio Square
Watch Christmas Lights on the Streets
Lisbon becomes a mesmerizing sight during Christmas, with streets adorned with decorative lights, dazzling displays, and festive carousels. This enchanting spectacle is a must-see and will leave lasting memories of your visit. You can enjoy street food, stroll through the lit-up streets, and soak in the festive ambiance just like the locals do, with the lights twinkling until midnight.
Visit these streets during Christmas:
Praça de Commercio: Find on Map
Baixa-Chiado: Find on Map
Bairro Alto : Find on Map
Avenida de Liberdade: Find on Map
Enjoy Bolo Rei
Made with white dough, candies, and dried fruit, Bolo Rei is a traditional king cake enjoyed during December, especially at Christmas. Its crown-like appearance, adorned with fruits and nuts as the "crown jewels," makes it a festive treat. Every bakery in Lisbon prepares Bolo Rei during the holiday season, allowing you to savor this delightful dessert and celebrate Christmas like the locals.
Get these sweet dishes from these bakeries:
Confeitaria Nacional: See here
Pastelaria Monte Rei: Find on Map
Careca: Find on Map
Docel Pastry Shop: Find on Map
Experience Snow Activities at Theme Parks
Christmas and snow are a classic combination, and Lisbon’s theme parks during Christmas week offer a perfect blend of festive fun and winter wonderland activities. Whether you're visiting with kids or looking to relive the magic of childhood, these parks provide a delightful mix of a fun fair and a Christmas market. Enjoy activities such as ice skating, ice ramps, carousels, and exploring snow globes, all while shopping for unique Christmas gifts.
The top-rated amusement parks in and around Lisbon:
Wonderland Lisboa: Find on Map
Parque Eduardo VII: Find on Map
Perlim: Find on Map
Green Beans Sintra: Find on Map
Celebrate Christmas at Lisbon's Beaches
Lisbon's beaches, renowned as some of Europe's finest, offer a unique way to celebrate Christmas with their stunning city views and festive atmosphere. Spend the holiday relaxing on the sand, enjoying a picnic with your favorite foods, and watching fireworks light up the sky with your loved ones.
Head to these beaches in Lisbon for a Christmas bash:
Azehnas do Mar: Read here
Galapinhos Beach: Find on Map
Baleal Island: Find on Map
Carcavelos Beach: Find on Map
Ursa Beach: Read here
Visit Small Towns Around Lisbon
For a peaceful and charming Christmas experience, explore the quaint towns surrounding Lisbon. These picturesque locations are perfect for celebrating with friends and family, offering a glimpse into the unique Christmas traditions of Portugal.
Visit these towns and villages near Lisbon:
Sintra – Just 28.5 km from Lisbon, Sintra is known for its fairytale palaces and lush landscapes.
Óbidos – 85.2 km from Lisbon, Óbidos is a medieval town famous for its cobblestone streets and Christmas decorations.
Nazaré – Situated 122 km from Lisbon, Nazaré is known for its stunning coastal views and festive atmosphere.
Learn About Lisbon's History in Museums
Understanding a city's history and culture is essential when visiting. Lisbon, with its rich and diverse heritage, offers numerous museums that provide deep insights into its past and artistic achievements. Spend a day or two exploring these museums, surrounded by works of renowned Portuguese artists, for a unique and enlightening Christmas celebration.
Here are some of the famous museums in Lisbon:
National Azulejo Museum: This museum is dedicated to the traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles, known as azulejos, showcasing their history from the 15th century to the present.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum: Home to a vast collection of ancient and modern art, this museum features works from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, collected by the philanthropist Calouste Gulbenkian.
MUDE (Museu do Design e da Moda): Focused on design and fashion, MUDE displays a diverse range of contemporary and historical pieces, highlighting the evolution of style and aesthetics.
Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga: As the National Museum of Ancient Art, this institution houses an extensive collection of Portuguese and European art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
Savor Traditional Lisbon Food at Restaurants
Feasting is a hallmark of any celebration, and Lisbon's culinary scene offers a wealth of options to indulge in during the Christmas season. Exploring the city's restaurants will allow you to experience the rich flavors of traditional Portuguese dishes, specially prepared for the festive period.
What to eat in Lisbon on Christmas and where:
Bacalhau and Cenouras at Alma: Enjoy the quintessential Portuguese dish, Bacalhau (salted cod), paired with carrots, at this Michelin-starred restaurant known for its modern take on traditional flavors
Dinner with Fado Show in Lisbon Restaurants: Experience an unforgettable evening by enjoying a traditional Portuguese dinner accompanied by a soulful Fado performance.
Sardines and Cenouras at Agulha no Palheiro : Savor perfectly grilled sardines, a Lisbon staple, alongside carrots at this charming eatery that emphasizes authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Seafood at Pateo - Bairro do Avillez: Dive into a variety of fresh seafood dishes at Pateo, located in the renowned Bairro do Avillez, where traditional recipes meet contemporary flair.
Indulging in these traditional dishes will not only satisfy your taste buds but also give you a deeper appreciation of Lisbon’s rich culinary heritage.
Conclusion
Christmas in Lisbon is a unique blend of tradition, culture, and festive spirit. From exploring historic landmarks and indulging in local delicacies like Bolo Rei to enjoying snow activities in theme parks and witnessing the tallest Christmas tree in Europe, there is something for everyone to enjoy. By visiting the charming small towns around Lisbon and learning about its rich history in various museums, you can fully immerse yourself in the city's holiday atmosphere. Embrace the warmth and joy of the season with these amazing activities and create lasting memories in the enchanting city of Lisbon.
*Exclusive land and sea bus tour of the Castle with a full ride in Tagus river. (Pick up and skip the line included)