Lisbon’s festive season returns with scale and pageantry across the city centre. Check out the monumental tree on the riverfront and the illuminated routes through Baixa and Chiado.
Switch-on ceremony at Terreiro do Paço
The switch-on is scheduled for Saturday, 22nd November at 6:30 pm in the plaza known as Terreiro do Paço, launching a programme that combines spectacle with a strong sustainability agenda.
- Place: Praça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paço) on the Tagus waterfront.
- Programme: opening light show and orchestra with fireworks, plus a special appearance by fado singer Sara Correia.
What’s lighting up in Lisbon and where to find it
For Christmas 2025, Lisbon will install 182 km of lights across 46 locations, utilising 1,050 structures and 5,900 decorative elements.
At Praça do Comércio, you'll find a 30‑metre Christmas tree anchoring the riverfront. Rua Garrett will see floating clouds of golden light above the street, and Rua do Ouro will be lined with golden clouds and twinkling stars. Head to Rua do Carmo to admire the tunnel of light arches set to music, and Rua Augusta for lit-up trees and luminous clouds along the spine of Baixa. Finally, Praça de Luís de Camões will host a monumental installation inspired by a festive palace.
Lisbon's sustainable mission for Christmas
LEDs across the network are expected to cut energy use by around 80%. Many elements are reused from previous years, with recyclable and biodegradable materials in the mix. Selected installations incorporate solar power, reinforcing the city’s environmental focus.
Planning a visit to Lisbon at Christmas
The opening night draws large crowds around Terreiro do Paço, Rua Augusta and Praça do Comércio, with weekend evenings typically busiest thereafter Central Baixa and Chiado are flat and walkable, with plenty of vantage points for families and step-free access on main squares.
Find time to explore the many non-touristy things you can do in Lisbon when the crowds get too much.
Suggested light‑walk route
- Start at Rua Augusta and walk to the Praça do Comércio tree.
- Continue along Rua do Ouro for the star displays.
- Loop up to Rua Garrett for the golden clouds, then to Rua do Carmo for the light‑and‑music tunnel.
- Finish in Praça de Luís de Camões to see the palace‑inspired installation.
- Detours are easy across the wider 46‑location network for those with extra time.
When you feel sufficiently bedazzled by the Christmas lights, head to Lisbon's hidden spots in lesser-known neighbourhoods for something off the beaten track.
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