Portugal does the festive season with a cosy, neighbourhood feel: twinkly squares, proper artisan stalls, and plenty of warming snacks. You'll get cork crafts, ceramics and textiles alongside seasonal favourites like bolo-rei, roasted chestnuts and cups of ginjinha. Portugal's best Christmas markets are lively but laid-back, with choirs, small stages and family-friendly rides dotted around historic centres.
Why visit Christmas markets in Portugal?
You get traditional European market vibes with a distinctly Portuguese twist. You'll find handcrafted cork, clay and wool pieces sit next to trays of rabanadas, sonhos and hot chocolate, plus mulled wine, Madeira and port tastings. Most markets are centrally placed, so it’s easy to weave lights, shops and cafés into one gentle wander.
Head to Portugal's most popular Christmas destination for a day at the market, or dive into nature and spend the festive season in one of the country's best places for a snowy escape.
Top Christmas markets to visit in 2025
Rossio Christmas Market - Lisbon
Set in Rossio, Lisbon, with views up to São Jorge Castle, this central market strings together wooden chalets, crafts, hot drinks and a generous spread of lights. It’s popular with families and has seasonal entertainment on many evenings that combine with Lisbon's impressive Christmas lights. Chestnuts roast on the corners, and there’s usually chouriço assado and slices of bolo-rei to keep hands warm.
- Dates: 14th November - 21st December 2025
Wonderland Lisboa – Lisbon
The capital’s biggest festive fair takes over Parque Eduardo VII with an ice rink, Ferris wheel, rides and long rows of stalls. Weekends and post-work evenings draw crowds, while weekday afternoons feel calmer. Expect crêpes, waffles, filhós and plenty of hot drinks, plus some veggie and gluten-free options. Set aside some time to explore the non-touristy things to do in Lisbon once you've admired the lights and bought a couple of trinkets.
- Dates: 29th November - 5th January 2026
Mercado de Natal do Porto – Porto
On Praça da Batalha, Porto’s market blends local makers, live music and a warm northern atmosphere. Wander down towards São Bento to catch the tiled station before looping back for a cup of hot chocolate, caldo verde or a taste of small-batch port. And don't leave without admiring Porto's magical Christmas lights display.
- Dates: 29th November - 30th December 2025
Óbidos Vila Natal – Óbidos
The medieval lanes of Óbidos become a full-on fairytale for Vila Natal, with rides, ice slides, Santa's grotto, and an illuminated circuit around the walls. It’s very family-focused, though a cheeky ginjinha in a chocolate cup keeps grown-ups cheerful. It's good to arrive early to explore the cobbles in peace, as Óbidos is a top destination in Portugal for holidays in December.
- Dates: 28th November - 4th January 2026
Christmas Market in Braga
Located in Braga's historic centre near the cathedral, this traditional market leans into choirs, a large Nativity scene and a busy run of stalls selling regional crafts and gourmet treats. Try pão de ló and chestnuts, with warm wine or a local liqueur to take the edge off the chill.
- Dates: 29th November - 24th December 2025
Funchal Christmas Market – Madeira
Along Avenida Arriaga, in Madeira’s capital, Funchal, the open-air market lines the promenade with flowers, tropical fruit, folk music and rows of craft stalls. The market runs for several weeks as the official Christmas Market, while Noites do Mercado is a separate late-night street party centred on Mercado dos Lavradores and nearby streets. Madeira's Christmas lights display is famous nationwide and well worth exploring, and sticking around for New Year's Eve in Funchal won't be a disappointment.
- Dates: Funchal Christmas Market, 1st December to 5th January 2026; 'Noites do Mercado', 9th - 23rd December 2025
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