As the holiday season approaches, it brings along festivities, delicious food, vibrant lights, boundless joy, and more. If you're considering spending Christmas abroad, we've got the ideal destination for you. While Portugal is often linked with summer holidays and sunshine, experiencing Christmas in Portugal in December is truly delightful and offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the country. Whether you’re looking for a cosy retreat in the countryside, a coastal escape with mild weather, or the charm of an historic city adorned in Christmas lights, Portugal offers a variety of unique destinations to celebrate the holiday season. These are the best places to spend Christmas in Portugal.
The best place in Portugal for Christmas
Where is the best place to spend Christmas in Portugal? The best place to spend Christmas in Portugal depends on what you're looking for. Cities like Lisbon and Porto offer a vibrant festive atmosphere with light displays and Christmas markets. On the other hand, for a quieter, scenic escape, the Algarve’s mild weather and stunning coastal views make it a perfect Christmas retreat. If you seek a traditional, rural experience, Portugal is also home to a range of countryside towns and villages that will provide a cosy, holiday setting, and maybe even a glimpse of snow. Check out our recommendations below of the best places for a Christmas holiday in Portugal.
Óbidos
Óbidos, one of Portugal's most enchanting towns, transforms into a Christmas wonderland during the holiday season. Known for its medieval charm, the town becomes "Vila Natal" (Christmas Village), with festive lights, decorations, and a magical atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including ice skating, puppet shows, and performances, while wandering through its cobbled streets lined with Christmas markets. The highlight is the stunning Óbidos Castle, which adds to the town’s fairy-tale charm during Christmas.
For a true local experience, be sure to try the traditional ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur, perfect for warming up on a winter's day. Óbidos at Christmas is a delightful destination for anyone seeking a festive, picturesque holiday escape.
Bragança
Bragança, located in northeastern Portugal, offers a unique and charming Christmas experience, especially for those seeking a quieter, more traditional holiday. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval castle and picturesque old town, which look even more magical when adorned with Christmas lights and decorations.
During the festive season, Bragança hosts a variety of events, including Christmas markets where you can find local crafts and delicacies. The atmosphere is cosy and welcoming, with the scent of roasted chestnuts and traditional Portuguese holiday treats filling the air. For a truly wintery experience, the surrounding Trás-os-Montes region, known for its snow-capped mountains, adds a magical touch to the Christmas season in Bragança.
It's an ideal destination for those who want to embrace Portuguese Christmas traditions in a peaceful and scenic setting, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and explore the rich history of the area.
Santa Maria da Feira
Santa Maria da Feira, a charming town in northern Portugal, is a delightful destination to experience Christmas with a blend of tradition and festive cheer. Known for its medieval castle, which becomes a stunning backdrop during the holiday season, the town hosts a variety of Christmas events that make it a perfect festive getaway.
The highlight of Christmas in Santa Maria da Feira is its renowned "Feira Medieval de Natal" (Medieval Christmas Fair), where the town transforms into a medieval village, complete with knights, craftsmen, and festive stalls. Visitors can immerse themselves in this magical atmosphere, enjoying live performances, traditional music, and a wide range of local products and delicacies.
The streets are beautifully lit, and the Christmas markets offer handmade gifts, artisanal foods, and seasonal treats. The town’s welcoming spirit, combined with its historical charm, makes Santa Maria da Feira a fantastic destination for a traditional Portuguese Christmas experience.
Lisbon
Christmas in Lisbon is a truly magical time, and while the city is always a fantastic destination, the holiday season makes it even more special. During Christmas, Lisbon becomes the brightest city in Portugal, with dazzling light displays that are a must-see.
The capital dresses in festive finery, making it an ideal family destination. Throughout the season, you can enjoy a variety of theatre performances and children’s workshops. For added fun, outdoor ice rinks provide entertainment for both adults and kids. Don’t miss "Capital do Natal," Lisbon's enchanting Christmas theme park.
If you’re looking for the perfect gift or haven’t started your shopping yet, the "Campo Pequeno" Christmas Market offers a wide selection of local products, perfect for finding something unique to take home.
Guarda
Guarda, located in Portugal's Serra da Estrela region, offers a picturesque and festive atmosphere for Christmas, with its snow-capped mountains and charming medieval town centre. As one of the highest cities in Portugal, Guarda's winter landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for the holiday season, often dusted with snow, creating a true winter wonderland.
During Christmas, the town is beautifully decorated with festive lights, and the streets are filled with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guarda hosts a range of seasonal events, including Christmas markets offering local handicrafts, seasonal treats, and traditional Portuguese gifts. The town’s historic monuments, including the Cathedral of Guarda, are also adorned with festive decorations, adding to the town's charm.
For those looking to experience a more traditional Portuguese Christmas, Guarda is known for its rich customs, with local choirs performing carols and holiday events taking place throughout the town. The surrounding Serra da Estrela mountains also offer the possibility of winter sports and outdoor activities, adding adventure to the festive experience. With its combination of beautiful landscapes, rich history, and festive spirit, Guarda is a wonderful place to spend Christmas.
The Algarve
The Algarve, Portugal’s sun-kissed southern region, offers a unique Christmas experience, combining mild winter weather with festive charm. While it may lack the traditional snow of other European destinations, the Algarve compensates with beautiful coastal views, stunning landscapes, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a holiday escape.
During Christmas, towns like Faro, Lagos, and Albufeira are adorned with bright lights and decorations. Christmas markets offer local crafts, festive treats, and seasonal foods. In Albufeira, you'll find a magical winter village, complete with an ice rink and Christmas performances.
The Algarve is also home to several churches that host special Christmas services, and you can enjoy the region’s rich gastronomy with traditional Portuguese holiday meals, including roasted meats and delicious desserts. For a peaceful and sunlit holiday, the Algarve offers a lovely mix of festive spirit and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for a Christmas getaway.
Portugal Christmas weather
Portugal's Christmas weather is typically mild compared to much of Europe, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a warmer holiday escape. In the south, especially in the Algarve, temperatures can range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), with plenty of sunny days and cool evenings. In the central and northern regions, including cities like Lisbon and Porto, temperatures are cooler, ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), with occasional rain showers. The mountainous regions, such as Serra da Estrela, may experience snowfall, offering a picturesque, wintery landscape. Overall, Portugal’s Christmas weather provides a pleasant mix of festive cheer and outdoor enjoyment.
Portugal Christmas markets
Christmas markets in Portugal are a festive highlight during the holiday season, offering a blend of local crafts, seasonal treats, and festive cheer. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra host large Christmas markets, featuring beautifully decorated stalls with handmade gifts, decorations, and artisanal products. The markets are also a great place to enjoy traditional Portuguese treats, such as roasted chestnuts, sweet pastries like "bolo rei" (king cake), and mulled wine.
In Lisbon, the Christmas market at "Campo Pequeno" is particularly popular, while Porto’s “Mercado de Natal” is known for its charming atmosphere and Christmas lights. Smaller towns like Óbidos and Sintra also host delightful holiday markets, often set against the backdrop of medieval castles or historic squares. Visitors can enjoy music performances, light displays, and a festive ambience, making Portugal’s Christmas markets a wonderful way to experience the country’s holiday traditions.
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