Christmas in Lisbon is something special, especially in a city where people love to celebrate everything they can.
If you’re thinking about visiting Lisbon in December, I can recommend that you do so. It’s an experience you simply won’t forget.
I love walking through the streets lit up by the many lights and to see Europe’s tallest Christmas Tree always gets me.
These are just some of the many things you can do in Lisbon during Christmas.
8 Things to Do in Lisbon During Christmas
You’ll not get bored during Christmas in Lisbon, with the many markets, sweets to taste, events, and much more.
Christmas Markets is my favorite thing to do with my partner, because it’s just so special and the vibe between people is incredible.
1. Taste Portuguese Christmas Sweets
The most famous Christmas cake in Portugal is Bolo rei, and you simply have to try it. It’s a must.
It’s sponge with some different types of topings, but usually frosting and some candied fruits, raisins and nuts.
Two other sweets you can try are Rabanadas and Sonhos de Natal(Christmas Dreams).
Rabanadas are similar to French toast drizzled with honey or port syrup. Sonhos de Natal are fried doughs, similar to donuts, but not made with yeast dough. You often get it with pumpkin flavor.
2. Visit Christmas Markets
Now my favorite thing to do is to visit the many Christmas Markets, and there are 4 Christmas Markets I always visit. If you want a full list of 11 Christmas Markets, I have that as well.
- Winter Wonderland Lisboa: This is a cozy market located at the end of Avenida da Liberdade in Parque Eduardo VII.
At Winter Wonderland Lisboa you can ice skate, taste some ginjinha, and visit the many stands with incredible Portuguese food related to this festive season. - Rossio Square: A Christmas Market I usually visit multiple times during Christmas because it’s just so cozy, and something new is happening every day. There are a lot of stands with anything you can imagine, and even Santa Claus visits once in a while.
- Cascais Christmas Village: If you’re in Lisbon multiple days in this festive season, take one day and visit Cascais. The Christmas village has something to offer for all ages, and it’s just so super cozy. While you’re in Cascais you can also explore the city, it’s only 40 minutes by train from Lisbon.
- Figueira Christmas Gourmet: If you’re visiting Rossio Square, Figueira Christmas Gourmet Market is just on the other side, 3 min walking and here incredible food and regional products await. As Portugal is famous for their chorizo, you can get a mix of many types of chorizo grilled and ready to eat; it tastes amazing. You can get some desserts as well and say hi to Santa Claus.
3. See the Tallest Christmas Tree in Europe
The tallest Christmas Tree is right here in Lisbon, and it’s magical.
The tree is located at Praça do Comércio, which is dedicated to Christmas throughout December.
The Christmas Tree changes every year, and it’s incredible to walk through it. You can even sit down inside the tree and relax or enjoy a hot drink or some food you’ve bought nearby.
I love to walk from Rossio Square to Praça do Comércio because you get to see all the beautiful Christmas lights.
4. Experience the Christmas Lights
One thing you can’t miss when visiting Lisbon during the holiday season is the many festive lights that they’re famous for.
Up till the holiday season, they spend weeks getting all the lights ready throughout the streets, on buildings and monuments, it’s incredible.
So much work goes into setting up these lights, and I strongly recommend you walk through the streets once the sun has set to experience the lights.
You can find the lights mainly in Chiado but also in Avenida da Liberdade.
5. Visit Natalis (Indoor Christmas Market)
This is one of the biggest Christmas Markets, and why I gave it it’s own headline in this guide, because you simply have to experience it.
It takes place early in December, and it’s located at Feira Internacional de Lisboa.
It’s free to get in, and it’s an indoor event with all you can imagine: Local products, Chocolate, Drinks, Wine, but it’s not only food.
You can also buy locally made products, and I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time.
6. Try a Christmas Concert
While you’re visiting all the Christmas Markets, and satisfying your sweet tooth, you might want to try some different fun activities, and one of them could be going to a Christmas Concert in Lisbon.
Every year in multiple locations there are Christmas Concerts, and it’s really something you have to try if you’re into music.
7. Run the São Silvestre de Lisboa race (Or Cheer along)
28 of December at 9:30 pm, the yearly San Silvestre race starts, which is sponsored by Lidl.
It’s a race that fills the streets of Lisbon, and it’s 10 km long if you’re up for it. However, if you’re not running, you should try to go there and experience the vibe and cheer along; it’s so festive.
It both starts and finishes at Avenida da Liberdade, so this is where you’ll want to be.
If you have kids who want to run, there is also a race for them called Mini São Silvestre da Pequenada, which is only 5 km, so you still need some stamina.
8. Wrap Up by Enjoying the New Year Fireworks
Lastly, you can round up Christmas and December in Lisbon by enjoying the fireworks during the New Year.
While this is technically not Christmas anymore, if you’re here for it, I recommend you experience it.
There are multiple places where you can watch the fireworks, and while I prefer Praça do Comércio, you can see it in these places as well:
Here are the best things to do in Lisbon In September 2024
I’ll send you a list of the best things to do in September and every month moving forward from today.
It’ll be based on my personal experience of living and traveling around Lisbon for years. I’m sharing a lot of hidden gems. 🇵🇹
Where to stay in Lisbon during Christmas
It’s important you find a hotel or hostel close to what you want to experience and see.
If you want to experience both Belem, Cascais, Chiado etc., you want to try and find a hotel which is in the middle of everything. Chiado is usually a good location.
I really like to stay at The Vintage, but if you’re looking for a hostel or different hotel I’ve made guide for that as well.
Weather in Lisbon Around Christmas
Around Christmas, Lisbon’s temperatures vary from 9 degrees Celcius(48 ºF) to 15 degrees Celcius(59°F).
As long as you have a warm jacket, and are wearing pants, you should be good to go.
Coming from Denmark, I don’t find it cold during December in Lisbon, but just bring a variety of clothing.
Wrap-Up
Visiting Lisbon during Christmas is simply incredible, with markets like Wonderland Lisbon and experiencing the lights at midnight mass.
There are more Christmas markets like Campo Pequeno, and you can check out the full list.
So visit some of the Christmas Markets, try some local cuisine, enjoy the vibe and then I’m sure you’ll love your time in Lisbon during Christmas.
If you’re also there for New Year, here is everything you need to know.
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