Portugal, with its rich cultural heritage and festive spirit, offers a variety of Christmas markets that capture the essence of the holiday season. From the northern cities to the southern coast, these markets provide unique experiences, blending traditional handmade gifts, local flavours, and festive entertainment. Here is a curated list of some of the main Christmas markets in Portugal in 2024.
Christmas in Portugal: Markets and Tradition
Even though Portugal is a country that embraces diversity and boasts cultural multiplicity, it is undeniable that this Iberian gem still has strong bonds with Christianity and its traditions.
As a result, as soon as mid-Autumm arrives, the country is filled with countless holiday decorations and festive mood. There is something for everyone, no matter your taste, habits and background. From the major cities to the smallest of towns, there are charming scenarios, tasty beverages and foods and extra cordiality across all the regions of Portugal.
This is a perfect chance to feel like you have been transported into a winter movie, but with a much friendlier budget than you would in northern European countries or in New York City. Also, as winter in Portugal is way milder, you will be considerably less cold when visiting some of the best Christmas Markets in Portugal.
Top Christmas Markets in Portugal in 2024
1. Porto Christmas Market (Mercado de Natal do Porto)
Located in the heart of Porto, the Mercado de Natal do Porto transforms the city into a winter wonderland. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Church of Saint Ildefonso, this market features wooden chalets offering artisanal gifts, gourmet foods, and traditional Portuguese Christmas sweets. Visitors can enjoy live music performances and a cheerful atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the season.
- Where: Batalha Square, Porto
- When: December 1 to 30, 2024
2. Braga Christmas Market (Mercado de Natal de Braga)
Braga, known for its historical significance, hosts a charming Christmas market in its main square. The event offers a range of handcrafted goods, local delicacies, and themed decorations. The city's historic centre is adorned with lights, creating a magical ambiance for visitors.
- Where: República Square, Braga
- When: December 1 to 24, 2024
3. Perlim Christmas Market (Mercado de Natal do Perlim)
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Located in the theme park of Perlim, in Santa Maria da Feira, this Christmas market combines festive shopping with magical experiences for the whole family. Set amidst the fairy-tale backdrop of Quinta do Castelo, the market is as picturesque as it is festive and goes beyond a traditional market by offering interactive theatre performances, themed areas for children, and dazzling light displays. Visitors can also enjoy workshops, live music, and delicious food stalls serving Portuguese treats like the traditional Bolo Rei cake and roasted chestnuts.
- Where: Quinta do Castelo, Santa Maria da Feira
- When: November 23, 2024, to January 5, 2025
4. Coimbra Christmas Market (Mercado de Natal de Coimbra)
In the historic city of Coimbra, the Christmas market is set up in the picturesque Praça do Comércio. Over 40 kiosks offer a variety of crafts, regional products, and seasonal treats. The market also features entertainment for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
- Where: Comércio Square, Coimbra
- When: November 29 to December 22, 2024
5. Óbidos Christmas Village (Óbidos Vila Natal)
The medieval town of Óbidos, one of the most beautiful places in Portugal, transforms into a Christmas village, offering a unique experience within its historic walls. The market features wooden stalls with crafts, food, and festive beverages. Activities include ice skating, an ice ramp, a Christmas train, and performances that delight visitors of all ages.
- Where: Óbidos Castle, Óbidos
- When: December 6, 2024, to January 6, 2025
6. Lisbon Wonderland (Wonderland Lisboa)
As the largest Christmas market in Portugal, Lisbon Christmas market takes place in Eduardo VII Park, right in the heart of the capital. The event boasts a big Ferris wheel, an ice-skating ring, a Santa's village, and numerous timber huts selling gifts and gastronomic delights. The jolly lights and decorations create a vibrant atmosphere in the city.
- Where: Eduardo VII Park, Lisbon
- When: November 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025
7. Rossio Christmas Market (Mercado de Natal do Rossio)
Situated in Lisbon's historic Rossio Square, this market offers traditional produce, festive lights and live entertainment during the weekends. Visitors can enjoy Portuguese delicacies and shop for unique gifts on over 70 cabins, surrounded by a lively setting. A 2024 highlight is the Christmas electric train that will take families for a stroll around downtown Lisbon, free of charge.
- Where: Rossio Square, Lisbon
- When: November 15 to December 22, 2024
8. Cascais Christmas Village (Cascais Vila Natal)
Just a short distance from Lisbon, Cascais hosts a Christmas village in Parque Marechal Carmona. The market features an enchanted forest, a Santa's house, and a life-sized nativity scene. Visitors can enjoy ice skating, sledding, a Christmas carrousel, merry performances in a scenic setting, and much more.
- Where: Marechal Carmona Park, Cascais
- When: November 23, 2024, to January 5, 2025
9. Sintra’s Christmas Kingdom (Reino do Natal Sintra)
Nestled in the fairytale-like town of Sintra, the "Reino do Natal" is a magical experience for visitors of all ages. This Christmas market brings the charm of the season to life with beautifully decorated stalls offering handmade crafts, traditional Portuguese sweets, and mulled wine. Children can enjoy meeting Santa Claus, riding the Christmas train, and engaging in workshops, while adults revel in the cultural performances and live music.
- Where: Terreiro Rainha D. Amélia, Sintra
- When: December 1 to 31, 2024
10. Faro Little Christmas Market (Mercadinho de Natal de Faro)
Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, hosts a charming Christmas market in its historic centre. Visitors can explore stalls selling gifts, local products, and joyful foods. This is a popular destination for families that live or are visiting the south of Portugal.
- Where: Jardim Manuel Bivar, Faro
- When: December 5 to December 23, 2024
11. Madeira Christmas Village (Aldeia de Natal da Madeira)
The Madeira Christmas Village, located in the heart of Funchal, brings the island’s festive spirit to life. This charming event features traditional wooden chalets offering regional crafts and local treats like honey cake and the poncha beverage. Visitors can enjoy live music, nativity scenes, and entertainment for all ages.
- Where: Comércio Square, Funchal
- When: November 29, 2024, to January 6, 2024
Pro-tip From Locals: Enjoy the Neighbourhood Markets
If you take a quick survey among our team of experts, composed both by Portuguese Citizens and Residents that have been living in Portugal for many years now, you will hear from many that those bigger and more famous markets are must-see events, with a unique aura. However, they will also warn you that after one or two visits, you may be a little tired of the big crowds forming long lines on the food stalls and main attractions.
Fortunately, we have a great tip for you: other than those well-known markets, it is very common for mid-size neighbourhoods of larger cities like Lisbon and Porto to host small Christmas markets of their own. They also beautifully themed decorated, have many options regarding food, beverages and gifts and are way easier to navigate. Some of them even have live shows and other entertainment options. They usually take place in the main square or nearby the local church.
Check out the official communication channels of your Freguesia to keep an eye on if and when you might see a cosy Christmas market popping up next to you and enjoy the season with extra ease.
Bonus: Christmas Lights in Portugal
From mid-November until the 6th of January Portuguese cities literally light up with seasonal decorations, turning this into one of the best times to visit Portugal for those who love the holiday mood. As an extra holiday bonus, you can simply skip the markets and go for a stroll around town, checking how beautiful and magical the streets are.
From smaller towns to big cities, there is a great chance that the downtown area as well as the main square will have a special Christmas decor assembled.
Also, some shopping malls like Armazéns do Chiado, in Lisbon, already become a go to sight-seeing spot as they put on a show every year as far as Christmas lighting goes. Take note that the main Christmas Tree of the capital it is not located near the biggest market. Rather it stands tall in Praça do Comércio.
Major shopping streets such as Rua Augusta in Lisbon and Rua Ferreira Borges in Coimbra also gain extra magic with lighting and decor, while Porto has announced that, in 2024, will have at least 94 streets adorned with Christmas lights, leading to the main tree at Aliados square.
