Christmas is one of the most eagerly awaited times of the year, for kids and adults alike. However, this time is about more than exchanging presents. After all, what lasts are the memories created; and there’s nothing better than traveling to these Christmas destinations to eternalize moments shared with those we love the most.
From medieval villages to fairytale settings, not to mention animated nativity scenes, there are several Christmas destinations to visit within 2 hours of Lisbon. Between markets, lights and skating rinks, there are plenty of opportunities for fun and even more opportunities for smiles. Shall we hit the road?
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Óbidos – Christmas Village
For starters, how about a getaway to one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval villages? About an hour’s drive from Lisbon, Óbidos is one of the best Christmas destinations to visit near the capital.
Between December 6 and January 6, 2025, the charming village will be filled with magic, color and lots of entertainment, in a perfect plan for the whole family.
There are many attractions on offer, such as:
- Santa’s hut
- Christmas Market – with various handicrafts and local flavors such as the famous ginjinhas
- Enchanted Adventure Park – with various shows, including plays, dance and circus arts
- Ice Mountain and the famous Ice Rink, among others.
Address: Óbidos
When: from December 6 to January 6, 2025
Tickets: here
Sintra’s Christmas Kingdom
Sintra is one of those destinations that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Surrounded by a green landscape, a castle and several palaces, this town is a magnificent setting to host another edition of the “Christmas Kingdom”.
From September 1 to 30, you can enjoy a trip to this Christmas destination, which is only a 30-minute drive from Lisbon. For free, you can visit the Christmas Market and much more.
There are special decorations, activities for children, videomapping and music shows, among other themed attractions suitable for the whole family.
Address: Parque da Liberdade, Terreiro da Rainha D. Amélia; and NewsMuseum (Sintra)
When: from December 1st to 30th
Tickets: free
Magic Castle in Montemor-o-Velho
From the north to the south of Portugal, there are several impressive castles that will take you back to the Middle Ages. But how about taking advantage of Christmas to see a magical castle up close?
In Montemor-o-Velho, about 2 hours’ drive from Lisbon, you’ll find “the largest Christmas theme park in the center of Portugal”. Kids and adults alike will have a great time at the many attractions.
Air Bungee, Lapland Express, skating rink, inflatables, slide (for children and adults) and virtual reality are just some of the amusements included in the access ticket to the Magic Castle.
Address: Montemor-o-Velho
When: from November 30 to December 29
Daily tickets: between €5 and €6 (but there are also tickets for groups)
Penela’s Animated Nativity Scene
In the district of Coimbra, Penela is a must-see on any itinerary of Christmas destinations in Portugal. After all, there you’ll find its famous animated nativity scene with over 370 figures.
However, the magic of this place is not all about tradition. You can also immerse yourself in a virtual reality nativity scene (an interactive and sensory exhibition). A combination of history and technology.
Address: Penela
When: from December 8th to January 5th
Tickets: here
Black Pig Theme Park
On the Alentejo coast, about 140 km from Lisbon, a journey that takes between 1h30 and 1h45, you can visit the Black Pig Theme Park in Vila Nova de Santo André.
There, kids and adults can visit the Nativity Scene, Santa’s House, slide down an ecological ice rink and more. In addition, during the festive season there are live performances and, of course, typical products from the region.
Address: Vila Nova de Santo André
When: from November 23rd to December 31st
Tickets: free