Ho Ho Ho! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are less than a month away . The lights illuminate the streets, the typical carols are heard as we wander around the city and the rush to find the best presents intensifies. This year, the festive season in Lisbon promises to be more magical than ever.
With candlelit concerts, free plans and markets, activities are multiplying everywhere. Kids and adults alike want to make the most of it, between Ferris wheels, visits to Santa Claus and sliding down ice rinks. That’s why we’ve decided to put together a practical guide of what to do this Christmas in Lisbon. Shall we start the countdown?
Table Of Contents
Watch Candlelight Christmas Classics
Candlelight Concerts are a real hit and are spread all over the world. To celebrate the festive season, the famous candlelit shows return with an unmissable themed repertoire, such as Candlelight – Christmas Classics, which will bring even more sparkle to Lisbon on December 18 at 7pm.
The Aula Magna, an emblematic hall of the University of Lisbon, has been chosen as the setting for this celebration. The repertoire is a magical fusion between the subtlety of classical music and great festive hymns.
There, timeless songs such as “Last Christmas” by Wham! and “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”, as well as compositions by geniuses such as Hans Zimmer and unforgettable themes by Michael Bublé, all in an intimate candlelit reintrepretation.
Enjoying the Christmas lights
Lisbon is enchanting all year round, but during Christmas in particular you’ll want to take a stroll down Rua Augusta and Praça de Luís de Camões to see the lights.
This year, the 30-metre high Pinheiro is once again a highlight, as well as the 182 kilometers of LED lights that fill the city with color. In addition, there are around a thousand luminous structures.
So forget the cold, sip a hot chocolate and wander the streets of Lisbon, taking plenty of photos and sharing family moments.
Leave the kids with a big smile
Lisbon dresses up to celebrate the Christmas season with the little ones. In the article on the best Christmas plans for children in Lisbon, you’ll find charming suggestions such as family musicals and even ice rinks like the one at UBBO.
The capital is transformed into a real theme park, full of lights, shows and activities that promise fun for kids and adults alike.
Shopping at the Christmas Markets
Greater Lisbon is transformed into a scene of authentic Christmas magic, with many Christmas markets and fairs spread throughout Lisbon and the surrounding area.
From the iconic Wonderland Lisboa in Parque Eduardo VII to the Rossio Christmas Market, the guide brings together the best places to shop, sample delicacies and enjoy the festive spirit. Each space offers unique experiences, from Ferris wheels to Santa’s houses and light and music shows.
Enjoy free Christmas concerts
Between December 5 and 19, Lisbon celebrates the Christmas season with a series of free concerts in churches and historic monuments, organized by EGEAC.
The Lisbon Christmas Festivities program includes seven unmissable shows of fado, gospel, baroque music and even cinema, in emblematic locations such as the National Pantheon and the Capitol.
Taste the best Bolos-Rei
I’m sure you’ll need a bolo-rei for your Christmas dinner, right? So, as well as buying it in one of these pastry shops, our suggestion is that you go in, smell it and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere there.
If you’ve never smelled Christmas, we guarantee that this is where you’ll feel it for the first time. The aromas of typical Christmas sweets are incredible!
Editor’s note: this article will be updated throughout the festive season, whenever appropriate.
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