The city of Lisbon decked itself out for the official start of the festive season with the inauguration of the Christmas lights on the capital’s main arteries, with a special focus on Terreiro do Paço, which once again prepared to host a party full of pomp and circumstance, with a live concert by fado singer Sara Correia, a fireworks display and a 30-meter high pine tree.
The magic of Christmas took place on November 22, and this year Lisbon City Council promised unprecedented decorations and a strong commitment to sustainability: Lisbon is illuminated by around 182 kilometers of low-energy LED lights, the equivalent of circling the city more than three times.
According to a statement issued by the municipality, these lights are distributed over 46 different locations, reaching the city’s main squares, streets and avenues, in a total of around a thousand luminous structures, made up of a total of 5,900 decorative pieces.
What we saw at the opening
As is now tradition, the highlight of the evening of November 22 was the switching on of the lights of the huge Christmas tree, which this year once again reached a height of 30 meters.
This event also included a show of music, light and color, with an orchestra and pyrotechnics, and then ended with a live concert by fado singer Sara Correia, who entertained everyone present on this very special day.
Guide to seeing the Christmas lights in 2025
This year, Lisbon City Council has also prepared a short guide so you don’t miss out on all the new Christmas decorations in Lisbon’s main streets:
- Rua Augusta will be decorated with trees and “luminous clouds” that will appear to glide over visitors;
- Luís de Camões Square will receive a monumental installation inspired by a “festive palace”;
- Rua Garrett will have “clouds of golden light” floating over the street;
- Rua do Ouro will combine golden clouds and twinkling stars, transforming the street into an “enchanted firmament”;
- Rua do Carmo will be transformed into a luminous tunnel through a sequence of light arches, where lighting and music will merge.
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