We’re already counting down to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so the little ones are starting to look forward to the arrival of presents and lots of fun. But what can you do away from home? These are some of the best Christmas plans for children in and around Lisbon.
Christmas markets, ice rinks, fun museums, magical shows and theme parks are many of the possibilities… And best of all, we’ll be updating this article frequently. So save this brief itinerary. After all, it promises to be your best friend for the Christmas vacations.
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Taking the kids to the Christmas Circus
The tradition of the Christmas Circus in Lisbon, which takes place in December at the iconic Coliseu dos Recreios, has been going on for over a century.
This event, which transforms the coliseum into a giant circus tent, offers an experience with magicians, acrobats, trapeze artists and clowns. The International Circus Company returns to enchant audiences between December 21 and 29.
Address: Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 96 (Baixa)
When: December 21, 22, 25, 26, 28 and 29
Tickets: from €20 to €30
Spend the day at Wonderland Lisboa
Wonderland Lisboa is one of the capital’s main Christmas attractions, so we couldn’t fail to include this theme park on the list of Christmas plans for the kids.
This year, the opening date is scheduled for November 29th, and the meeting point is the same as always: Parque Eduardo VII.
There, you’ll find the usual Ferris wheel, ice skating rink and much more… All to put a smile on the children’s faces!
Address: Parque Eduardo VII
When: from November 29 to January 5, 2025
Tickets: free entry
Watch the musical “Aladdin on Ice”
An ice show is something that promises to please kids and adults alike. So how about a trip to “Aladdin on Ice”? ‘Installed’ at Alegro Alfragide, in Greater Lisbon, this show is produced by AM Live and combines music, dance, theater and skating.
In addition, to bring this fantasy world to life, the cast is made up of some well-known names, such as André Leitão (who appeared in the series Rabo de Peixe), Mimicat (singer), Soraia Tavares (actress and singer) and Diana Castro (singer and songwriter).
Address: Alegro Alfragide, Av. dos Cavaleiros 60 – Carnaxide
When: from November 30 to January 12, 2025
Tickets: from 15€ (plus tax)
Strolling through the Christmas Markets
The city of Lisbon and the surrounding area has a wide range of Christmas markets on offer.
Therefore, visiting some of the most emblematic markets is an excellent idea for enjoying a good time with the family.
Many of these Christmas Markets have amusements designed exclusively for children, such as:
- The Rossio Christmas Market, where the Christmas Train is synonymous with lots of entertainment;
- The Christmas Village in Cascais has an ice rink, Ferris wheel and more;
- The Christmas Kingdom in Sintra, among many others.
Address: various locations
Tickets: free visit
Glide on the UBBO ice rink
Ice skating is an increasingly popular activity, both for experienced fans and amateurs. After all, it doesn’t matter how many times you fall. The most important thing is that you have a great time.
That’s why one of the Christmas plans we suggest for children is to go to the ice rink at the UBBO Shopping Resort in Amadora. This year, there are some new features, such as a cable car, a jukebox and more.
Address: Av. Cruzeiro Seixas 5 e 7, Amadora
When: from October 31 to January 12, 2025
Tickets: €5 for the more experienced (20 minutes); €23 for a family pack (with four tickets)
Immerse yourself in the world of Living Van Gogh
The festive season, and the Christmas vacations in particular, are a good time to visit exhibitions and other attractions.
That’s why you can take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the immersive world of “Living Van Gogh”, at the Mãe d’Água Reservoir in Amoreiras, Lisbon.
Contrary to what you might think, it’s not ‘just’ about 360′ image projections. The experience is very complete (and fun), including virtual reality and interactive installations.
Address: Mãe d’Água das Amoreiras Reservoir, Lisbon
When: Tuesday to Sunday, from 3.30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tickets: from 12.50
Visiting the Christmas trees
Setting up the Christmas tree is one of the Christmas traditions that the little ones love to do the most as a family.
The largest Christmas tree in Portugal is a three-hour drive from Lisbon, but there are several other trees closer by that are worth a visit, from downtown to the best-known shopping centers.
Address: various locations
Tickets: free visit
Going to a museum
Not all the museums you can visit in Lisbon are a good option for taking the little ones.
But there are at least five of these places in the city that children will simply love, which you can find in our guide to museums to visit with children.
Museu Nacional dos Coches, Pavilhão do Conhecimento or Museu da Marioneta and Museu da Carris are just some of the examples that the little ones will love to visit.
Address: various locations
Tickets: at the ticket offices of the various museums
