In Lisbon, there are many lights, ice rinks and Christmas markets, including the fourth best in Europe: Wonderland, in the heart of Parque Eduardo VII. However, for those looking for a reason to get away from the capital, there is another Christmas theme park to mark the festive season: Perlim, in Santa Maria da Feira, open to the public from November 29 to December 30.
Set in the magical Quinta do Castelo, surrounding one of the country’s most impressive medieval castles, Perlim is approximately 285 kilometers from Lisbon, a 2-hour drive . Known for its famous Medieval Journey, one of the largest in Europe, the city of Santa Maria da Feira now looks like a setting worthy of a Christmas fairytale. Shall we get to know it better?
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An aerial enchantment
This year marks Perlim’s 17th edition and it kicked off in style with a true aerial spectacle in which 220 drones performed high-precision choreography at 80 meters, with Catarina Furtado ‘s voice guiding the narrative. A true fusion of high technology with the human touch of narration.
After more than 100,000 visitors in 2024, the Christmas theme park celebrated the start of another initiative, this time with the theme “Head on the moon, feet in Perlin”.
The magical world of Perlin & the attractions
Close to Lisbon, the Christmas Village of Óbidos and Sintra Mágica offer dreamlike scenery. However, the most wonderful time of the year is also a good opportunity to explore other destinations. There is no shortage of themed areas and attractions for the whole family.
In an authentic enchanted forest, you can slide down the ice rink, not forgetting the tree climbing, slide and ball ramp. The merry-go-rounds offer a different experience, with one thing for sure: there’s fun beyond the screen.
In Perlim, Santa and his friends are based in ‘Lapland’, but they parade through the streets in the Parade of Dreams, showering everyone and everything with joy. In addition, there are various themed shows, the Piri Fairy Castle, circus arts and a restaurant area.
Christmas Market
Outside Perlim, a Christmas Market (which is free to enter) full of craft stalls and more is an (almost) obligatory stop for those looking for original gifts.
Quick guide to useful tips
For those of you who want to go to Santa Maria da Feira, we’ve shared some useful information so as not to jeopardize your getaway:
- Dates and times – open from Friday to Sunday, public holidays, and on the 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th, from 1.30pm to 7pm
- Tickets: the price for daily tickets is €7 (3-12 years and seniors) and €8 (13-64 years) on weekdays, with an extra €1 on weekends and public holidays
- General access wristband: costs €16 and gives access to all days of Perlim
How to get there from Lisbon?
One of the quickest and most convenient ways to get there is by car, and this is the typical route: leave Lisbon on the A1 (towards Porto) in the direction of Santa Maria da Feira. It is also possible to combine with the A29 or A32, depending on the route.
The theme park is located in Quinta do Castelo, close to the center and the castle, with the organization itself indicating access via the A1/A29/A32 and local signs. Another option is to travel by bus, such as Flixbus and Rede Expressos, but without the same freedom of movement.
For those traveling by car, we also recommend a stop in Águeda, to see the “Biggest and Smallest Santa Claus in the World”, about which we will share more information soon; everything to experience the magic of Christmas more intensely!
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