Sintra is one of Portugal’s most popular romantic destinations, known for its enchanting palaces, mysterious stories and many monuments to visit. With the arrival of the Christmas season, the town located about 30 minutes from Lisbon, gains even more splendor with “Sintra Mágica – Once Upon a Magical Christmas”.
According to Sintra Town Hall, the program will officially kick off on December 1, at 6pm, with a very special moment: the simultaneous switching on of lights at four emblematic sites. The National Palace of Sintra, the National Palace of Queluz, Quinta da Regaleira and, for the first time with full scenic lighting, the Palace of Pena.
What can we expect from the inauguration of “Sintra Mágica”?
Sintra Mágica” is one of those Christmas destinations to include on your list of family outings for the festive season. And when the lights come on, there are other attractions not to be missed besides the illuminations.
In a minimalist format, SHOUT, the first Portuguese Gospel group, will animate the lights switch-on on December 1st with their interpretation of various themes related to the season.
Another highlight is the video mapping show that will be displayed on the façade of the National Palace of Sintra, transforming the monument into a “Christmas factory” with Santa Claus and his loyal elves coming to life in digital format.
Unprecedented illumination of the Palace of Pena
Worthy of a fairy tale, the Palace of Pena is one of Sintra’s greatest icons, attracting thousands of visitors every year. However, this will be the first time that the monument has been fully illuminated, making it the great novelty of “Sintra Mágica”.
The 19th century building will be visible from miles away, as the lighting has been designed to highlight the silhouette of the monument at the top of the mountain, transforming it into a kind of Christmas beacon. In addition, on dates to be announced, the Palace of Pena will host free visits for ten nights in December.
Other “Sintra Mágica” highlights
Another highlight of the “Sintra Mágica” event is the grounds of the National Palace of Sintra, where you’ll find various attractions typical of the season, such as:
- Christmas Market
- Creative workshops
- Santa’s house
- Traditional train
- Carousel, among others.
Promoted by Sintra Town Council, Parques de Sintra and the Cultursintra Foundation, the initiative also includes concerts, themed activities, a display of nativity scenes and circus entertainment for children and adults. All the details will be revealed soon on the officialwebsite.
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