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Christmas Markets – Christmas Magic in Portugal
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Christmas is just around the corner and the holiday spirit filled with much joy and warmth has started to spread. To boost the festive cheer, we share with you some of the most magical Christmas markets in Portugal.
While Christmas markets in Portugal are not as known as in Central European countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France, Portugal with its warm weather and many festive attractions presents the perfect choice.
Portugal is indeed known for its buildings and vibrant architecture, sunny skies and mesmerising coast, making it the ideal summer destination. But Portugal was made for more than just the warmer months.
Actually, we strongly recommend visiting Portugal during winter months, such as December, when its streets become alive with twinkling lights, the melody of Christmas carols and attractions, which will rival with any other European country.
As every year, when the Christmas holidays approach, many of us count the days until the beginning of the Christmas markets. Good news, the date is fast approaching!
From traditional and mouth-watering food, mulled wine and hot chocolate, artisanal gifts, illuminations, big Christmas trees or even an ice rink, Portuguese Christmas markets always have an abundance of magic and treats to offer.
In fact, there is nothing like strolling in Christmas markets, sipping hot chocolate and enjoying the trinkets being sold in open-air stalls, while enjoying the cultural diversity of Portugal and the unique experience of a Portuguese winter.
Thus, let us introduce you to our own selection of the best Christmas markets in Portugal and their dates so you do not miss them!
Experience the magic of Christmas Markets in:
While Christmas markets in Portugal are not as known as in Central European countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France, Portugal with its warm weather and many festive attractions presents the perfect choice.
Portugal is indeed known for its buildings and vibrant architecture, sunny skies and mesmerising coast, making it the ideal summer destination. But Portugal was made for more than just the warmer months.
Actually, we strongly recommend visiting Portugal during winter months, such as December, when its streets become alive with twinkling lights, the melody of Christmas carols and attractions, which will rival with any other European country.
As every year, when the Christmas holidays approach, many of us count the days until the beginning of the Christmas markets. Good news, the date is fast approaching!
From traditional and mouth-watering food, mulled wine and hot chocolate, artisanal gifts, illuminations, big Christmas trees or even an ice rink, Portuguese Christmas markets always have an abundance of magic and treats to offer.
In fact, there is nothing like strolling in Christmas markets, sipping hot chocolate and enjoying the trinkets being sold in open-air stalls, while enjoying the cultural diversity of Portugal and the unique experience of a Portuguese winter.
Thus, let us introduce you to our own selection of the best Christmas markets in Portugal and their dates so you do not miss them!
Experience the magic of Christmas Markets in:
Algarve
Vale do Lobo Christmas Market ( December 3rd )
Each year, the Vale do Lobo Christmas market punctuate the Christmas festivities in the Algarve. Celebrating its 12th edition, the market will take place at the iconic Vale do Lobo, within the Parque do Golfe complex and Auditorium.
A universe of gourmet products, luxury crafts and traditional products and handicrafts from the Algarve will be displayed.
Vale do Lobo Christmas Market has also to offer an exquisite selection of food and wine. What could be better than shopping for gifts with an excellent wine in hand and snacking some delicacies?
Finally, the market also aims to raise money for the Wolf Valley Charity Fund (WVCF), which provides help to several institutions in the region.
Lisbon
Wonderland Lisboa ( From December 1st, 2022 to January 1st, 2023 )
Unquestionably, one of Lisbon’s main Christmas attractions, Wonderland Lisboa, is located at Eduardo VII Park in the city centre. During the month of December, the park by Marquês de Pombal becomes a true winter wonderland.
Inspired by London's Winter Wonderland, Wonderland Lisboa’s main attractions include not only a traditional market, but also an ice skating rink, Santa’s Village and a giant wheel with heated cabins and spectacular views over the city, performances, and much more.
A wide range of Portuguese and International food and local gourmandises, such as liqueurs, pastries, and jams will be available. The hardest part will be to choose which treat to get first.
And finally, you can enjoy the spirit of the holidays for free, as there is no entrance fee.
Alvalade Christmas Market ( From November 30th to December 11th 2022 )
Located in Avenida da Igreja it's one of the best-known markets in Lisbon. In this Christmas market, you have the opportunity to buy original gifts. Don't forget to visit the gastronomic stalls, where you will find many traditional Portuguese products.
Christmas Market in Rossio, Baixa and Chiado ( From November 18th to December 21st )
This market takes place at Praça Dom Pedro V, in Rossio, in the old part of Lisbon.
With various activities and surprises, you will find craft stalls; sales of sweets, drinks, and various typical products. The free Christmas Train is perfect to go through Lisbon's Old Town "Baixa".
Campo Pequeno Christmas Market ( From November 30th to December 11st, 2022 )
Celebrating its 11th edition, this market takes place at Campo Pequeno bullring and events venue.
Over 150 exhibitors will be presenting their art creations and design pieces, all produced in Portugal and many inspired by Portuguese traditions. Offering a wide selection of products, from design pieces, books, fashion, ceramics, sustainable and gourmet goods, this market will be a good starting point to shop for your Christmas gifts.
Here you can find original and environmentally friendly gifts and you will be supporting small businesses, local artisans, and sustainable productions.
The entrance fee is only €2. However, you will receive a discount voucher of €1 (for purchases of €10 or more).
The entrance fee is only €2. However, you will receive a discount voucher of €1 (for purchases of €10 or more).
Maderira Island
Madeira Embroidery and Regional Handicraft Pavillion
The Madeira Wine, Embroidery and Handicraft Institute promotes Madeira Embroidery and Regional Handicrafts through the presence of different producers and artisans daily who exhibit and commercialize their pieces on specific days.
Here, you can see and acquire pieces of Regional Embroidery and Handicraft that will make unique Christmas gifts with a certain refinement.
Regional Embroidery ( 1st to 20th December 2022 )
10 am to 7 pm
10 am to 7 pm
Madeira Handicrafts ( 21st December to the 8th January 2023 )
10 am to 7 pm
10 am to 7 pm
Market Night ( December 23rd )
Can you imagine a Christmas market that lasts all night long? You can find it in Funchal.
Noite do Mercado (Market Night) is a traditional Madeira Christmas celebration in Funchal on the night of December 23 rd. This unique tradition attracts many to the streets of the famous Largo da Praça, in Machico. People are invited to do some last minute Christmas shopping and to share the Christmas joy with everyone.
The streets surrounding the Market become an extensive window to display local products: from fruits, vegetables, flowers, local delicacies, and traditional drinks.
The surrounding pubs take this opportunity to stay open all night, making it one of the longest and liveliest nights in Madeira Island.
Savour the moment, take the time, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of Christmas markets. You will feel the spirit of the holidays through the different scents, colours, lights, sounds, and joyful Christmas atmosphere in the air.
Christmas markets rekindle the magic of the Holidays throughout the world. Portugal offers a great Christmas experience, and it is the perfect place to enjoy the spirit of the holidays.
Christmas Workshops ( 19th to 23rd and 27th to 30th December 2022 )
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 11.30 am – 12.15 pm
The Christmas and New Year's festivities in Madeira include in their schedule a series of workshops on Madeiran delicacies and products that characterize the Christmas season and regional cuisine, in order to disseminate the most genuine traditions of this season.
From December 19 to 23 and 27 to 30, next to the stage at Avenida Arriaga, you can learn how to make various typical delicacies such as Poncha and Bolo do Caco, among other recipes characteristic of the season, Dolls of dough, decorating Christmas tables, and various other traditional elements of Madeira.
