15 Wonderfully Festive Things To Do In Lisbon At Christmas
Visiting Lisbon in December? I bet you will love these fun activities and festive things to do in Lisbon at Christmas!
Lisbon during Christmas time is a celebration of lights, tradition, and warm experiences. It is not a world-famous Christmas destination, so you might be surprised to discover new layers of the Portuguese capital.
From local Christmas markets to festive decorations and fun events, the city’s charm in December is unforgettable. This Lisbon Christmas guide will help you stay up to date with all the must-visit places and activities.
So let’s dive in and enjoy all that Lisbon has to offer this holiday season!
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15 best things to do in Lisbon during Christmas season
Find the tallest Christmas tree in Europe
Every year, Lisbon lights up one of Europe’s tallest Christmas trees. Located in Praça do Comércio, this massive tree becomes the centerpiece of the city’s holiday decorations and needs to be added to your Christmas Lisbon itinerary.
Take a walk around the square after sunset to see the Christmas lights, giving Lisbon’s waterfront a festive glow. For many locals, this Christmas tree represents the official start of the holiday season in Lisbon.
Discover Rossio Christmas Market
Located in Rossio Square, this market is filled with holiday treats, artisan goods, and hot drinks. You’ll find unique souvenirs and handmade crafts to bring a piece of Lisbon home with you. The air is filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and Christmas spices.
On top of that, you will find the presence of Dolls Hospital, special exhibitions, and a stage for live performances. Christmas Train will be running from 3 pm to 10 pm and if you are traveling with kids, I am sure they will love it.
Considering the central location, this is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Lisbon, and it can be easily added to your Lisbon Christmas bucket list. I am sure you will love the lively atmosphere, especially later in the day.
📅 From the 15th of November to the 22nd of December
⏰ From 10 am to 10 pm
Go skating at the Wonderland Lisboa in Parque Eduardo VII
While Portugal is relatively warm during Christmas (compared to the rest of Europe!), Wonderland Lisboa turns Parque Eduardo VII into a festive amusement park with a skating range, Christmas markets, and other fun activities.
Skating under the twinkling lights is a unique experience in Lisbon, especially if you want a wintery activity to balance out the city’s generally mild December weather. Wonderland Lisboa also has a Ferris wheel, offering views of the park and city below, which is especially magical at sunset.
📅 From the 29th of November to the 5th of January (2025)
Walk the illuminated Rua Augusta
Rua Augusta, Lisbon’s central pedestrian street, glows under holiday lights during December. In addition to the annual decorations above the street, multiple shops and cafes feature Christmas trees and other festive details.
The lights, decorations, and lively energy make Rua Augusta one of the best spots to experience Christmas in Lisbon, especially if you stop by one of the cozy cafes for a hot chocolate or pastel de nata.
Extra tip! You can climb up to the top of Rua Augusta Arch to see a unique perspective of Rua Augusta decorations and the iconic Christmas tree in the Praça do Comércio. It will cost you 4.50 euros, and you can buy your tickets here.
Discover Christmas decorations on Avenida Liberdade
Avenida da Liberdade is Lisbon’s grand boulevard, known for its high-end shops and luxury hotels. Lined with lights, ornaments, and decorated storefronts, it sparkles during the holiday season.
Take a leisurely walk to admire the lights and visit some beautifully decorated store windows. Many stores offer special Christmas deals and displays. After your stroll, you will end up in Rossio Square or Parque Eduardo VII to continue with Christmas spirits in Lisbon.
Current update: unfortunately, Avenida da Liberdade features a lot of construction work, but I am sure it won’t ruin the festive vibes.
Plan a festive dinner at Palacio Chiado
Located in a historic 18th-century palace, Palácio Chiado offers one of the most atmospheric dining experiences during Christmas time in Lisbon. The beautifully restored interiors and extravagant decor make it a magical spot for a holiday dinner.
The restaurant serves a mix of traditional Portuguese and modern fusion dishes, giving you a taste of Lisbon’s rich culinary heritage. During the Christmas season, the palace is decorated with festive lights and ornaments, making it one of the best things to do in Lisbon at Christmas.
Attend a Christmas Candlelight Concert
Lisbon’s Christmas candlelight concerts are a perfect way to embrace the holiday season. These concerts, held in historic churches and beautiful venues across the city, feature classical holiday music performed by talented musicians.
Imagine listening to carols and traditional music by candlelight in a grand, acoustically rich church. From Vivaldi’s “Winter” to “Silent Night,” the music and ambiance come together beautifully to create a magical evening.
🎟 Check available concerts and tickets on Fever: Christmas Candlelight Concert
Buy the traditional Portuguese Christmas Cake
Bolo Rei is a Portuguese holiday cake that combines a soft, fluffy dough with candied fruits, nuts, and a touch of powdered sugar. It’s rich, slightly sweet, and packed with festive flavors. Real must try during Christmas time in Lisbon!
As an alternative, try Bolo Rainha, a variation that skips the candied fruits and focuses on a nutty topping. Both versions make excellent gifts and are popular during the holiday season. Grab one from a local bakery and enjoy it with a warm drink while admiring Lisbon’s Christmas lights.
Don’t miss these fun Christmas tours in Lisbon:
See Armazéns do Chiado Shopping Centre at night
Armazéns do Chiado, a central shopping center, goes all out for Christmas, with its facade and interiors decked in holiday lights and decorations. It’s a popular place for Christmas shopping, especially for those looking for fashion, beauty, and Portuguese products.
The area around Armazéns do Chiado is also lively, with street performers, festive displays, and constant holiday vibes. Visit after dark to experience the full holiday display, and don’t forget to explore the cafes and shops nearby.
Stop by at the Luis de Camoes Square
Luis de Camões Square becomes even more vibrant during Christmas. The square is festively decorated with lights, and it often hosts street performers, carol singers, and other festive holiday events.
The square’s lively, festive atmosphere is a great place to soak up the spirit of Christmas in Lisbon. As I write this, I am impatient to see the decorations they choose to set up at the Luis de Camoes Square this year!
Take the iconic photo at the Largo do Chiado
Largo do Chiado is home to the historic A Brasileira cafe, however, during Christmas time in Lisbon Galeria Fidelidade Arte steals the show with its unique decorations. I am sure you will want to take the iconic photo with Galeria Fidelidade Arte and the yellow trams passing in front.
For a unique perspective, head to the last floor of United Colors of Benetton and see the square from the top. You will want to see the Christmas decorations at the Brasileira cafe and the rest of Rua Garrett as well.
Check out the Christmas stands at the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is known as one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon, but during Christmas time, it offers one of the best Christmas markets in Lisbon. You can browse holiday treats, buy handmade crafts, and warm up with a hot drink while taking in the view.
It’s especially beautiful at sunset as the lights come on across the city. Visiting this viewpoint during Christmas in Lisbon is a relaxing way to enjoy the city’s holiday charm and soak in the breathtaking views of Lisbon. Talk about a match made in heaven, right?
Plan a festive day trip from Lisbon
For a change of scenery, take a day trip from Lisbon to experience Christmas celebrations in nearby towns. Sintra’s Reino de Natal (Christmas Kingdom) is a magical event and the most popular choice among visitors.
Cascais also embraces the holiday spirit with lights, markets, and a cozy Christmas atmosphere, while the medieval village of Óbidos transforms into a charming winter wonderland with lights, decorations, and holiday markets.
Each town offers a unique take on Christmas in Portugal and is well worth a visit.
Stop for a snack and get some freshly roasted chestnuts
Throughout Lisbon in December, you’ll find vendors selling freshly roasted chestnuts, a traditional winter snack that’s part of the Christmas experience. The warm, slightly smoky flavor of the chestnuts makes them the perfect treat on a chilly day.
Stopping for chestnuts is a tradition for many Lisbon locals, and the smell fills the air, adding to the cozy, festive ambiance of the city. I personally don’t like the taste of roasted chestnuts, but the smell always sets the holiday spirit for me!
In conclusion…
This is the end of the best things to do in Lisbon at Christmas, and as you can see, December is an exciting time to visit Lisbon. You will discover a new layer of Portuguese capital with cute Christmas markets, breathtaking decorations, and unique activities.
I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.
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