The city of lights comes alive during the Christmas season in Lisbon. Wonderland Lisboa is the main event, the biggest Christmas festival in Portugal, hosted in Edward VII Park. It has rides, food, presents, a skating rink, Santa Claus visits, and activities for the whole family. You may find a wide selection of items in traditional Christmas markets such as the one at Rossio Square and the one at Campo Pequeno, making them ideal places to go shopping for holiday gifts. Going out to eat is also common, and the restaurants in Lisbon are great places to meet new people. A magnificent Christmas tree graces the city’s Marquês de Pombal plaza, setting the stage for a holiday tableau.
Christmas Traditions in Lisbon
The Christmas Lights
If you want to see Lisbon lit up like a Christmas tree, take a walk around the Baixa and Avenida da Liberdade neighborhoods. The light shows are a popular attraction for residents and visitors, and they change up the theme every year to keep things interesting. Lisbon’s Christmas lights are a major attraction, with over 130 miles of illuminated decorations reaching 50 locations in the city.
Historic Tram 28
You can take a ride on the famous Tram 28, which receives a festive facelift for Christmas. Enjoy the vantage point of Lisbon’s Christmas lights as you ride this tram through the city’s districts. Graca, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela are a few of the ancient areas that may be explored on the picturesque Tram 28, a classic 1930s Remodelado tram that snakes its way through Lisbon at Christmas. The typical elements of the tram are its polished wood interiors and yellow paintwork.
Explore Christmas Markets
If you find yourself in Lisbon, don’t miss the Christmas markets. Located in Edward VII Park, Wonderland Lisboa is a festive market offering everything from traditional Portuguese sweets to one-of-a-kind holiday presents. Warm up with a mug of mulled wine or hot chocolate while indulging in regional specialties.
Christmas Concert
The city of Lisbon is filled with cathedrals and music venues that put on unique Christmas performances that you won’t want to miss. You may hear classical music in a historical setting at the many free concerts held in the Jerónimos Monastery and the São Roque Church.
Traditional Portuguese Cuisine
Christmas is the ideal occasion to savor the delectable cuisine of Lisbon. Try the classic “Bacalhau” (salted fish) and desserts like “Bolo Rei” and “Sonhos” that are prepared throughout the different seasons.
Ice Skating
During the Christmas season, ice skating rinks are built in several Lisbon locations, one of which is Wonderland Lisboa. No matter your skill level, skating is a great pastime for people of all ages in Lisbon.
A Trip to Sintra
Sintra, with its enchanted woods and fairytale castles, is a perfect day trip destination, and it becomes much more so around Christmastime. Indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience at the festively decorated Palácio Nacional de Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Come to the Praça do Comércio to see the fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. The ideal spot to ring in the new year is in this central area, which has magnificent fireworks displays and live music.
Christmas Foods in Lisbon
Showcasing the culinary traditions of Lisbon during the Christmas season, these meals are a combination of sweet and savory flavors. The city is a great place to get traditional Christmas delicacies like these:
- Bolo Rei and Bolo Rainha: Also known as the “King Cake,” Bolo Rainha, or the “Queen Cake,” are the main courses of Christmas celebrations in Lisbon. These pastries resemble bread and are sweetened with almonds and crystallized, dried fruit.
- Bacalhau da Consoada: Christmas Eve Cod or Bacalhau da Consoada is a traditional meal that is eaten on Christmas Eve in Lisbon. Flavored with a considerable quantity of olive oil, this meal consists of cooked potatoes, carrots, greens, and eggs served with cod fillets.
- Leite Créme: a rich and creamy custard dessert Leite Créme is topped with a generous dusting of brown sugar and a blow torch for additional crunch. The French crème brûlée is a close relative.
- Sonhos: Sonhos, which means “dreams” in English, are sugar-coated pastries that are airy and reminiscent of doughnuts in texture and flavor. There are seasonal versions with pumpkin (abóbora) and carrot (cenoura) for Christmas.
Places to Visit at Christmas in Lisbon
With so many festive activities to choose from, Lisbon is the perfect place to spend Christmas. In the spirit of Christmas, the city offers a variety of attractions and events. Here are some of the most popular things to do and see:
Stroll under Lisbon’s illumination: Take a stroll beneath Lisbon’s illumination. The city is a kaleidoscope of holiday lights and vibrant decorations lining the streets, plazas, and ancient structures.
Visit the Christmas Markets: Take a stroll around Lisbon’s festive markets, where you can find a wide selection of Christmas goodies, bargain apparel, and charming trinkets.
See the Tallest Christmas Tree in Europe: Located at Terreiro do Paco, Lisbon’s Christmas Tree is an impressive sight, decorated with lights and ornaments.
Visit a Church at Midnight: Go to Midnight Mass at a Lisbon Church. Witness the enchantment of midnight mass at a historic Lisbon church such as the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major.
Eat Traditional Lisbon Food: At well-known Lisbon cafés and bakeries, you may have traditional Portuguese Christmas pastries and other delicacies.
Wonderland Lisboa: You can also explore the Wonderland Lisboa, complete with an ice skating rink, a giant wheel, and a Santa Claus residence.
