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Spend Christmas in Lisbon 2023 | Luxury Shopping, Shows, Bolo Rei, and More!

Christmas is a magical time, and its celebration should not be any less. The last week of the year should be enjoyed to the fullest, and there's no better destination than Lisbon. Portugal's capital city knows how to host visitors during the festive season. This year, head to Lisbon for Christmas with your friends and family, enjoy everything the city offers and make it a memorable experience.

Christmas in Lisbon - Why Spend Christmas in Lisbon?

Why Spend Christmas in Lisbon?

  • Want to see the tallest Christmas Tree in Europe? Lisbon's Christmas Tree is extravagant in height, decorations and lights.
  • Explore numerous Christmas markets scattered throughout the city, offering a festive shopping experience for Christmas treats, discounted clothing, and delightful souvenirs to bring home.
  • Terreiro do Paço, Portugal's largest public plaza, is adorned with festive lights during Christmas, imparting a captivating and unmistakable holiday ambiance to the entire street. This is an essential experience not to be overlooked.
  • Christmas concerts and shows are a wonderful way to spend the festive season in Lisbon. You will find many shows throughout the Christmas week.
  • Feasting is always a good way to celebrate any festival. Lisbon is known for its food, and you should spend Christmas restaurant hopping all around the city.

Top 12 Things To Do During Christmas In Lisbon

Christmas in Lisbon - Christmas in Lisbon

1. Head to the Christmas Markets in Lisbon

Christmas markets in Lisbon are not just markets. You also get entertainment free with endless shopping. Get ready to buy goods at Christmas-special prices, skate at rinks, spend time with Santa Claus, get handmade products from local craftsmen and watch sparkling Christmas trees.

Here are some of the most popular Christmas markets in Lisbon: 

Christmas in Lisbon - Christmas Tree

2. See the tallest Christmas Tree in Europe

Lisbon boasts a remarkable Christmas tree that captures the hearts of both residents and visitors—the tallest Christmas tree in Europe, proudly standing at a soaring height of 76 meters in the iconic Commerce Square. This holiday centerpiece transforms the square into a winter wonderland, drawing people from far and wide to witness its grandeur.

Some other Christmas trees to see in Lisbon:

Christmas in Lisbon - Churches at midnight

3. Visit a church at midnight

Most people living in Portugal are Roman Catholics. Goes without saying that all Christmas traditions are celebrated in all their glory in Lisbon. People gather at the church for Midnight Mass at midnight, along with a special tradition called Missa do Galo. Visit the churches and witness how Lisbon celebrates the festival yourself.

Go to these famous churches in Lisbon:

Christmas in Lisbon - traditional Lisbon food

4. Eat traditional Lisbon food at restaurants

The sign of any celebration or festivities is feasting. There are many restaurants to explore in Lisbon where you can eat your heart out. Make sure you try the traditional dishes of Portugal, specially prepared during the Christmas season.

What to eat in Lisbon on Christmas and where:

Christmas in Lisbon - Luxury shopping

5. Treat yourself to some luxury shopping

You can't go to Lisbon and come back without any shopping, that too during the festive season.

Get into the Christmas spirit with a shopping trip to some well-known luxury brands, buy clothes, shoes, and accessories, and get gifts for your loved ones too!

Visit these stores for your Christmas shopping spree:

Sao Jorge castle illuminated at night for Christmas

6. Visit Historical Landmarks

Embark on a captivating journey through Lisbon's rich history by visiting some of its most iconic landmarks during the Christmas season. Historic landmarks such as São Jorge Castle and Belém Tower not only provide a glimpse into Portugal's storied past but also serve as enchanting settings for celebrating Christmas.

Here are some historic landmarks to visit during Christmas in Lisbon:

Christmas in Lisbon - Christmas lights

7. Watch Christmas lights on the streets

Lisbon is a beautiful sight during Christmas, as the streets are lit with decorative lights, displays, and carousels. It is an absolutely unmissable sight that will stay with you even after the trip. You can grab some street food, head to the streets, and watch these lights till midnight like locals in Lisbon.

Visit these streets during Christmas:

Christmas in Lisbon - Theme park for snow activities

8. Go to a theme park for snow activities

Christmas and snow go hand-in-hand. If you have kids with you or want to unleash your inner child, you must visit theme parks in Lisbon during Christmas week. It is a mixture of a fun fair and Christmas market where you can participate in fun activities like ice skating, ice ramp, carousels, and a snow globe and buy Christmas gifts.

The top-rated amusement parks in and around Lisbon:

Christmas in Lisbon - Bolo Rei

9. Enjoy Bolo Rei

Made with white dough, candies, and dried fruit, Bolo Rei is a traditional king cake that is sold in December, during Christmas. It resembles a crown, with fruits and nuts as the crown jewels. Bolo Rei is prepared in every bakery in Lisbon. Enjoy this dessert and celebrate Christmas the way locals do.

Get these sweet dishes from these bakeries:

Christmas in Lisbon - History in Lisbon museums

10. Learn about Lisbon's history in museums

Learning about a city's history and culture is important when you visit it. And when it comes to Lisbon, there's a lot to know. Go to the most famous museums in Portugal, spend a day or two amidst works of famous Portuguese artists, and have an offbeat Christmas celebration this year in Lisbon.

Here are some of the famous museums in Lisbon:

Nazaré Portgual During Christmas - Lisbon Christmas

11. Visit small towns around Lisbon

Looking for a peaceful time with friends and family this Christmas? Quaint little towns around Lisbon are the perfect destinations for the celebration you need. Explore the unexplored areas of Portugal and be a part of their unique Christmas traditions.

Visit these towns and villages near Lisbon:

Christmas in Lisbon - Christmas at Lisbon's beaches

12. Celebrate Christmas at Lisbon's beaches

Beaches in Lisbon are considered Europe's best, with a coastline that offers spectacular city views. You can sit at the beach, enjoy your favourite foods at a picnic and watch fireworks light up the sky with your loved ones.

Head to these beaches in Lisbon for a Christmas bash:

Christmas Events in Lisbon

Christmas Market Lisbon

Wonderland Lisboa

Wonderland Lisboa is an annual Christmas event in Lisbon, Portugal, featuring a festive market with crafts and seasonal treats, dazzling light displays, live entertainment, and often includes attractions like ice skating and Santa's Grotto, promising a magical and joyful experience for families and visitors during the holiday season.

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Cirque du Soleil's "Crystal" Ice Show

Cirque du Soleil's "Crystal" Ice Show

Experience the unique blend of world-class ice skating and acrobatics in Cirque du Soleil's "Crystal" at Altice Arena in Parque das Nações. Directed by Shana Carroll and Sebastien Soldevila, the show features a narrative of self-discovery led by Crystal, a misfit heroine, defying gravity with unprecedented acrobatics. Accessible via Metro and various bus and train routes, don't miss this enchanting holiday spectacle.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Celebrating Christmas in Lisbon

Is Christmas a good time to visit Lisbon?

The city of Lisbon is beautiful during Christmas. It is decorated with lights, displays, and carousels, with restaurants offering Christmas-themed special menus.

What are some things to do in Lisbon at Christmas?

You can enjoy Christmas markets, feast on traditional dishes, go to theme parks for a fun celebration, do some luxury shopping, spend quality time at Lisbon's beaches, drive to quaint towns around Lisbon, watch Christmas shows and concerts, and visit the churches for Midnight Mass.

What is Christmas in Lisbon like?

Lisbon is decorated beautifully during Christmas. From huge Christmas markets and Europe's biggest Christmas Tree to street lights and traditional dishes, the city gets into the festive spirit and offers the best to its visitors.

What is the weather like at Christmas in Lisbon?

Lisbon is pleasant in December. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 5°C, with slight changes of the rain.

Is Lisbon crowded at Christmas?

Christmas is a popular time in Lisbon. As Portugal is predominantly Catholic, people often visit the city to celebrate Christmas. You must book your tickets early if you wish to spend the festival in Lisbon this year.

What's open in Lisbon on Christmas?

Christmas is a national holiday in Lisbon. Most places might be shut on the festival day, except the many churches in the city where people go for Midnight Mass. Christmas markets organised at these churches are also open. You can also go to the beaches in Lisbon on Christmas Day.

Are there Christmas markets in Lisbon?

Christmas markets are an important part of Christmas celebrations in Lisbon. You can buy all sorts of goods from these markets and participate in entertainment activities.

What is the most popular Christmas market in Lisbon?

Wonderland Lisboa, Rossio Square, Campo Pequeno and Ateneu Comercial De Lisboa are Lisbon's most popular Christmas markets.

Are restaurants open on Christmas in Lisbon?

Christmas is a national holiday in Lisbon. Locals celebrate the festival all over the city. While restaurants are not open on 25th December, you can enjoy good food on the days around Christmas and stock up for Christmas day.

What are the best places to stay in Lisbon on Christmas?

Lisbon Garden Guest House, VIP Grand Lisboa Hotel & Spa, Rodamon Lisboa, and ibis Lisboa Alfragide are the best places to stay in Lisbon on Christmas. They are close to the popular tourist places in the city, especially during Christmas.

What should I eat in Lisbon on Christmas?

Indulge in traditional Portuguese Christmas delicacies such as Bacalhau à Brás (codfish), Bolo Rei (King Cake), and Rabanadas (French toast).

What are the best restaurants for Christmas in Lisbon?

Christmas is a special time in Lisbon as it is a national holiday. While restaurants might be closed on 25th December, you can visit them on days around the festival to eat some of the best Portuguese traditional dishes. The best restaurants for Christmas in Lisbon are, Alma, Agulha no Palheiro and Pateo - Bairro do Avillez. Eat festive pastries at Confeitaria Nacional, Pastelaria Monte Rei, Careca and Docel Pastry Shop. A Cevicheria is also a great spot for some classic Peruvian cuisine.

Where can I see the Christmas lights in Lisbon?

Lisbon is decorated with lights and displays during Christmas. If you want to watch the lights, you should visit streets and neighborhoods like Praça de Commercio, Baixa-Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Avenida de Liberdade. You'll find picturesque Christmas lights here.

What are some Christmas traditions in Lisbon?

The people follow many Christmas traditions in Lisbon. Going to church at midnight to kiss the image of Baby Jesus, eating Bolo Rei during the festival, shopping at Christmas markets, and watching the tallest tree in Europe from the streets are among some important Christmas traditions.

What's the best way to get around Lisbon during the holiday season?

​Lisbon’s Hop-on Hop-off bus tours are a convenient way to explore the city’s festive sights, including illuminated streets, markets, and iconic landmarks.

Can I save on attraction entry fees during Christmas in Lisbon?

Yes, with a Lisbon City Card you get free or discounted access to many attractions, as well as unlimited public transport—perfect for holiday sightseeing.