The best Christmas markets in Portugal

December always brings festive cheer in Portugal. Christmas is seen as the perfect excuse to get the family together and treat each other to gifts.

Winters in Portugal aren’t that cold and dark compared with other European countries, so the Christmas market trend has been slower to pick up speed. However, the country has its own special holiday traditions and festive cheer.

Whether you’re indulging in the culinary delights or simply enjoying the festive lights, Portugal delivers a cozy, European-style Christmas experience with a Mediterranean flair​.

Take your pick from some of our favorites below:

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Campo Pequeno Christmas Market – Lisbon

The Campo Pequeno Christmas Market in Lisbon is one of the largest and most famous Christmas markets in Portugal. It offers a delightful mix of festive cheer and unique holiday shopping.

Housed within the grand Campo Pequeno arena, this market features over 100 stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, jewelry, toys, and gourmet treats, making it a perfect stop for finding those one-of-a-kind holiday presents.

During the second weekend, visitors to the Campo Pequeno Christmas market can enjoy traditional snacks and gourmet experiences, with local producers offering artisanal cheeses, wines, and other delicacies.

Whether you’re hunting for a unique gift or simply soaking in the festive ambiance with a hot drink in hand, the Campo Pequeno Christmas Market is a must-visit for holiday lovers​.

Mercado Natal do Campo Pequeno: 30 November – 4 December and 7 – 11 December 2024 (€2 entree fee)

Rossio square Christmas market – Lisbon

The annual Mercado de Natal do Rossio transforms Lisbon’s iconic Rossio Square into a bustling festive market from mid-November to late December. It is an enchanting spot to soak up the holiday spirit, all while exploring the heart of the capital​.

With plenty of stalls and twinkling lights, this market offers a wide range of handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, and traditional Portuguese delicacies. But what makes this market in Portugal extra special is the Christmas train. Winding through the streets of Baixa-Chiado, it’s a delight to both children and adults alike.

Visitors can also enjoy live performances, from folk groups to academic tunas and philharmonic bands. For a nostalgic touch, don’t miss the special doll exhibition from the historic Hospital das Bonecas.

Mercado de Natal do Rossio: 15 November – 23 December 2024

Crystal Palace Christmas Market – Porto

The Christmas market at Crystal Palace Gardens, known locally as Mercado de Natal Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, is one of the most enchanting festive events in Porto. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the Douro River, the market offers a magical experience for visitors of all ages.

There will be a wide variety of stalls selling handmade crafts, festive decorations, and traditional Portuguese delicacies like bolo rei (king’s cake) and francesinha. Families can also enjoy entertainment ranging from live concerts and an outdoor ice-skating rink to children’s performances with clowns, storytellers, and magicians​.

Adding to the magic of Christmas are the many festive activities. Visitors can explore the Snow Tent (Tenda de Neve) for theatrical performances, while workshops in the Crystal Tent (Tenda de Cristal) invite creatives to craft their own holiday decorations.

Music lovers will be treated to a diverse lineup of performances, including traditional Portuguese choirs, jazz bands, and even opera​. Whether you’re there for the food, the shopping, or the festive atmosphere, the Crystal Palace Christmas market is a perfect way to immerse yourself in Portugal’s holiday spirit.

Crystal Palace Christmas Market: 29 November – 23 December 2024

Braga Christmas Market – Braga

The Braga Christmas Market is part of the Braga é Natal festivities, located at the beautiful Conde Agrolongo Square in one of Portugal’s oldest cities. This festive event transforms Braga into a winter wonderland. It’s filled with charming stalls offering handmade crafts, holiday decorations, and delicious regional treats (including the iconic bacalhau (salted cod)).

The market is set up under a giant tent, ensuring visitors can explore the festive atmosphere even in cooler weather.

Beyond the market, Braga lights up with festive illuminations throughout the city. The holiday spirit extends with events like a Christmas parade, the São Silvestre race, and even a giant Bolo Rei (king’s cake) celebration.

Braga Christmas Market: TBD (last year: 1 – 24 December 2023)

Cascais Christmas Village – Cascais

The Cascais Christmas Village, held at Marechal Carmona Park, is a magical experience not to be missed. This festive village transforms the park into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, a large Christmas tree, and a host of family-friendly attractions.

Visitors can enjoy the thrill of an ice rink and ramp, meet Santa in his cozy house, or explore the enchanting forest where real reindeer roam. The village also offers a nostalgic merry-go-round, an elf house for face painting, and a picturesque snow globe for children to step into, creating a dreamy Christmas adventure​.

Beyond the jolly atmosphere and holiday shopping, there will be various entertainment options, including nativity scenes and train rides through the park’s beautifully lit forest. Special shows and events, like performances by the beloved character Ruca, make this destination a highlight of the holiday season.

Whether you’re exploring the market or taking a twinkling train ride, Cascais promises to bring joy to all ages.

Cascais Christmas Village: 30 November 2024 – 2 January 2025 (€10–12 entree fee)

Other Christmas markets in Portugal and Europe

Can’t get enough of the Christmas spirit? There are plenty of other Christmas markets in Portugal, including:

• Coimbra: Christmas Market (Mercado de Natal), 29 November – 24 December 2024
• Madeira: Christmas Village and Night Market, 29 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
• Óbidos: Christmas Village (Vila Natal), 6 December 2024 – 6 January 2025
• Porto: Serralves Christmas Market (Mercado de Natal de Serralves), 1 – 3 December 2024
• Ribatejo Interior: Christmas Market (Mercado de Natal), 14 – 16 December 2024
• Santa Maria da Feira: Christmas Castle Perlim, 23 November 2024 – 5 January 2025

If you’re elsewhere on the continent, that doesn’t mean missing out on the festive cheer! Check out Christmas markets in:

• Belgium
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Spain